BEVERLY, Mass. – Over the last month, Endicott club men's rugby student-athlete Nick Iavicoli (Kalispell, Mont.) has put the program on the map, representing the Gulls in international competition in the United States and Canada. 

Iavicoli's journey started earlier this month by making the Mystic River XV's Collegiate Selects squad as a fullback. Iavicoli proved his worth right away to the club in his first career cap against a Canadian U23 team with his first-ever international try. 

After returning from that trip, Iavicoli earned a tryout with the Mystic River VII's premier side and later secured a spot on the squad's second side. This past weekend, Iavicoli competed with the team in Newport, Rhode Island where he played prestigious teams like Old Blue out of New York and the Bulldogs out of Connecticut, as well as their second sides. 

Iavicoli had this to say about his experiences last weekend. 

"It was a great weekend and I scored my first try for them as well in this tournament. It has been an incredible experience and I had the opportunity to play against many of the Eagles players as well as other pro international players from around the world," said Iavicoli. "My next tournament will be the New York City VII's in two weeks. Once again, I am incredibly blessed with the opportunities that have been put in front of me, and I would like to send personal thanks out to my coach, Dave Kenkel, for leading our team this year to its success and helping to get the Endicott Rugby brand out there and allowing us to have opportunities like these. I can't wait for this upcoming season so I can share some of this new rugby knowledge I have gained with the rest of lads." 

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