No. 1 Kentucky rugby took down No. 5 Tennessee 37-23 in a hard-fought game on Friday, staying undefeated in the 2024 season.

The first half started slow with both teams exchanging goals but, after Tennessee kicked another goal, Kentucky began a strong stretch of play, scoring another goal and two tries to lead at halftime. 

“We played a great first half, the maturity of the team and them trusting in the system that has been put in place as well to coach (Sam) Enari for putting in a lot of film hours and having the team to do the same,” assistant coach Henry Johnson said.

The second half would start slow as well with both teams unable to move the ball downfield. Tennessee would then turn on the hurt, scoring two tries.

Kentucky would then again find its groove once again and score two more tries back-to-back to re-extend the lead. With a dominant stretch of defense, Tennessee would not score again in the second half before it was too late as Kentucky would go on to take the win 37-23 after Tennessee was able to put another score late in the second-half.

Kentucky’s defense would be a big support in the win, making multiple goal-line stops. Captain Jack Phillips pushed his team through as they stopped Tennessee on multiple scoring opportunities and helped keep the team organized and communicating.

“Full confidence in my team, the team knows the standard expected of us and if I do my job and the team does theirs we will be successful,” Phillips said.

On top of this, Kentucky’s sideline and fans stayed loud all game, keeping the team dialed in and ready to fight.  

Junior lock Abelardo Reza would be the standout player for Kentucky as his efforts helped the Cats push back against the rallying Tennessee, helping significantly with Kentucky’s advantage moments. 

With the win over their rivals Tennessee, the Cats improved their record to 4-0 on the season and guaranteed first place in their conference. Additionally, with the win, they have secured home-field advantage for the playoffs. 

Enari was pleased with how his team played at the end of the game, especially noting when it got hot halfway through the second half.

“We have layers to go, Tennessee is always hard with the competition of rivalry,” Enari said. 

While Enari’s words may not seem fitting of the magnitude of the win, his comments exemplify the dedication and mentality of the program, with the staff and players always looking for ways to improve and keep climbing the mountain.

“Basics we get right,” Enari said. “It’s the little things we can find, which builds their confidence. When their confidence is up, they play incredible.”

With playoffs always approaching, Enari hopes to finish his campaign the same as last year and lead his team to another national championship. 

“Repeat, that is the goal,” he said. “We climbed the mountain, let’s stay at the top.” 

Kentucky rugby will be in action again on October 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET against the Thomas Moore Saints at the Competitive Sport Fields.