Still Undefeated!
Hawkeyes dispatch Gophers, 63-14, to move to 4-0.
September 27, 2025
by Peter Heimer
“Great weather. Great match. Everyone contributed.” Iowa head coach Tyler Dailey
Under sunny blue skies and warm temperatures, the University of Iowa men’s rugby team laid a nine-try barrage on host University of Minnesota Gophers, coasting to a 63–14 victory in St. Paul on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The victory keeps the Hawkeye season perfect with the team’s fourth victory against no losses.
Senior scrumhalf Michael Johnson earned Man of the Match honors, scoring two tries on quick penalty taps and setting up a third try with a perfectly placed kick, and continuing to distribute usable ball to teammates with precision passing.
The Hawkeyes scored three tries – one converted – and kicked a penalty to take a 20–0 lead into halftime. The first half was the fourth scoreless half in the past three matches for Iowa opponents. The Hawk defense is stout.
The Hawkeyes came out firing in the second half, adding 43 points: six tries – five converted – and one more penalty kick. The 63 points was the second time Iowa has scored over 60 this season. With scores of 64, 63, 54, and 24, the Hawks are averaging just over 51 points a match, while allowing only 12 points per match. In addition, the Hawks scored 40+ points in the second half for the second match in a row.
Commented Coach Tyler Dailey, “Coach Ali and I are happy with the combination of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. We have several players capable of scoring tries, and teams are finding it hard to score on us. And our strong second half showings are testament to our conditioning and depth. We have many players we feel confident about bringing on as subs.”
Try scorers for Iowa were scrumhalf Michael Johnson (2), wing Austin Stanley (2), freshman Colt Berg (2), hooker Josh Bell, newcomer Jack Tomkins, and flyhalf Ren Heimer. Heimer kicked two penalties and six conversions.
In the second match of the day, the Iowa B team continued its winning ways, defeating the Gophers 30–21, to also remain undefeated on the season.
