The University of Rhode Island’s men’s rugby team has been suspended for hazing for the duration of the 2025-2026 academic year according to the URI website.
In response to a request for comment from The Good 5 Cent Cigar, Dawn Bergantino, assistant director of communications for URI, gave the following statement:
“The University received and immediately investigated an allegation of hazing within the men’s club rugby team. The complaint was examined and adjudicated consistent with the University’s student conduct process. In accordance with FERPA, we cannot discuss individual student conduct proceedings. However, the University has determined that the men’s club rugby team may not represent the University in any organized competition, practice, or scrimmage during the 2025-26 academic year.”
The team was suspended following a hazing allegation reported in June, according to Boston.com.
The incident underwent investigation starting June 24 and concluded on July 16, according to Bergantino. The conduct process concluded after the case went through an administrative hearing. The adjudication and sentencing of the URI men’s rugby team’s malpractices was finalized on Aug. 22.
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the specific student conduct processes of this situation are unable to be released publicly.
The men’s rugby team will be barred from representing URI until September 2026.
