Arkansas State University Head Coach Mani Delaibatiki has announced a large incoming class of freshmen and transfers for the 2014-2015 season.

"Arkansas State University will be losing 13 players from last season due to graduation, and eligibility," said Delaibatiki. "Captain and All American Shaun Potgieter is part of the this class that have done so much for ASTATE Rugby, and our young guys will indeed have huge shoes to fall, but its a challenge I welcome as a coach, and I am sure the players will be up for it as well."

Delaibatiki said a new crop of 27 players seems large, but it's needed.

"The mindset is to always maintain the level of competitiveness that Arkansas State Rugby is known for regardless of how many seniors have graduated, or how young the team may be," he said. "We will have a young squad this season, but that's never an excuse to not compete, and we will continue to work to make sure that we maintain or top the level of competitiveness that Arkansas State University is known for, and that I welcome s a coach, and one our young squad is looking forward too as well. The mindset we hear a lot is that this might be a quiet year for you guys because of the large senior class leaving with a handful of former All Americans, but that's the mindset we never welcome here at Arkansas State University, because regardless of who puts on the game day jersey, we will still showcase Arkansas State rugby. Players might be different from last season, but the level of intensity and heart needed to play for our school and ASU rugby is still the same, and we expect nothing less this season. I cant wait to get started this season with this group."