By: Ellie Wileman
With less than two weeks remaining until kick off, Old Glory DC is entering the final phases of its preseason with a strong sense of determination and optimism. As the team prepares for its season opener on the road in Seattle, the focus has shifted from building foundations to fine-tuning the details that could define early season success.
This year’s preparation has also been marked by a new environment, with the team now fully based at George Mason University (GMU). The move has provided a consistent training ground and strengthened ties to the Fairfax community, offering both logistical benefits and a renewed sense of identity.
As preseason progresses, Head Coach Simon Cross has seen steady development across the squad, particularly as the team settles into its new home at GMU. The move has not only
strengthened day-to-day preparation but also deepened the club’s connection to the local rugby community.
“We’ve had a really good relationship with George Mason for a couple years now,” Cross said. “Being able to play at the field up here is really exciting – when it became an option to
come up here and play full time and train here full time, it was a no brainer for the club.”
On the field, Cross emphasized the team’s physicality and cohesion as key areas of growth during preseason. With a mix of experienced international players and a strong core of American talent, he believes the group is building the identity needed to compete at a high level.
Looking ahead to the opener, Cross knows the challenge that awaits on the road against the Seattle Seawolves.
“Seattle’s always been a tough place to play,” he said. “But I’ve got a lot of confidence in this group. We’re full of energy, toughness and fight – and I think we’re in a good place heading into that first match.”
Players across the roster have echoed a similar sense of confidence as the season approachesrapidly.
Cory Daniel, a back row forward, has become a major contributor since joining the club as a crossover athlete in 2020. The former wrestler from Silver Spring, Maryland, has grown into a physical and versatile presence as a flanker and No. 8. He brings intensity on both sides of the ball along with a strong local connection to the squad.
With a shortened preseason this year, Daniel highlighted the team’s focus on maximizing preparation time.
“This preseason’s a little weird – we only have about four weeks,” he said. “But it helps us in a way. We’re doing a lot more rugby and putting a lot of our attack and defense in, which is good. I think we’ll be ready for our first game.”
Throughout training, the group has combined wrestling based drills with full field sessions to sharpen breakdown work, tackling and overall cohesion.
Scrum half John LeFevre has embraced both the team’s new home and the growing connection to the local fan base. With Old Glory DC now based in Fairfax, he believes the move is already making an impact on the community.
“I think it’s awesome—we can already tell the city of Fairfax has really taken us in,” LeFevre said. “Around the league you see, the teams that have the best fan bases have a little cool town that they’re a part of and I think that it’s a great opportunity for us to have that.”
LeFevre also encouraged new supporters to get involved locally. “Just come out—it’ll be a great experience, even if you don’t know rugby. It’s more than just a game; it’s a great time.”
As the opener approaches, LeFevre says the team is hitting its stride. “We’re getting more into our gameplay now and I think we’re at the point where we’re ready to play. Everyone’s
really excited—it’ll be fun to get out there.”
All of that preparation will be put to the test in the weeks ahead. Playing in a demanding road environment against a formidable opponent will act as an early measure of where the team stands. With a new home base, a cohesive roster and momentum from weeks of preparation, the team’s mindset remains clear: build on the work already done and enter the season with
confidence.