Navy Men’s Rugby Names Trevor Gayron, Edmund Soeder Team Captains for 2026-27 Season
The United States Naval Academy has entrusted two of its veteran leaders with guiding one of the nation’s premier collegiate rugby programs. Rising seniors Trevor Gayron and Edmund Soeder have been named captains of the Navy men’s rugby team for the 2026-27 season, Director of Rugby Gavin Hickie announced Friday.
The announcement comes after another outstanding campaign for the Midshipmen, who continued to establish themselves among the elite programs in Division I-A rugby. Navy reached the national championship match during the 2026 season before finishing as national runner-up, further cementing the program’s reputation as one of college rugby’s perennial contenders.
Gayron, a flanker from Farmingdale, New York, has developed into one of Navy’s most physical forwards and emotional leaders. Throughout the 2026 campaign, he played a key role in the Midshipmen’s relentless defensive pressure while also contributing offensively. Gayron crossed the try line during Navy’s convincing Rugby East playoff victory over Army, showcasing the two-way impact that has made him one of the team’s cornerstone players.
Soeder has emerged as another indispensable piece of Navy’s success. Known for his toughness, work ethic and consistency, he has become one of the leaders of the forward pack while earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Like Gayron, Soeder scored in Navy’s postseason victory over Army and has been instrumental in helping the Midshipmen remain among the nation’s elite programs.
The captaincy recognizes more than just on-field production. At the Naval Academy, captains are expected to lead by example in every aspect of academy life, balancing military responsibilities, academics and high-level athletic competition. Gayron and Soeder now inherit that responsibility as Navy prepares for another championship pursuit.
Navy’s rugby program has become one of the country’s premier success stories. Since being elevated to varsity status in 2022, the Midshipmen have captured a national championship in 2023 while reaching additional national title matches in 2024 and 2026. Under Hickie’s leadership, the program has consistently competed at the highest level in Rugby East and has become a destination for some of the nation’s top collegiate rugby talent.
With veteran leadership returning throughout the roster and two respected seniors wearing the captain’s armbands, expectations will once again be high in Annapolis. Gayron and Soeder will be tasked with leading a talented squad that has every reason to believe another run to the Division I-A national championship is within reach.
For Maryland sports fans, the Midshipmen continue to represent one of the state’s most successful collegiate programs, and the selection of Gayron and Soeder provides a strong foundation as Navy begins preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.
