GOLDEN, Colo. — Mines Men's Rugby returns home Saturday, Sept. 26, for its home opener and first D2 match of the season, hosting Montana State at 3 p.m. as the Orediggers continue their early-season campaign.

The matchup marks an important transition for Mines as the team begins D2 competition following a pair of High Peaks conference victories to open the season. After defeating Colorado College 34–14 and following that with a 43–17 road win at New Mexico Tech, the Orediggers return to Golden looking to carry their momentum into the next phase of the season.

Saturday will also mark the first opportunity for Mines to compete in front of its home crowd this season. After opening the year with road contests, the Orediggers will look to bring the same pace and physicality they've shown away from home to their first match on their home pitch.

Mines' victory over New Mexico Tech showcased the team's ability to respond to adversity. After falling behind 12–0, the Orediggers scored 43 unanswered points to secure the road victory, with flyhalf Bryce Roder scoring three tries and scrumhalf Will Skaar contributing 13 points through his kicking.

Montana State enters Saturday's contest looking to bounce back from its most recent outing, a 55–12 loss to Montana. The Bobcats will provide Mines with its first D2 opponent of the season, giving the Orediggers another opportunity to test themselves against new competition.

With D2 play now underway, Saturday's home opener gives Mines a chance to continue building cohesion, sharpen its execution and establish the physical standard it wants to carry into the rest of the season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Mines.