ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Rising seniors Trevor Gayron and Edmund Soeder will serve as captains of the Navy men's rugby team for the 2026-27 season, Navy Director of Rugby Gavin Hickie announced on Friday.
 
"I am incredibly excited for this year's leadership team of Edmund and Trevor," Hickie said. "These men are proven leaders but won't face our team's challenges alone, and will have the rest of the team fully supporting them throughout the year. We have a particularly hungry group of Mids this year, and we are ready to get going again."
 
Gayron was a key contributor during the 2025-26 season, making 11 starts in 12 appearances and scored three tries for 15 points. Throughout his Navy career, Gayron has accumulated 28 appearances with 22 starts, tallying four tries and 20 points.
 
"The bonds that the team shares are deeper than the sport of rugby," Gayron said. "It is a great honor to continue to foster those bonds."
 
Soeder, a two-time Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) All-American, provided essential depth for Navy last season, seeing action in 12 games with four starts and scoring one try. Soeder has amassed 43 career appearances and 15 starts, totaling four tries and 20 points during his tenure with the Midshipmen.
 
"I am motivated and humbled to be in this position to continue the legacy of Navy rugby," Soeder said. "It's an incredible honor to support and lead such high-caliber men into this upcoming campaign."
 
Navy will kick off its season on Aug. 29 against St. Bonaventure at the Prusmack Rugby Center in Annapolis.