Although it is a bit early in the season, it seems that pieces of the puzzle seem to be falling into place for the Penn State men's rugby team as it prepares for its run at the National Championship.

Tomorrow, the Ruggers will travel to Washington, D.C. to compete at the St. Patty's tournament, and unlike their Florida and South Carolina tours, the seniors will be able to join them this time.

The Ruggers began their season with a game, away against James Madison and they came away with a convincing victory.

The backs showed that they possessed some slick ball handling skill and the forwards were their usual selves -- dominant.

The next stop for the Ruggers was a tour against teams in Florida and South Carolina where they played some unfamiliar opponents, such as the University of Florida and Clemson.

Although they won only one game during the tour, the Ruggers felt that the tour was a success and that it was also good preparation for the young players.

The tour also gave some of the youngsters a platform to showcase their talents and Penn State coach Terry Ryland a chance to see where they fit in the team's puzzle.

Not only did the youngsters gain some valuable experience but they also tightened the bond between the team, Jason Fisher said.

With the seniors returning and the Ruggers' high level of play lately, they are feeling upbeat about their chances of performing well at the tournament.

"I think we are strong," captain Kirk Neubauer said. "We have a real good chance of winning."

Neubauer isn't the only one that is confident about the team's form at this point in the season.

Ryland also exhibited some of the same confidence when he said that he thought the Ruggers were in good shape considering they have only played one truly competitive game.

But if there is one uncertainty for Penn State, it is that it is not sure of whom its opponents may be.

The Ruggers will be hoping that their performance from last year at the same tournament can be a gauge for them on the level of competition.

Neubauer noted that last year there were some good teams at the tournament and he expects it to be the same this year.

One advantage the Ruggers will be hoping that they have over their opponents is their depth.

That was part of the purpose of their Spring Break tour -- to see which younger players could supply that depth.

Youngsters such as Brian Sherman and Alex Johnson proved that there are uncovered gems, giving the team hope that the youngsters' output will increase as the season progresses.

It has been a fruitful start for the Ruggers and they hope that this will ride on with them in Washington D.C.