Men's rugby overcame demanding heat to defeat Iowa Central Community College 62–14 Thursday afternoon at the Lindenwood Track Complex in St. Charles, Missouri. Ren Heimer scored three tries in his first Lindenwood match, while Dimitri Diakogiannis added two as the Lions opened their 2026–27 season with a victory.
 
How it Happened:
Lindenwood wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Diakogiannis crossed for the opening try less than three minutes into the match, and Nicolas Rosselot added the conversion for an early 7–0 lead.

Iowa Central answered with a converted try to draw level, but the Lions responded through Shaun Ndowa. Rosselot's conversion put Lindenwood back in front, and captain Jack Cahill added another try midway through the opening half as the Lions began to establish control.
 
Diakogiannis crossed for his second try before Gabriel Hopkins added his name to the scoresheet. Heimer then scored shortly before the break, giving Lindenwood six first-half tries and a commanding advantage.

The Lions continued to build their lead after halftime. Replacement hooker Martin Herreros scored early in the second half, and fellow reserve Baxter followed with another try.
 
Iowa Central added a penalty try, but Lindenwood finished its scoring through Heimer. The wing crossed twice more, completing his hat trick with just under 12 minutes remaining. Rosselot converted both of those scores as the Lions secured the 62–14 result.
 
Lindenwood finished the match short-handed after Ndowa received a red card in the closing minutes.
Heimer led the Lions with three tries, while Diakogiannis finished with two. Ndowa, Cahill, Hopkins, Herreros, and Baxter each scored once.
 
"I thought it was great getting to see all the young guys show up and really perform. I asked at the start of the game for effort and physicality, and I think we showed that in abundance. I am looking forward to the rest of the year and seeing them develop," said captain Jack Cahill.
 
"I've never seen a full match played in that sort of heat. Lots of Lions showed their character and determination today and we were thankful for our opponents and medical staff for making the match happen," said Head Coach Josh Macy.
 
What's Next?
Lindenwood travels to Bethany, Oklahoma, to face Southern Nazarene University on Saturday, September 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the SNU Rugby Pitch.
 
Try Summary:
First half, in scoring order:

• Lindenwood — Dimitri Diakogiannis
• Iowa Central — Try and conversion
• Lindenwood — Shaun Ndowa
• Lindenwood — Jack Cahill
• Lindenwood — Dimitri Diakogiannis
• Lindenwood — Gabriel Hopkins
• Lindenwood — Ren Heimer

Second half, in scoring order:

• Lindenwood — Martin Herreros
• Lindenwood — Kincaid Baxter
• Iowa Central — Penalty try
• Lindenwood — Ren Heimer
• Lindenwood — Ren Heimer

Lineup:

1. Joshua Gillet
2. Henry Evans
3. Jack Thory
4. Callum Chandler
5. Gabriel Hopkins
6. Isaac Keys
7. Jack Cahill (Captain)
8. Shaun Ndowa
9. Mutsumi Otaka
10. Nicolas Rosselot
11. Ren Heimer
12. Dhivinity Puaali
13. Trent Nagel
14. Dimitri Diakogiannis
15. Ethan Huish

Reserves:

16. Martin Herreros
17. Kyle Monroe
18. Emmett Bock
19. Eli Law
20. Kincaid Baxter
21. Martin Guerra
22. Liam Ishizaki
23. Maxence Poussy