MADISON, Wis. - The Iowa Central rugby team will become road warriors over the final part of the season.

Up first is a trip to face Big Ten school Wisconsin here on Saturday with both A-side and B-side matches beginning at 1 p.m.

After coming up short in back-to-back matches with Davenport and Arkansas State, the Tritons and head coach Brent Nelson are anxious to return to the field.

"We're going to rest some guys and give some other guys, including a few from Wisconsin, an opportunity to step up and show us what they can do," Nelson said. "We aren't in the business of giving playing time to anybody, but the kids that have earned it and deserve it, they'll receive it."

Iowa Central has been battling the elements this week in preparation for the Badgers.

"It's been tough with the rain, but we had a good indoor session and a good film session," Nelson said. "We still haven't put together our best 80 minutes, so I'm excited to see that when it happens. We're still growing and learning as a team."

Wisconsin's rugby club was established in 1962 and has experienced plenty of success. The Badgers won the USA Rugby national championship in 1998 and again in 2013, placing second in 2012 and 2015 with a third place finish in 2008. 

"We've had some guys really step up and take on new roles that we've needed," Nelson said. "Guys like Oratile Molatlhegi, Chris Stanback, Jayden Williams, Brendan Muchopa, Tony Robinson, Pride Gadzikwa have shown us what they can do."

Iowa Central will also head to Lindenwood next Saturday to close out the regular season. They are set to play in a bowl game in Houston during the weekend of the national championships against Wheeling. 

-By Dana Becker