The BYU Cougars have opted to forego an invitation to inaugural USA Rugby Collegiate 7's Championship.

Citing logistic and academic reasons the BYU administration has advised the rugby program from participating in the championships.

The championships are slated to be held on the campus of Texas A&M December 16th & 17th which is also during BYU's academic finals.

The Cougars, who won the Mountain 7's Championship in October, qualified for the Collegiate 7's Championship by beating the Air Force Academy 24-0 in the Mountain 7's title match.

Given BYU's emphasis on academics within it's sports programs and the delayed scheduling of the event BYU head coach David Smyth agreed with his administration and opted to not participate in the 7's championship.

"We applaud the decision of USA Rugby to conduct a Sevens championship," Smyth said, "But we find it very problematic to at, what for us is the 'last moment' and find it almost impossible to allay administration concerns of the negative impact to our players' academic standing with the timing of the championships, falling during our final exams."

Despite the Cougars' not participating in the 7's championship Smyth wished the event and the participating teams success.

"That being said, we wish USA Rugby and those teams that will be playing at the championship the best of luck and hope to work with USA Rugby to make this event manageable for all qualified teams in the future."

BYU is currently finishing its fall semester preparations with their training and strength and conditioning programs.

The Cougars will be finalizing their 2012 and schedule and roster in the coming month.