This upcoming weekend is a big one for Club Rugby across the states. Exactly half of the Spring 2020 divisional competitions are in full-swing, with many of the teams featured competing in their first match of the season.
Women's D1 - Southern California - Tempe Ninjas vs Belmont Shore Rugby
Kicking off the initial showcase this weekend, Belmost Shore WRFC will host the Tempe Ninjas (Awesome mascot!). Belmont Shore has started their season off to a rocky start, and will continue due to an unfortunate upcoming forfeit. Jessica "Jay' Viskantas-Hernandez, the President of Belmont Shore Women's Rugby Club had this to say about her club's upcoming season.
"We always look forward to playing Tempe because of the level of competition they bring every time we see them on the pitch. Unfortunately, it turns out we will be forfeiting the match because we unexpectedly lost many key players within the last month and do not have enough players available for travel. It is quite disappointing, especially considering our run last season. I will say that we are incredibly proud of the team we had last season and support all of them as they explore their professional lives. In particular, two of our most heavy-hitting players from last season have been selected to play Pro Women's Football.'
Viskantas-Hernandez finished her statement, "We are optimistic about the future of our club and know that as the club grows and changes we must adjust. We look forward to future opportunities to working with USA Rugby and appreciate your consideration.'
The Belmont Shore Women’s Rugby Club began in 1974 as one of the first women’s clubs in California and an offshoot of the Belmont Shore Men's Rugby Club. In recent years, the Landsharks have continued to make their mark on Southern California rugby. They have been finalists in 22 out of 30 major tournaments they have entered in California and Arizona and the club’s members have pulled in eleven MVP awards at major tournaments, and toured New Zealand.
On their social media and website BSWRFC states, "Our mission is to provide women with a competitive and social outlet. Our members are productive members of society, working full time jobs and attending school when not training for rugby. We strive to do our part in the community. Volunteering for beach cleanups, donating items, working with youth, and offering services at various events. We also work hand-in-hand with the Belmont Shore Men's team. Building and maintaining a strong relationship with the community is one of our top priorities.'
Men's D1 / D2 / D3 - Red River - Austin Blacks vs Austin Huns (Australia Day)
This handful of matchups in Austin will all be a part of 'Australia Day', providing a total of (6) matches with D1, D2, & D3 Austin Blacks vs Austin Huns matches, (1) high school, (1) collegiate, and (1) MLR match mixed throughout the day to help fundraise towards the Australian Red Cross.
Bill Taute, the Chairman Board of Directors for the Austin Blacks commented on the upcoming weekend of the hoard of hosted games the Blacks have put together.
"5-6 years ago, we were approached by the Austin Crows, our local Aussie Rules Football Club about holding Australia Day in conjunction with one of our home matches at Burr Field. We held the first three years celebrations with the Crows, but as the event evolved for both clubs, they determined they wanted to move their effort to another venue and we continued the event with the help of our many Australian players who have come through our ranks over the years and still live in our area today.'
Taute continued, "We are charging a $10/person entry fee at the gate and we are also hosting some other fundraising efforts throughout the day for Red Cross Australia. We will donate all the proceeds of the onsite fundraisers along with a portion of our proceeds from the tickets and concessions throughout the day to Red Cross Australia to help all the people and wildlife affected by the brush fires across their country. In the past we’ve had locals bring out their didgeridoo, boomerangs, and Aussie Rules Footballs to show the youth of today about their countries traditions. With meat pies in hand, we will all be watching.'
On the other side of the pitch, Chris Hanson, the Austin Huns Associate Director, had a quote regarding being a part of the 'Australia Day' and their other fundraising efforts within the sporting community.
"We are looking forward to a great day of rugby this weekend at Burr Field with our three sides competing in these important cup matches. In addition to the games at Burr we are hosting a youth tournament less than four miles away at Huns Field with over 200 participants expected. Austin continues to grow as a community rich in rugby culture.'
Women's D2 - Florida - Indian River Raptors vs Jacksonville Sinners
For this spotlight, the Jacksonville Sinners and Indian River Raptors will be competing in their opening match this weekend and lookout for a clash of these two clubs hungry to reverse their previous season's fortunes. During 2019/19, both clubs had finished last and second-to-last in the Florida conference, and in their head-to-head matchups Jacksonville had taken both of the wins.
Melissa Butler, the Jacksonville Women's Rugby Head Coach, is looking forward to her club's rise in potential this upcoming 2020 campaign. "The Jacksonville Women are going in to this game looking to set the tone for the rest of the season as a fast-paced, aggressive club that has yet to show their full potential. The team's coaching staff has also grown to four amazing women that are helping players to reach their capacity. The coaching staff has worked hard to improve the team's defense and skills throughout the fall season. We are excited for a competitive game from Indian River as they have grown over the years and start off every game strong.'
On the other side of the pitch, the Indian River Rugby Club provides positive rugby experiences for all age groups. They welcome all skill levels from beginners to advanced, no matter the age or ability. The club operates out of Vero Beach, Florida, practicing at Leisure Square in Vero and North County Park in Sebastian. The club draws members from all surrounding communities along the Treasure Coast.
Men's D3 - Georgia - Athens Eagles vs Atlanta Bucks
The Atlanta Bucks Rugby Football Club is committed to building a competitive team that operates in an all-inclusive environment. They are also Georgia's only Inclusive gay rugby team (BUCK UP!!!). The Bucks provide a fraternal environment, without discrimination, for gay and diverse communities to participate in the sport of rugby.
According to their website, "The Atlanta Bucks Rugby Club was founded in July 2003, making it among the first five IGRAB teams in the United States. Since creation, the Bucks have won the 2006 New York East Coast Invitational, the 2008 Bingham Cup Bowl Division in Dublin, the 2012 Bingham Cup Shield Division in Sydney, and the 2017 Independence Cup at the IGR NA East Championship.'
In the two clubs sole head-to-head matchup last year, the Eagles of Athens had soared to a victory and will be looking to find consistency against the competitive Atlanta side.
According to their social media page, "Athens Eagles were established in the Fall of 2008, and are a USA Rugby Division III Men's Club and Non-Profit Organization, which seeks to promote the good health and well-being of its members by offering those of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds an opportunity to play, support, and enjoy the sport of rugby in the United States.'
Women's D2 - Florida - Orlando Rugby vs Fort Miami Rugby
In the next spotlight of this upcoming weekend's matchups, Orlando will be traveling South to clash with their conference rivals in Fort Miami. The home club finished top of the conference last year with only one regular season loss to the Tampa Bay Krewe. Although Orlando didn't have a shabby season either finishing 3rd just 9 standings points behind the leaders. Regarding the upcoming match, Fort Miami had sent over multiple quotes from three representatives, including: Brie Cokos, board member and veteran player, and Andrea Devonport the team President.
From Brie Cokos, "From the first days of women's rugby in south Florida, the matchup against Orlando has been spirited and competitive. Even when one of the sides was the clear favorite, the match up was always passionate and played to the very last minute. The teams have changed tremendously over the years, but the culture and significance of this game has persisted. Regardless of how the pendulum swings season to season, however, I know that Saturday will have it all…and remind us why we play this sport. This one will always be circled on the calendar.'
From President Devonport, "We are thrilled to have Mike Toms in the head coaching position with an amazing support staff of assistant coaches, Pedro and Troy. In the off-season we have taken a back to basics approach and hope to bring all of those micro-skills that we have been perfecting to the pitch on Saturday. Orlando is always one our toughest competitors and we are looking forward to battling it out on the pitch this weekend!'
Orlando WRFC has won numerous Florida Cup Championships. In the fall of 2005, ORFC established the Lady Griffins, the women's counterpart to the successful men's side and winning came quickly, including a Division II National Championship in 2009. In 2010, Orlando Rugby gained tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status through the creation of the U-19 foundation, which has also continued in the winning tradition of Orlando Rugby. Also winning the 2015 and 2016 Florida State 7s Championships.
Men's D4 - Southern California - Temecula Mountain Lions vs Riverside Rugby
Last, but certainly not least, the Temecula Mountain Lions will hit the road and travel to take-on Riverside RFC for both club's second matchup of Spring 2020. In last year's standings, the Mountain Lions just surpassed Riverside for 3rd place by 4 points. In their lone head-to-head matchup in 2019, Temecula took home the victory 28-19 in a spirited performance.
The Temecula Mountain Lions Rugby Club are excited to host the Riverside Rugby Club on Saturday January 25th. Riverside is coming off of a 50-28 loss against the South Bay Stingrays, while the Mountain Lions are coming off a 47-27 loss against the D4 powerhouse, Dead Rabbits.
Jason Glover, President of the club, gave a quote regarding the past season's competition leading into the impending matchup "This is a very important match for both teams. During the 2019 season, Fullerton came in first, Dead Rabbits second, Temecula third, and Riverside fourth. With Fullerton having moved up to D3 this year, there has been an expectation that Temecula and Riverside would be the teams competing to square against the Dead Rabbits for the 2020 D4 title in Southern California."
Glover continued, "A Temecula win this coming Saturday, combined with the recent loss that Riverside experienced to South Bay, would cement the Mountain Lions as the team to watch in 2020. They are fighting for something more than a simple win. Temecula is celebrating their 10th year as a Club in 2020 and the Mountain Lions have their sights firmly set on the Championship this season. Losing on Saturday the 25th isn't an option for the Mountain Lions. To honor the past decade of blood, sweat, and pain that has forged their Club, the boys in Temecula must bring their best to the pitch and secure the win. As Club President I may be biased but…I predict they will.'
Riverside RFC competes in the Southern California Rugby Football Union Division 3. Their style of play has been described as "Southern Hemisphere' Rugby. This style, popularized by New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji, emphasizes back-play over forward play, and focuses on quick ball movement and a high work rate.
Head Coach/ President, Alvaro Valenzuela, is a veteran of the club and has been rebuilding the club over the last couple years with the goal to bring back to the highest division, who is also excited about the new women’s team who will travel to Phoenix this week in their official first women game.
Valenzuela had commented on his club's prior season, leading into the impending match this weekend on the 25th. "Last year Riverside finished 4th behind Temecula who placed 3rd in the division. Riverside obtained two of Temecula rugby’s players from last years team, watch out for the ex Temecula Captain Sean Hannan, and the skillful playmaker Dustin Bates as the fly half and center combination.'
The club coach and president continued by saying, "Riverside has long history as a protagonist of the Rugby community and we play a very physical yet open style of rugby. With other key players such as Vake Avatongo, Mazi Pahulu, Chris Tupou and an exciting winger Kristof Usher who’s ability to score tried from thin air will be exciting to watch. Riverside forward pack is boasting last weeks forward of the week at number 8, Isileli Alatini, he is an extremely strong and powerful attacker and defender- and will be exciting to watch.'
