Back at it again, another edition of the Club Rugby '6 Pack of the Week'. Sit back, put your feet up, and pop open a beverage of your choosing to enjoy the following six matchups across Divisions 2 & 3 within the following regions: South, Pacific North, Pacific South and Red River.
*Disclaimer* Stats, records, and club information is found through our CMS system and through the clubs' websites and social media outlets. If there are errors, please reach out to Chris Turner (Club Communications) - cturner@usa.rugby for updates or edits.
Women's D2 - South: Jacksonville Sinners vs Tampa Bay Krewe
In the first preview match of the weekend, we have a South Regional showdown between conference rivals, Jacksonville Sinners and Tampa Bay Krewe WRFCs. The Krewe currently are sitting pretty on the top spot of the conference with 21 points in the standings, tied with Orlando WRFC but have a better record. Tampa Bay have only lost one game on the entire 2019/20 campaign, and will be looking to continue that success against the Sinners. The Krewe have only had two 'too close to call' matches, both against Orlando, in which they've tied the series at 1-1. Regarding their upcoming match against Jacksonville, they have already defeated the Sinners in the previous test. Jacksonville is currently mid/bottom of the conference standings, but are only 8 points behind the Krewe with three games left in the regular season.
Jacksonville Sinners Coach Theresa HerberLace discussed her club's mentality regarding the upcoming challenge. "The Jacksonville Sinners are looking forward to a rematch against the Tampa Krewe. In our last match, Tampa played to their strengths but Jacksonville never gave up. Jax will look to learn from their mistakes in the last game and continue their "never quit' spirit in order to win at home.'
Coach HerberLace continued, "This is a really exciting time for Women's rugby in the South. After years of seeing the same team at the top, both the Sinners and Krewe have been able to grow their programs making for a more exciting and competitive division. The two teams have also fostered strong relationships that make match ups between the two about more than just wins/losses but about the camaraderie of rugby.'
On the other side of the pitch, Tampa Bay Krewe Coach James Woollcombe-Clarke mentions the importance of the upcoming match, and what implications it may have on the season.
“This up coming match against Jacksonville is a crucial moment in our season. The back half of a season is where teams start to distinguish themselves, and Krewe intends to do just that. We fully anticipate a hard game, and are preparing accordingly. We are training hard to refine our style of play, and look to bring our best come Saturday. Our all round style of rugby allows us to be versatile and dangerous on the field in all aspects of the game. We look forward to a tough battle against the Sinners.”
Men's D2 - Pacific North: Eastside Tsunami vs Portland Pigs
In the second test of the weekend, we travel to the Pacific Northwest to preview the match between Eastside Tsunami and Portland Pigs RFC. In an exciting game between these two conference rivals, the Tsunami sit in 2nd place as the Pigs are currently in 3rd. Only 1 point in the standings differ these two clubs 22 vs 21, and whoever comes away with the victory will be cemented in the 2nd place, but potentially 1st as well, depending on if Boise United wins as well. The 1st place Boise squad is only 1 point ahead of the Tsunami, and 2 ahead of the Pigs, which could lead to a thrilling end of the season as each club has 3-4 more games left in their schedule. This will be the first of two matches these clubs will face head-to-head this season, in which the consequences could be massive for whoever comes away with the win this weekend.
Eastside Tsunami Coach Sione Aisea discussed his clubs' attitude toward the eventual match, along with their strengths within the team.
"Tsunami are eagerly looking forward to the match this weekend, as it is typically an exhibit of both challenge and strength. Our primary goal for this game is to utilize the field with an acute spacial awareness offensively and defensively and as a graceful unit. This season we have been blessed with players who have years of experience as well as tremendous athletes that are new to the game but have grit and a fresh mindset offering a healthy balance to our training and education. We are confident that implementing and executing our reinvigorated game plan will bring home the win.'
On the other side of the pitch, the Portland Pigs unfortunately did not respond for a team quote, but we found this quip on their team's website about the history of the club.
The Portland Rugby Club (PRC) was established in 1961 and celebrated 50 years of existence in 2011. The union is made up individuals and members from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. On the men's sides, the Pigs now have a Men’s Division I, Division III side, and an old boys side (the Old Boars) made up of players age 35 and older.
Women's D2 - Pacific North: Tacoma Sirens vs Oregon Sports Union D2
In the third matchup of the preview, we'll stay in the Pacific Northwest as the Tacoma Sirens take on the ORSU D2 side in Tacoma, WA. ORSU had mentioned in their response that the game may be cancelled/suspended due to lack of members to play this weekend, but we'd still like to follow through as if the match will take place, while giving a shoutout to both clubs.
The upcoming test between these two clubs will be different for each side as the Sirens are currently undefeated on the year (3-0), while ORSU are 1-3 within conference play. As ORSU's elder club currently competes in the WPL, they as a D2 squad have been trying to keep that success within the organization. These two clubs have yet to play each other this season, and will be lone head-to-head matchup. Tacoma have been rising through the ranks as of late, and will have their eyes on the conference championship if their consistent play keep up to their standards.
The Sirens of Tacoma are the only women’s rugby team located in Tacoma, Washington. The team was founded in 2010 and the Sirens are part of Tacoma Rugby Club, a nonprofit club committed to the support and development of rugby for all ages in Tacoma and the surrounding communities. They are part of the Pacific Northwest Rugby Union, which is a competitive league, including over 10 Women’s teams in the PNW.
ORSU fields two women's sides (WPL and D2), and draws its players from the entire Portland metropolitan area, and has a current club roster of over 100 members. With one of the strongest WPL teams in the country, the Division 2 side of ORSU Women aims to coach and grow players at all levels.
To be a source of pride to all who are associated with ORSU and to be seen as a leader in developing youth and adult rugby in our community through:
"Creating a preferred recreational option for our members – families, players and fans alike. Expanding our current facilities to include a new clubhouse, two match-ready rugby pitches, upgraded parking and recurring operational revenue. Challenging our players to be the best athletes possible with an emphasis on fitness and skill development, while promoting the growth and awareness of the great sport of rugby. Encouraging our members and teams to give back to the broader community.'
Men's D2 - Pacific South: Ventura County Outlaws vs San Diego Old Aztecs
Continuing on the West coast, we travel Southbound to preview the Pacific South match between the Ventura County Outlaws and San Diego Old Aztecs. Both of these clubs play in the Group A sub-division of the conference, with Ventura in 1st place, while San Diego sits in 4th, 7 points behind the Outlaws. This will be the second matchup of the season between these two clubs, with the Outlaws beating the Old Aztecs by 15-22 in a close match in San Diego. This weekend, the match will be on Ventura's home turf with the Outlaws currently 1-1 in their own backyard. Each club has three game left in their 2019/20 schedule, with any possibility potential with that many tests to count.
San Diego Old Aztecs' leading scorer, player representative, and fullback, James Niblock discussed the upcoming match and rivalry between these two clubs.
"This will be the first time that this current group of players plays Ventura away, despite the healthy rivalry which has developed over the past 3-4 meetings between the teams, including the SoCal final last May. Ventura have set the pace in the league last season and so far this season as well. It’s up to us to overcome their intensity and accuracy if we want to secure a crucial victory. We have a lot of respect for the way Ventura do things as a club and the ambition they are showing, and look forward to a post-game beer with them, regardless of the result. We have been brushing up on our Portuguese in preparation!'
On the other side of the pitch, the Ventura County Rugby Club was formed in 2009 by residents who were looking to promote athletic competition and increase awareness for the exciting game of rugby. They encourage personal growth and responsibility from all of their members, and strive to be the best on and off the field. Their goal is to be champions while on the pitch and upstanding citizens when in the community. The Club is proud to be partnered with Channel Islands Youth Rugby and California Lutheran University to help promote rugby across age and gender lines.
The ultimate goal of our club is to become a dominant force in Southern California Rugby. Off the pitch we look to build positive relationships with local business and community organizations. Like most players everywhere, the Club members are professionals and students from around the area who come together to compete and play the sport of rugby.
Women's D3 - Pacific South: Fullerton Wolfpack vs Santa Barbara Mermaids
In the second to last matchup of the preview, we stay within the Pacific South region in a battle between conference rivals, Fullerton Wolfpack and Santa Barbara WRFCs. Santa Barbara currently sits 1 place above the Wolfpack in the standings. This upcoming matchup will be the lone head-to-head between these two clubs as they battle for standings positioning within the Pacific South D3 conference. This rivalry is a much respected one, that even stretched to the conference final in last year's campaign. Even though these two clubs are bit different within the conference positioning, it will undoubtedly be an exciting match to behold as these two proud SoCal clubs battle with pride.
Santa Barbara WRFC player/coach Courtney Applewhite discusses the history between the two clubs and the overall importance of the match.
"The Mermaids enter the final match of season play with a record of 3-1, our best yet as a club. This final match versus the Fullerton Wolfpack will test the skills and cohesion that we have built throughout the season. Fullerton has historically been a very strong side and, while we were able to edge them out in the D3 Women’s final last year, we are coming prepared for a difficult match that will help decide who will be in a strong position to go into playoffs. This has been a year of tremendous growth for the Mermaids, and we are motivated to carry this progress not only into the coming match but also into next season.'
On the other side of the pitch, Fullerton Wolfpack Forwards Captain, Ashley Lindsay, talks about her clubs' mentality for this weekend's clash.
"This game is going to be a good one. Santa Barbara bring a lot of experience and great players to the table. They’ve also acquired some players from the Ventura team and come prepared with a full squad. As a team, we’ve put a lot of focus into our offensive and defensive strategies and are very excited for this game. This is our last home game and we’ve worked very hard to make sure it’s a great one, and that we win - and I have no doubt that we will.'
Wolfpack Backs Captain, Acacia Person, chimes in about her clubs' strengths and what they will be focusing on against the Mermaids.
"Our main focus as we head into this weekend is keeping a strong defensive line as this is our first time playing Santa Barbara since coming short to our championship match last season. [They] have strong runners and keeping our heads up on defense will be our key to taking home the win. Our main objective is to keep possession of the ball by supporting our players, driving through rucks, having powerful scrums, and being in zone the entire 80 minutes. This will be a very physical and strategic game for us as we have incorporated changes to both our defensive and offensive plays. This game will reflect all these changes and I am confident we will win at home.'
Men's D3 - Red River: Alliance Rugby D3 vs Grand Prairie Mavericks
In a hotly contested next and final upcoming match within the preview, the 1st place Grand Prairie Mavericks battle the 2nd place Alliance Black Knights in Grand Prairie, TX. The Mavericks are currently 10-0 on the season, with the Black Knights proudly supporting a 7-2 record. This will be the second and final head-to-head between these two clubs, with the Mavericks coming away with the 47-26 victory in their previous test. Alliance are riding a 3-game winning streak and will have the confidence in potentially playing spoiler to the Mavericks perfect season. We will most likely see these two play in the conference championship no matter the outcome, but this will certainly be one of the more exciting matches within the nation.
Robert Poyser, Alliance Captain, had this to mention of the upcoming match, their mindset for the test and what they must do to secure a victory.
"Our match-up vs. Grand Prairie is one of the most exciting weeks of the season each year. For the past couple of seasons we have battled it out for the top two spots in the RRRC D3 North and this season is no different. Grand Prairie poses a special threat to us as they are both very strong and very athletic in the pack, and very physical in the mid field. Whereas I believe we have a more agile pack that suits our open pattern. We match pretty evenly in the back line and will try and use our speed advantage on the wing to capitalize on handling and kicking errors.'
Poyser continues, "Both sides play tremendous defense so territory and possession are going to play a key role for the victors. With some luck and well placed kicks we can hopefully keep them on the back foot and put ourselves in some great positions to get points. The major key to both sides in the end is going to be keeping up the intensity for 80 minutes. This is sort of a rivalry for both clubs so it's going to be a heated battle, whoever can keep it up the longest will have the best shot. We look forward to the challenge!'
On the other side of the pitch, John Kurylas, Assistant Coach Grand Prairie Mavericks discusses their rivalry, and how this matchup could be a curtain raiser for a potential playoff game between the two.
"Over the past two seasons we've battled Alliance for the top of the North as we've split our matches but came up short on points in the standings for the division title. Our first meeting in January saw us jump to a 33 point lead early in the second half only to have Alliance storm back with 3 tries in 10 minutes to cut the lead to 14. The boys buckled down and held them scoreless the rest of the way for a 47-26 victory. Going into this Saturday both clubs have already qualified for the playoffs but neither side is satisfied with just qualifying. We both have big goals and for us it's the division title that has eluded us the past two seasons, win the RRRC's and be the first side in club history to finish the season undefeated.'
