Linn Benton Youth Rugby

 Since moving to Corvallis Oregon I've always tried to keep up with the local rugby clubs, college, men's and youth. Linn Benton Youth Rugby supports primarly both main towns , Corvallis and Albany, in the neighboring counties, Linn and Benton county. since the lions where founded in 2001 the program has become a staple of excellence in the youth club landscape for Rugby Oregon. The director of Linn Benton was able to answer some brief questions about the lions and how to fallow. 

LLR -can you introduce yourself and what is your position with Linn Benton and when was the program founded?

JA- My name is Joe Alvernaz, I am Director of Linn Benton Rugby, I serve as middle school boys coach and an assistant coach to HS boys.  I have been involved as a coach since 2004.  Linn Benton Lions rugby was founded in 2001, winning the Rugby Oregon boys championship in its first season under coaches Amanda Six and Joey Webber (who is now Timber Joey, mascot of the Portland Timbers MLS team)

 

LLR -what age levels does LB offer? 

JA- Linn Benton Rugby offers HS boys and girls, middle school (7-8^th) boys and girls, and a co-ed flag rugby program for 3^rd-6^th grade

 

LLR -how many kids on average a year register with the Clubs? 

JA- 60 to 80 kids participate each year

 

LLR -what is a few highlights that LB has experienced over the years?

JA- HS girls were 2017 and 2019 Rugby Oregon Champions, 2018 runners up and 2017 Rugby Oregon 7s Champions.   In February of 2020 Lions alumni Joe Montgomery was signed by the Seattle Seawolves to a professional contract.

LLR -how can people follow along every season on what's happening?

JA- When things are going, we update Facebook and Instagram almost daily.

 

LLR -if a MLR team would come to Oregon, most likely Portland, how big would that be for rugby in Oregon?

JA- One good thing I can say about Portland is this:   They really do come out to support their professional sports teams, the Blazers sell out every game and the Timbers and Thorns are league leaders in attendance for professional soccer.   The addition of a Portland based MLR team would likely attract a solid following and lead to a natural growth in rugby participation.

 

LLR -Who in the MLR do you support?

JA- Given that we had an alumni on the Seawolves team in 2020, it is fair to say all of our coaches are solid Seawolves fans.    Although, I do have a soft spot for the New Orleans Gold.

 

LLR -if people want to learn more about the Linn Benton Lions how best can they do so?

JA- We use our team Facebook and Instagram for information and communication.   There’s always our team email,  lbyouthrugby@yahoo.com

*Rugby Oregon is going ahead with a 2021 season but modified. Click Here here to read how they've adjusted. 

Linn Benton Youth Rugby

www.lbyouthrugby.org

Portland Rugby Project- MLR ?

Like many of you, last week we where all thrown into a frenzy when a survey for the rugby community in Oregon began making it's rounds through social media inquiring about the potential of a MLR team coming to Portland, PDX. Of course being in Corvallis, which is about just over hour drive from Portland , my excitement was sparked. And of course naturally I had to reach out to find out more right away. Ben from Portland Rugby Project which is a consultanting firm was gracious enough to answer some questions and let us all know where everything stands at this time. 

LLR- Would you please introduce yourself and your involvement with the Portland Rugby Project?

 

B- My name is Ben Barlow, and I have been working with the Portland Rugby Project to determine the feasibility and assess the market conditions related to bringing a Major League Rugby team to Portland. I have been involved in rugby as a fan, player, and coach for a little over a decade and very much so look forward to exploring the possibility of bringing a new high performance pathway to the region.

 

LLR-What is the Portland Rugby Project, is the PRP seeking to be owners of a MLR team?

 

B-The Portland Rugby Project is a consulting group dedicated to identifying the feasibility of bringing a MLR team to Portland. ­

 

LLR-Have clubs throughout Oregon been contacted by PRP to seek feedback or just the clubs in and around Portland?

 

B-We just began phase two of our market research plan. As such, a variety of clubs from the Portland Metro and surrounding area were chosen to participate for more in depth research. Portland Rugby Project expects this to be the prime target market due primarily to their geographical proximity, but welcomes feedback from across the state and sincerely hopes to engage fans and supporters from the entire region as we progress.

 

LLR-Has there been any communication between this group and MLR, is the commissioner or any owners been spoken to?

 

B-No significant communication has taken place as yet. Portland Rugby Project is still in the very early stages of this process.

 

LLR-Is it possible to name a facility or more that are currently being looked at for a home venue, will this team build their own similar to what was done in Huston?

 

B-Portland Rugby Project is still reviewing a variety of possible venues and all of its options.

 

LLR-If everything falls into place what is a realistic year a Portland team can begin playing?

 

B-It is difficult to say as this is still one of the major items we are trying to identify, but the more buy in and support we continue to receive from individuals like yourself, the more likely things are to continue to progress in an expeditious manner.

I would like to thank Ben very much for getting back to me so quickly and being honest and open. As more information comes in time more information will be posted here and on LLRugby social media accounts. 

pdxmlr.com

*For more inquiring please send emails to marketing@pdxmlr.com

Also PRP has social media accounts that will be active soon.