Merry Christmas

Feliz Navidad

Cape Town 7s

PDX - MLR update

It's been a while since news came out that movement was happening to bring a club to Portland.
One of the people attached to the potential club has asked to remain anonymous till all the ducks are in a row. But he has shared a bit more information and has agreed to let some of it out.

- money is not a issue but more owners buy in the better
- main issue is logistics
- makeing sure there is a community buy in
- ideally 2019 for announcement but most likely 2020 but best to do due process
- has a relationship with the same group trying to bring MLB to Portland possibility collaboration


From the lead person- " kinda like farming...  gotta look at the long term growth"

*As more comes out will pass it along so long as permission is granted

USA Rugby 7s

Rugby Americas

Preseason - Super Fan

Fan of the Seawolf Pod, or ever wonder who the man behind the Mic was. Meet Raymond Torkelson. Avid MLR fan , Previous Podcaster and Seawolves supporter. Wether you agree with him or not you have to appreciate his love of the game and the want to see Major League Rugby succeed. 

Enjoy ....

Tell us a bit about your self?

RT- Just a regular American from Portland, Oregon (born and raised) who used to run a Major League Rugby Seattle Seawolves podcast: Seawolf Pod. 24 now, went to boarding school in Montana and graduated with my bachelor's degree (philosophy/Chinese) from Lewis & Clark College (L&C). I work full-time for a nonprofit in my hometown giving back to houseless vets (three weekly 7pm-7am shifts) who, frankly, never returned from war serving their country. It's a really great organization and if anyone would like to support the cause check out dogoodmultnomah.org. Long story how I ended up there but in short I founded/ran a social services software startup that never made it out of the concept stage in which they were to become our partner.

How did you come to rugby?

RT- Funnily enough, I wrote a short story about this that was published by USA Rugby (link: https://www.usarugby.org/2017/11/whyrugby-acceptance-in-an-unexpected-community/). I was more into music (multi-instrumentalist/vocalist/songwriter) growing up but came back to sports in boarding school because thought I was in love with basketball. By the time I was practically jamming and training with the likes of NBA and D1 athletes (Allen Crabbe formerly Portland Trailblazers starting SG and Payton Pritchard starting PG at U Oregon, to name a few), I realized trying out for the squad at L&C that the culture wasn't for me. I also had a stint walking onto the golf team but grew frustrated with the time commitment clashing with my studies and social life. Luckily, the rugby club there recognized my athletic talent and had me playing every year I was there (2012-2016). They threw me out on the wing and probably just prayed I'd pick things up on my own, which I did. My sophomore and junior year I played fullback, and then our assistant coach (now my teammate at ORSU) showed me the ropes at fly-half to get me starting there my senior year. My back skills are well-rounded from this experience, you could say.

From a fan prospective what was some plusses from the MLR in year one?

RT- Great question. As a fan also previously in media, my take might be slightly different. My top would be 1) more opportunities for Americans to play high level rugby outside the Eagles circuit, 2) rumored positive television ratings leading to multi-year broadcasting deals that will help grow the sport (many people in the Pacific Northwest unknowingly stumbled onto Seawolves games on ROOT Sports NW), and 3) if the league sustains, which I believe it can, an inspiring destination towards which grade age through high school ruggers can strive and be part of this seemingly massive growth rugby in the US is currently experiencing. There's a lot more and those aren't in any particular order, but they're worth considering.

What's some issues you feel the league could/should work on?

RT- Media narratives - the league office comes off as painfully unaware how much they can hurt fan buy in by working with "outside", amateur entities who, well, try to spin the story and conceal, rather than make transparent, their own bias: players to watch, team expectations, fan affairs, etc. You see it in other sports and it's part of the politics. I don't understand why rugby as a sport on the field carries such great values but these mysterious back offices try to dabble in something different. Regardless, good people and good rugby prevail and is all that matters.

How do you feel about year 2 coming and what you've seen so far?

RT-  I feel good about year two. We've seen a lot of interesting signings in the off season and, from what I've seen on social media, online sports coverage and my own encounters at local rugby tournaments - players in the league aren't taking this break for granted. I am worried, however, about player welfare. I heard firsthand from players some horror stories about things like concussion management and overall health that seemed completely avoidable (i.e. not instrinsic to the sport, but how certain situations were handled). In some cases, it was their own fault. Besides their body, their wallets can hurt too. The "it" players are supposedly set with decent money for the period that the season lasts, but "part time" players end up being compensated a less than ideal amount per game - if they play.

Who's your favorite player for the SeaWolves?

RT- Dion Crowder, wing.

I think it's safe to say last year's title run for the SeaWolves was a bit of a shocker to most, how confident do you feel about a repeat this year?

RT- I want to take a moment to say this wasn't a shocker. Sure, Hitchborn said he expected them to do alright; they didn't have a coach (rather a player committee led by guys like Mack and Rasileka); and, finally, they're not as old of a club as the boys in, say, Glendale. But I'll say it now and I'll say it again: Mack, Hitchborn, and the prior chemistry on the roster brought out all the things needed to make the historic champions they are now. People who were wrong about the outcome will say I had no idea what I was talking about - that's fine, but at least read for yourself and decide (https://medium.com/@seawolfpod/from-tweets-to-titles-why-seattles-first-major-league-rugby-team-will-win-the-2018-inaugural-aefc3dbe9616). As for this year, I think SeaWolves will undergo some adjustment with HC Moolman coming onboard. How confident do I feel about a repeat? 2 for 2 wouldn't be surprising, but I'm not counting on it as much as I did this first year. Albeit in my eyes an expected outcome, the first year was a legendary season. Now you've got a club that is no longer an underdog. It's hard being at the top - the target on your back phenomena is real. I felt that way with Seawolf Pod, so I can only imagine what it's like as the top subject, rather than observer. The league is bringing on new teams as well, which will make things even more interesting. Do I want a repeat? Sure, at least until Portland has a team. I think many of their players exhibit great character and deserve whatever season their off-season preparation and in-season effort merits, which in the case of the first year was pure champagne, sweeter than sweet.

Aside from the SeaWolves who do you think has a shot at reaching the finals ?

 RT- Glendale (if they're not tilted as an organization from what they and everyone told them was an upset), New York (just a wild guess, I like what I'm seeing from them in terms of signings) and Utah (if they improve fitness, as that was the only thing stopping them last year).

Do you think after 2020 expansion the league should shift focus to establishing more west coast presence or just let expansion happen fluently?

RT- Well look at entities like Super Rugby in the southern hemisphere. They expanded too quickly but still produce some of the highest level, most electrifying rugby (even if offensively slanted) in the current state of the sport. Why can't MLR become something similar in the northern hemisphere, just with better defensive efforts? Americans will love a good try fest anyways, and MLR defense is still in its infancy. Big thing is the player pool. Canada joining via Toronto won't dilute it, rather will introduce healthy diversity. Too many teams, too little talent is certainly a concern but we're just not going to see what exactly that looks like until we get there. People will estimate and predict but the game changes, and so does the player pool. If the league becomes more appealing you'll see everything from more overseas players to domsetic crossovers as well as homegrown stars coming out of the woodworks. Believe me, they're out there. I did live color commentary for the last Oregon HS boys rugby championship and there was some SERIOUS talent out there you can't find mentioned anywhere except maybe a small paragraph in a local newspaper that doesn't even properly explicate their abilities. If the teams and their supposed development pipelines well engage the youth, we're going to see no issues with the player pool come 2020 and beyond. We already have word that Vancouver, LA, Sacramento and Portland want in. What's stopping SFGG and other clubs too? If the league office could just be more transparent about what is required (it also seems like the good ol boys club with the team voting process being a bunch of old white guys), expansion could happen fluently. But as it stands right now I don't think expansion will ever look like that.

Prediction, who is in the final, score and who is lifting the Shield ?

RT- Since taking a step back from my podcast I'm a little out of touch with my crystal ball. I'll just say what I think would be, from a utilitarian perspective, the best outcome: newcomer v first year underperformer. That would be Rugby United New York lifting the shield v Utah Warriors in a 24-17 victory. Would keep things interesting and show expansion teams everyone really has a shot. I also think Utah, despite some bizarre social media interactions with my now cancelled podcast, deserves a better outcome than they had last year.

Why should people play rugby?

RT- Tough but also awesome question. For me it's about friendship, community, character building and fitness - all things I value highly. I think especially for young boys and girls who haven't quite found their "thing" yet, rugby is always a good choice or at least worth a try. 

Any final thoughts and comments you'd like to pass on to the rugby community, those interested in rugby ?

 RT- If you're a fan who thinks it's "too late" to try rugby, think again. Google "touch rugby". Find a club, or better yet just buy a ball (from your favorite MLR club's online team store) and pass it around with some friends. It teaches some fundamental concepts of the game you watch when you tune into MLR matches. You won't regret it!

Lastly, although I'm done forever with the podcast (bar disgusting levels of compensation I don't foresee in my crystal ball)... I'll be back! I'm glad I made my mark on the American rugby community with such a fun endeavour, but my next point of contact is going to be a little more ambitious. That is all - thanks so much for the Q&A Nick!

*If you would like to connect with Raymond feel free to give him a fallow on Twitter @Raymond_tork

Keep a eye out for more Q&As coming out in the coming weeks and also player profiles from those who play both rugby codes. 

What happened to the posts ?

If some of you have been wondering what happened, why is this blog so quite and more vocal via Twitter. It's not because I abandoned the blog it's simply because my work makes it a bit harder to post frequently here. Twitter is faster and easier to get info or interact with people faster and easier. 

I work on a farm and more or less 6 months of the year it's busy time and the small windows I have after work or blue moon weekends I have off I tend to spend it with my family and close love ones. Believe it or not it does take time to send out info, receive it. Compile it together and post it here. But I've worked out a system where Nov-Jan/Feb ish will be my time to post more here on this blog and in between I will try and do more when I can. 

I appreciate all the fallowers and those who do check in here, I hope what ever comes out is appealing to you and helps in the rugby community.  

Thank you and Go Eagles 

*Q&A coming soon 

Happy Father's Day

USARL June 9th Games

June 9th-

White Plains Wombats vs Boston 13s

Northern Virginia Eagles vs Brooklyn Kings

South Florida Copperheads vs Atlanta Rhinos

Delaware Black Foxes vs Philadelphia Fight
______________________________________________________
New York Knights - BYE


USARL

Mark Bingham

Good luck to all playing this year. Rugby for all, all for Rugby.

Rugby League in America

As much as I try and have this blog cover both rugby union and rugby league I admit it sides on the Union side more often then not. But I do try and put out as much league info as I can when I am able to and have participating parties respond. there are quite a few League Podcast's out there on Itunes, Soundcloud and other podcast sources. However there aren't many based here in the USA , and its even more rare to find one that focuses on the code in North America. Lucky for us all there is one brave soul, enter Nate. Founder of Rugby League in America podcast.

LLR- For those of us who haven't gotten to know you yet can you share a little about yourself, where you live, playing career.

N-There isn't anything fancy or extraordinary about my background to be honest. I grew up in Florida, playing & watching sports like so many others do here in the States. I played a lot of different sports with football being my favorite but soccer being my best. Currently I live in the DC area with my beautiful family but I've lived in a multitude of places such as Arizona & Japan, among many others. Rugby wise, like a lot of other Americans my first chances to play on an organized side was through union. After playing on multiple teams I had the privilege to coach the backs at Westfield State University in Massachusetts for three seasons. Interestingly enough one of the main focuses I had there was trying to integrate as much of the rugby league style as possible & because I had really fast backs it worked out quite well. The way I became involved in RL is actually quite humorous, as I've never had the opportunity to play a match here in America (due to not being within a few hours of any USARL clubs), just two practices with Boston. While I was serving in the US Air Force overseas I happened to be deployed with a decent amount of Australian & New Zealand soldiers who obviously enjoyed rugby based on where they grew up. Since collectively the Aussies outnumbered the Kiwis we played RL rules & that is how I had the chance to get in some scrimmaging in the 13 man code. I have been addicted ever since.

LLR- What brought on doing a podcast?

N-The podcast was something that I explored for quite a while but due to my job keeping me incredibly busy & also coaching the WSU Owls I focused on just being a fan & student of the game. I spent countless late nights studying games on YouTube & reading up on the clubs & national side but over time I realized that I couldn't seem to find a regular sports outlet that delivered updated content on Americans playing the game. Since I'm not close enough to any teams I wanted to do my part to help grow the game because it's too exciting to not have it as a staple in the American sports landscape.

LLR- Where does the code of league stand today in the US?

N- I personally think that League is on the cusp of something big here in America. You have teams from Boston to Bonita Springs & in a lot of major cities in between & in a few years time it may very well expand to the midwest region with teams in the Chicago area & possibly even Canada. Obviously it doesn't have the long history here in America as union does but it is a game that is more electrifying & understandable to those of us who grew up with American football. When you add in things such as OZTAG & multiple nines tournaments you start to build a certain level of awareness that is required to take the code to the next level here.

LLR- In your opinion what is a few ways the current clubs and governing body can move the code forward?

N- In regards to how the domestic sides can help, as well as the USA Hawks I think that's simple. From a club perspective just keep developing young players & mix them in with some capable individuals who sacrifice their time to come play in the States & further improve our league. If they add in a bit more social media awareness & they can tap into the youth levels then they'll have a solid way to attract regional fans. National Team wise I think they just have to continue to pick players who after the 2017 RLWC have more skills & wisdom to offer the squad. In 2021 we'll be taking a squad that will have a lot more experience & knowledge of each other than we've had in the past. Sponsorship would also be massive so that the guys can afford to have a few camps per year to focus on what Coach Sean Rutgerson & his staff need them to in order to be at their best in three years time. The thing that both of them can do is to help out anyone who is trying to expand the game to new regions, such as the Chicago Stockyarders & Mike Featherstone. Deepening the league pool only strengthens the legitimacy of the league & the NT player pool.

LLR- What does a 2025 successful world cup look like to you ?

N -That answer (above) leads directly into this one & that is that we can expect a RLWC to come to our shores in 2025. That is going to be a major step for the clubs, our national team & RL as a whole. I think we currently aren't developed enough to make it a healthy product but with the likes of the Toronto Wolfpack & the NYC based club the awareness needed to sustain once the final whistle blows is beginning to take shape. We have 400 million potential fans & players in a sports market that is broad & has endless opportunities. Although it is a different sport with a different depth of pockets, you only have to look at what the MLS did after the 1994 World Cup that was hosted here. We have that opportunity in seven years time & if we can find the proper individuals to take the game forward marketing wise, we can make it something that sticks. In my mind a successful 2025 campaign would be to have both North American teams do well in their respective matches & to have coverage from those who know how to market our players & the 13 man code throughout the month long contest.

LLR- Chile is joining the America's qualifications tournament for the world Cups, what country do you see being the next to join?

N-To be honest I think that Argentina is the next up in the Americas & I could see them being represented well in the 2025 RLWC. I also think that even though they're already one of the teams in the running, Jamaica has to be respected as a developing RL nation. Jamaica has so many athletes that compete in other sports that as they develop their own domestic league it's only a matter of time until they start to pull from a rich Olympic level talent pool.

LLR- on your pod you like to drink some whiskey, any recommendations?

N- if you haven’t tried the Jameson Caskmates IPA edition it’s a fun one. If you want something that is tasty but not too peaty try Glenlivet. Taliskers is peaty but good & my favorite whiskey that I’ve ever tried is Glenfarclas 12yr. Incredibly unique.

LLR- How can people get in touch with you and fallow your amazing coverage?

N- People can find me on any of the social platforms at either Rugby League in America Podcast or rlapodcast. My website should be up & running at the beginning of June, so search rugbyleagueinamerica.com soon & give it a look. *I would also recommend fallowing Rugby League in America on youtube, be sure to hit subscribe and to also leave a rating on iTunes.

Happy Mother's Day

May Player Profile

Stephanie Corlew is this months player profile. Mother to 3 year old son, this Portland Pig is one tough Rugger and is a menace on the pitch! an absolute delight and overall amazing person. I hope you take the time to get to know Stephanie and connect with her via Instagram, USA Rugby I hope you take notice.

(Stephanie and her son brantley)

Playing Info-

Began playing when she was 17 yrs old.
played for West Linn High school, currently plays for Portland Pigs

Positions- Outside Center and Flanker
Average 5 Tries a game.

Achievements-
Rookie of the year first year playing
Voted best Forward
2017 MVP

General Info-

Favorite hobbies are going to the gym, snow boarding and of course playing Rugby.

Fun Facts: Rugby nick name is Princess, Born on a leap year.

Mother to son Brantley (3-1/2 yr old), overall dedicated rugby player.

Random Rugby Questions-

LLR- What are your favorite rugby events to attend?

SC- Favorite Rugby events to attend, Vegas 7's hands down and Maggotfest

LLR- Favorite rugby player male or female?

SC- Portia Woodman

LLR- What would you say to that young female athlete on why she should go out for rugby?

SC- Rugby is my outlet, it's such a strong empowering sport. it has taught me so much about myself, how to really push myself and make myself better. Not only is it a physical sport but its very mental. I think every young women should try rugby.

-Highlight reel-

For anyone wanting to get in touch and fallow Stephanie feel free to fallow her on Instagram- @rugbyprincess29

*if you have a player you wish to have profiled please email info at llrugby@yahoo.com

Scores 4/23/18

Boys
Oregon City 40 - Lincoln HS 5
Eastside 24 - Beaverton Barbarians 22
SFGG 35 - CK McClatchy 19
Napa 81 - Edison HS 7

Girls
Reynolds 35 - Timberwolves 0 (F)

Men's
San Jose Seahawks 26 - SFGG 22

Scores

Scores from 4/7-4/10

Boys

Oakland 66 - Pleasanton 24

San Joaquin memorial HS 33 - Southside 17

Elsie Allen 38 - NAPA 12

Newberg Hs 17 - Oregon city 19
Reynolds 35 - Summit HS 0

Girls

Valley Panthers 35- Reynolds 0
Linn Benton 49 - Newberg 20
Bishop O'Dowd (W) 0- Milpitas 0
Solo Falcons 58 - 35 Chico Oaks 

Mens

ORSU 44 - 12 Portland Lumberjacks 

Player Profile- Royce Fisher

Royce played high school rugby through the Los Gatos youth Rugby program and is now with the Santa Barbara Rugby academy . Here is a quick profile and some achievements he has accomplished thus far in his young rugby career.

Royce Fisher

Age: 18

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 195 lbs
Bench Press: 295
Powerclean: 285
Deadlift: 405
Squat: 425
40-yard dash: 4.65
Achievements 

All Team Selection

NorCal Middle School All Stars 7th & 8th grade
NorCal JV team, 2015, Bakersfield
Selected USA high school training camp, Arizona, 2015
Selected Rhino Rugby Academy, Vegas 7’s All-Stars, 2016; Rhino Rugby Academy Philly 7’s 2016

Team achievements
U-10’s: 2nd place NorCal Championship
U-12’s: Perfect Season ( 22-0)
Middle school: NorCal Champions ( LW)
High School JV: NorCal semi-finals 2015 (top division)
High School JV 7’s: NorCal semi-finals
High School Barbarians: West Coast Invitational, 2016 ( Treasure Island, San Francisco)

High School Varsity 7’s, 2016 semi finals

Currently at Santa Barbara Rugby Academy as a freshman. Plans to transfer to a high profile rugby school possibly BYU. After graduation will be playing club rugby in Wellington New Zealand with Norths or  Oriental Rongatai .

Three quick Q's

- Who will you support in the MLR?

RF: Utah Warriors

- What international team do you support?

RF: New Zealand All Blacks

- If there was one player you could choose to play side by side, past or present who would that be and why?

RF: I would pick Jonah Lomu, just because of his size and aathleticism it would be amazing to share the field with one of the best players of all time.

* If you would like to get in touch with Royce please contact him at: roycefisher1999@gmail.com




If you have a player you want to recommend for a profile please email LLR @ llrugby@yahoo.com , please provide information and contact info.

Autism awareness day

Today marks the beginning of Autism Awareness month. 1 in 68 kids are dignosed with autism every day. but autism is more then just Rain-Man, its a wide spectrum. Some people yes may not like to talk or look at you in the eyes but there are those who will do anything to get a smile out of you , for you to show them you care and love them.

#Autismawareness and # Autismacceptance

#AutisminRugby

2018 RAN matches.

The schedule for Rugby Americas North (RAN) annual Men’s 15s Competition has been released, and includes eleven matches from April through July. Eight RAN teams plus the USA South representative team will compete in three divisions–Championship, Cup and Trophy. Bermuda, USA South, Cayman Islands and Trinidad & Tobago will compete in the top Championship division. Jamaica and Barbados will play a home and away match each in the Cup division, and Curacao, Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe will compete in the Trophy division. For the 2018 season, Guyana and Mexico are playing in the new Americas Rugby Challenge in August along with South American Rugby teams, Columbia and Paraguay.  The second place finisher of the two RAN teams in the new competition will play the top team from the RAN 2018 Championship division, excluding USA South. The winner will compete in the 2019 Americas Rugby Challenge and the loser will play in the 2019 Men’s 15s RAN Championship division, and will assume the division rank held by the Championship team that contested the playoff. Home field advantage will be awarded to the Championship winning team. This year the competition will also feature promotion and relegation between the 2018 Cup and Championship divisions, with either Jamaica or Barbados moving up to the Championship in 2019. The last place finisher in the Championship will be relegated to the 2019 Cup division. Currently no promotion or relegation is slated between the Cup and Trophy divisions, but RAN hopes to included more teams in the 2019 tournament. So as to ensure that all Members have the opportunity to play at least one senior men’s 15 a-side international match in 2018, Turks and Caicos will play the British Virgin Islands on May 12th in Providenciales and St. Lucia will play and home match versus St. Vincent and The Grenadines at a date to be confirmed. RAN General Manager and Tournament Director Niall Brooks remarked on the changes: “Everyone at RAN are excited about the new format of the RAN Senior Men’s 15 a-side tournament. Over the years, the existing format was becoming stale with the same teams playing each other year after year.  The new format sees teams from the North and South playing against each other in the same divisions and also promotion and relegation between the Americas Rugby Challenge and the Championship, and the Championship and the Cup divisions. This in turn creates a pathway whereby teams can progress and ultimately test themselves against some of the top teams in Sudamerica Rugby. The tournament also ensures that all teams play at least one home match, thereby helping to promote and develop rugby locally.” Fixtures, results and standings for the 2018 tournament can be found on the tournament website at www.rugbyamericasnorth.com/mens15s and fans can follow on social media using the hashtag #RAN15s.

NorCal Rugby 3/27

Premier Varsity A

1- Jesuit 

2- CK McClatchy

3- Granite Bay

4- Lamorinda

5- SFGG

Premier Varsity B

1- Ck McClatchy

2- Granite Bay

3- Danville

4- Jesuit

5- Marin

Boys D I

1- De La Salle

2- Bullard

3- SacPD Pal

4- Cougars

5- Oakland

Boys JV D I

1- Razor Hawks

2- De La Salle

3- Christian Bros

4- Elk Grove

5- SacPD PAL

Girls D I

1- SacPD PAL Amazons

2- Bishop O'Dowd 

3- Land Park Harlequin

4- River City HS

5- Pleasanton 

Denver June , 23

Tickets available now @ Ticketmaster

NorCal 3/18/18 Rankings

Premier Varsity A

1- CK McClatchy

2- Granite Bay

3- Jesuit

4- Danville

5- Mother Lode

Premier Varsity B

1- Ck McClatchy

2- Danville

3- Jesuit

4- Granite Bay

5- Marin

Boys D I

1- De La Salle

2- Cougars

3- Bullard

4- SacPD PAL

5- Oakland

Boys JV D I

1- Razor Hawks

2- De La Salle

3- Christian Bros

4- Los Gatos

5- SacPD PAL

Girls D I

1- Bishop O'Dowd

2- SacPD PAL Amazons

3- River City HS

4- Land Park Harlequins

5- Pleasanton