Welcome to the Jungle

 Located in the county of Yamhill, the Valley Panthers have built themselves into a consistent player in the girls side of Rugby Oregon. Lead by second year head coach Christine Bader the panthers finished only 3rd in the high school state championship. With a emphasis on building comradery amongst her players who hail from various schools in the area, Christine is excited for what the future holds and not only where her program falls into growing the game but also where female rugby will be in the coming years. 

 

LLR- How long have you been coaching the Panthers? 

C- I joined as assistant coach for the spring seasons in 2022 and 2023, and became head coach following the spring 2023 season.

LLR- Why coach rugby? What sets the sport apart from others?

C- I’ve played and coached other sports, but rugby’s “third half” in which teams share a post-game meal at all levels creates an insanely collaborative culture. Stepping in as the Panthers head coach this year, I’ve benefited so much from the generosity of other coaches, in and outside of Rugby Oregon. We’re competitive in that we want our teams to perform their best, but first and foremost we all want to grow the game together.

LLR- When were the Panthers founded?

C- In 2003-04—we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary this year! The club was founded by a McMinnville High School chemistry teacher, DeVon Cutrell.

LLR- How many players does the club have?

C- We had 30 players on our roster this spring.

LLR- How did the 2024 season go for the team?

C- We went 2-3 in league play, finishing 3rd overall in the state.

LLR- In your opinion have you seen a growth of girls rugby in Oregon or can there be more done to help grow it more?

C- Apparently there were 18 girls teams in Oregon before the pandemic! So yes, there’s a lot that we need to do to rebuild. Rugby Oregon does registration and scheduling; but there’s so much more to do in terms of proactively recruiting and supporting coaches and players, fundraising, liaising with schools, developing curricula for girls’ health and leadership development, and strengthening pathways before and after high school rugby.

LLR- Between the Premier Rugby 7s and now the recently announced Women's Elite Rugby, are these competitions that your players are excited for and an opportunity for you to help bolster the numbers for players coming out? 

C- Of course: the more rugby, the better! I’d point to a few other competitions that are more immediate to my players: the rapid growth of women’s collegiate rugby, so my players have a sense of what their next step could be; the Olympics, since it brings the sport to a mainstream viewing audience; and Girls Rugby Inc., which runs flag rugby for girls in grades 2-8, and is on a mission to grow the game in the U.S. leading up to the Women’s World Cup in 2033!

LLR- 2033 will be here soon: Do you think Oregon should host a few matches for the World Cup, or should games be played at other locations? 

C- It would be amazing to have World Cup matches here! Portland in particular is a hotbed of women’s and girls rugby, with the Portland Pigs and ORSU womxn’s clubs, and the biggest girls’ team in our league, the East County Grackles; and women’s sports more generally, with The Sports Bra bar that only shows only women’s sports earning national media coverage, and the very popular Portland Thorns soccer team. Outside of Portland, the Oregon Sharks is a top-notch elite squad; and on the women’s collegiate front, the University of Oregon’s Dirty Ducks and Western Oregon University’s Wolves just went to 7s Nationals! So yes, World Cup planners, Oregon is ready to welcome you with open arms!!!

LLR- Valley Panthers is a multi-school program, how is the relationship between players coming from different schools?

C- We’ve spent a lot of time fostering 1:1 relationships to break down any barriers between schools—we had six different high schools represented this season!—and it’s been surprisingly seamless. We’re all Panthers!

LLR- Do you have words of encouragement for young girls currently playing in middle school, elementary, on continuing playing rugby as they move up in grades? 

C- Unfortunately there are few elementary and middle school opportunities for girls to play rugby in Oregon right now. But Girls Rugby Inc. is working to fill that gap!

LLR- What's the best way for everyone to follow the team and get updates? 

C- Instagram @Valley.panthersrugby, or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/valleypanthersgirlsrugby. 

 We also have a basic website at https://valleypanthers.carrd.co/, though it’s not updated as often as our social media accounts. But our contact information is there—feel free to reach out any time!

 I would like to thank Christine very much for her responses and I would also like to acknowledge the previous female leaders and players of their respective clubs that I have interviewed. The way each of them talks so passionately and cares deeply for their teams, players and teammates and the development of not just the athletes themselves but also taking the time to care for each one of them as a individual person. It gives me hope as a father with some of my young girls already involved with Girls Rugby inc. that the path women's rugby is heading down right now here in America , the game is due for a explosion from the bottom up. If people like these women I've spoken with in the last 4-6 months continue to be involved and continue to keep doing what they are doing, I for one feel confident and comfortable leaving my kids in the hands of individuals to help mold them into great athletes and also great humans, and that the USA Eagles women's will be a force on the pitch come 2033.

Grace the busy Beaver - part UNO

  

 When something like this does come together I am very excited and very proud to be able to share with you a small insight into another player/club that most may not have an opportunity to hear about since most of the larger publishing sites tend to focus on the bigger named schools. None the less I am very excited to shine the light on an amazing rugby player whos' played collegiate rugby in two different regions of our country and has contributed so much to both program's. Grace Galles is a very passionate person about her role with Oregon State University's rugby club and also where she would like to see her personally and professionally. A jack of all trades in the back line Grace can be another name you all will hear come 2033. personally I look forward to seeing her in person play while also showing my own young girls a positive role model to aspire to here in Corvallis.

This is part 1 of 2, part two will be published in the coming days.

LLR- Where are you from originally? 

G- I grew up on a farm, but the closest town was Washta, IA.

LLR- How are you liking living in the Pacific northwest?  

G- I love living in the PNW! It’s admittedly very different from living in the Midwest and takes some adjustment, but it is incredibly beautiful (and much more temperate).

 

LLR- How was your playing experience when you played for Iowa?  

G- My experience with Iowa was pretty split. My teammates were and continue to be inspirations and fantastic leaders in rugby at the collegiate, international, and coaching levels. At the same time, the experience with my coach at the time sort of soured my experience and made my growth as a young rugby player pretty difficult.

LLR- How is your experience with OSU and are there some differences between the two clubs?  

G- OSU has been fantastic. It’s pretty similar in that when I have played for both, we have been developing teams. I personally love building up teams and encouraging a new generation of players. The biggest difference has been the unmitigated support I’ve gotten at Oregon State, and the confidence my coaches have in me to continue to compete at a higher level.

LLR- Your role with OSU is social media, is there any frustration with that role or opposite?  

G- Social media has been super fun! I actually design most of our posts in between sets at the gym, so it isn’t too time consuming, and I’ve have gotten a lot of kind words from teammates on how our social media has been looking. It’s a fun position, and I love seeing our fan base grow.

LLR- How has the current season been going for the Lady Beavers?  

G- The current season has been really promising thus far. We have ~50 active players, which has been such a big change from barely fielding a 15s side the past few years. This means we have a ton of new players, but they are all so incredibly driven and talented. We’ve had a few rough matches but each started out with so much intensity and promise that I’m looking forward to what the winter season has to bring. Oh, and our developing side is undefeated, so the future is looking pretty bright

 LLR- What's been one of your highlights while playing with OSU?  

G- In terms of overall, it has probably been getting to learn so many new positions. A year ago, because of a teammate being sick, I got moved to scrumhalf for the first time and have been there ever since. I’ve recently played 8, and while I’m not sure that’s my calling, it has definitely been fun to play around. In terms of individual moments, playing 7s this last spring and absolutely dominating gave our team so much confidence and really shocked quite a few other teams and refs. 

LLR- There is a push to get women’s rugby to varsity status with the NCAA, in your opinion since playing with two collegiate club teams, should both IOWA and OSU move to make each club Varsity or are they just fine being at club status?  

G- Honestly, this is a tough question. Varsity sports get more funding, more attention, and there is a lack of contact sports for women at the collegiate level that definitely needs to be addressed. For that, I think varsity status would do a lot of good for clubs like OSU and Iowa. But that also implies that we have enough younger players to be recruited and competitive at a varsity level. I’m all for varsity status, I know that is a huge goal for both teams. But I also think we need to build at younger ages first to start seeing that kind of growth in the US

LLR- How can people follow yourself and the Beavers?  

G- I’m @gracegalles on I think every social I have ever had, and the OSU team is @osuwomxnrugby on Instagram and we livestream on @OregonStateWomxnsRugby on YouTube!  

Battle in the Capitol

 

click on link for more information ---> https://www.pacificcoastrl.com/news/oregon-inaugural-game

Oregon Rugby League

All are welcomed all Oregonians are encouraged to join and help us grow the game. #RugbyforAll 

Pride of a Nation

  When I first moved to Oregon I began to look into the rugby scene through the state. Many club names kept coming up but Battle Ground always stuck out, the name alone would make anyone interested as to why Battle Ground. Some years passed and now that we are coming out of covid and rugby is now being played I wanted to recheck in and see what programs are coming back online and who's playing. I couldn't find anything about Battle Ground but Chinook now took its place. So when I did a quick search it came to my attention that Chinook rugby is Battle Ground youth rugby. I Thank Lance , club vice president and head youth coach,  for taking the time to answer some questions and giving great insight to where this amazing program is and going. Even though located in the state of Washington,  Chinook Rugby sits just outside Portland and near Vancouver, WA plays under the Rugby Oregon banner. 

LLR- Chinook Rugby was previously named Battle Ground Youth Rugby and Hockinson Youth Rugby, why the name change?

LH- Most of our players originally were from those areas so were known as that. We represent all of North & West Clark County so formed a club to encompassed the wider community and a new name search began. Went through the process of considering lots of names like Clark County but another club/team had that, the mountains like St. Helens and Silver Star we could see from our original home field. We moved from that to wanting to represent  the heritage and native culture of the area. First name that came to mind was the Klickitat tribe and the battle they were to have with the Army became known as Battle Ground, but having klickitat as a neighboring county might again be confusing. The next tribe in the region were the Chinook so we approached the Chinook Indian Nation for permission to use the name, they gave us their blessing and to this day we still liaise with the tribe and have their support.

 

LLR- What age levels does Chinook offer for those interested in joining?

LH- Cater for all student athletes. Officially 3^rd to 12^th grade but often get 1^st and 2^nd grade that can cut it with the 3^rd graders and are keen to play, so we welcome them to participate. The 3-6^th play non-contact co-ed Flag Rugby and 7^th grade up we commence Tackle Rugby with boys and girls teams. The divisions are now all in 2 year brackets to ensure safety and appropriate size.

 

LLR- With the covid pandemic have the programs seen numbers dropped with registration?

LH- Short answer is yes. 2020 was tough on all sports, rugby included. We did pre-season practices for 8 weeks, had our pre-season Jamboree and 3 days later the season was cancelled. We wanted to get students back out in 2021 so delayed the start to the season. For the older grades it was not feasible to do tackle rugby wearing a mask and we also had to localize the league as crossing boarders was not recommended. Not to be deterred we had a successful season of Touch Rugby with the generous help and support from Portland Touch. We had 86 turn out for the Spring and another 19 new to the sport with Girls Rugby in the Fall, so achieved our goal of getting student athletes out of lock-down and back outside having fun with their mates. 2022 we still have the largest club in the Rugby Oregon league (OR & SW WA) with 108 eager and ready to go for this Spring season.

 

LLR- What is a few highlights that Chinook rugby has experienced over the years?

LH- Sometimes the first thing some think of is State Championship titles. Yes, all our divisions have those. The HS Boys have a couple, HS Girls have more, and they are both currently hold the title since the last competitive league in 2019. Highlights are more than State Titles for us, it is about the growth or providing the sport to local student athletes. Best I explain with some bullet points on history of the growth in our club:

• 2007 Founding of Rugby in our local area by Coach Andre de Klerk with a combined Battle Ground & Prairie High Schools boys team.
• 2011 Introduced the HS Girls Lady Pack team.
• 2012 First youth 4-6^th grade team and a 2^nd combined High Schoolboys team. 4 teams, 78 players.
• 2013 First 7/8^th Boys team and another 4-6^th. High School boys divided into Prairie Wolf Pack & Battle Ground Bulls school teams.
• 2014 Added another 7/8^th boys team. 7 teams, 105 players.
• 2015 Introduced 7/8^th Girls and 4-6^th became 3/4^th and 5/6^th grade. 8 teams, 138 players.
• 2016 First official year for 7/8^th Girls and now 2 of each 3/4^th and 5/6^th. 10 teams, 168 players.
• 2017 Split High School and had 1^st JV team. 11 teams.
• 2018 More 3/4^th and 5/6^th with 3 of each. 13 teams, 189 players.
• 2019 First club in OR and SW WA to have 4 x 5/6^th teams. 14 teams 200 players.

 

LLR- When is the first game for 2022 season?

LH- Pres-season tournament was March 12^th and first round of the league March 19^th. Season runs until the finals on May 21^st.

 

LLR- Are there any key players that everyone should keep an eye out for in the coming season?

LH- That is a tough question. With so many missing out the last 2 years and all the Freshman missed their Middle School tackle. We are proud to say we got 5 players into college scholarships this current school year and are looking to do better than that after this season. Aiden Kerr is one of those and he is really making his mark with the WWU team and he could very well go all the way to a national side. We have 2 seniors, Israel Duncan and Brett Ebert that have already been accepted into WWU rugby team so watch out for them this season. On the High School Girls side there are some Freshman like Mae Otoupal, Clara Kapelka, Dillynn Ledbetter who were outstanding as 8^th graders in last year’s touch season and represented us in the high performance teams, so with 4 years in tackle ahead of them they are looking good to go far in the sport.

 

LLR- How can people follow along on what's happening ?

LH- We try our best to keep the community up to date with practice and game schedules. We have put a lot of work into our website to do this so all you need do is go to: https://www.chinookrugby.com/2022-spring-schedule

 

LLR- Many youth programs have various ways of recruiting new players, what's the one or two ways that Chinook has found to be the most effective way of getting new people to join?

LH- Yes, we put a lot of our fundraising dollars into flyers into schools, social media and the like, but word of mouth is what we have found to be most effective. To achieve that we stand by our clubs one and only priority goal for the youth of “Have Fun At Practice And On Game Day”. Even with the season about to start I still have kids coming to me and saying this is so much fun, can I bring a friend along. A long time servant of the game, fellow Kiwi who got me into the club in 2013, and past Head Coach of Prairie High School team who took them to 2 State titles in 2014 and 2019, once said to me. “If you can start the pre-season with 10 of 12 players you will have a full squad of 23 before the season starts. Just be a good coach make it enjoyable and they will all bring a mate along”. And yes when he won State in 2019 that is exactly what he did.

 

LLR- Seattle has the Seawolves, many of our hopes is that eventually another MLR team joins the PNW. Is a Portland team the final piece needed for rugby growth in Oregon?

LH- That is a great question. I love going to Seawolves games and a best mate and fellow coach Bradford Batten has season tickets. The growth of the sport will eventually need another team and Portland is and ideal spot for that. I see from Super Rugby and Northern hemisphere they sometimes struggle maintaining a high standard when they have too many teams vying for the same pool of players. Then again isn’t it great to see teams like Moana Pasifika and Fiji now in the Super Rugby.

The Rugby Oregon Red Hawks, our high performance teams, have built a relationship with The Loggers, the USA pathways academy in our region. They in turn are supported by the Seawolves with coach and player education. It is great for a coach like me down in SW WA to be involved in meetings with the Seawolves coaches and players.

—

  I wish all those in the Chinook Rugby programs the best this season, and I look forward to following them not just this year but in the many years to come. 

*if you have a program, youth, College or senior level that you wanted featured here please reach out at llrugby@yahoo.com or on any social media accounts. 

Oregon College Rugby Seminar

Make sure to head to rugbyoregon.com For more information. 

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. 

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

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 

RUGBY OREGON standings 4/21

Boys Club Championship
1- North Side Panthers
2- Polk County
3- Beaverton Barbarians A
4- North Clackamas crusaders
5- Clark County warriors

Boys Varsity Premiership
1- Union High School 1
2- Lincoln High school
3- Portland Pumas
4- Summit High School
5- Oregon City

Girls Club Championship
1- Grant
2- Lady Barbarians
3- North Clackamas
4- Battle Ground
5- West Linn

Girls Varsity Premiership
1- Linn Benton
2- Valley Panthers
3- Canby
4- Reynolds
5- East Oregon Wendigo

Rugby Oregon Rankings 4/15

 

Boys Club championship-
1- Northside Panthers
2- Polk County
3- Beaverton Barbarians A
4- Bend Blues
5- East Oregon Sasquatch

 Boys Varsity Premiership-
1- Union High School 1
2- Portland Pumas
3- Lincoln High School
4- Reynolds High School
5- Battle Ground High School

 Girls Varsity Premiership-
1- Linn Benton
2- Canby
3- Valley Panthers
4- Reynolds
5- Cleveland

 Girls Club Championship-
1- Grant
2- Battle Ground
3- Lady Barbarians
4- North Clackamas
5- West Linn

*rankings are my own doing, only influenced from the current standings that Rugby Oregon has posted on there own website.