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pre-Spring, 2024

Greater Rocky Mountain Regional Rugby Report

Vipers scrumhalf, Lili Toki

image: Tabitha Lockhart

Contents The Referee: All in, all the time! pp. 2-5 Women’s Elite Division 1: Utah Vipers – our region’s top-flight women’s program pp. 6-8 CSOBs, St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, From the Wayback Room: pp. 9-11 Rocky Mountain Rugby Union: from the desk of President Anthony Fisher p. 12 College Rugby Association of America: with Commissioner Josh Sutcliffe pp. 13-15 Happy Birthday, Rabbie: p. 15 Pro Rugby Roundup: 6 Nations looksee, Gallagher Premiership, Top 14, United Rugby Championship Wraps: pp.16-19 Summer 15s in the Rocky Mountains: what’s the plan post-high school/college? pp. 20, 21 High School 15s: East meets East: p. 22 Back Pages: Crossword #3, Daktari’s Cypher, Down the Pub: pp. 23, 24 Bold, underlined, red font and images outlined in red = links

The Referee There is one player on the rugby pitch without whom a match could not take place and that is the field magistrate, or referee. World Rugby, the global governing organ for our sport of rugby union, states it simply: “The referee is the sole judge of fact and of law,” during the match itself. This means that, at the end of the day (or the end of phase play), the referee makes the call, indicated by whistle and hand signal, which enables the match to continue within the rules of play. A model rugby referee must demonstrate self control, employ impartiality, provide for a safe space to rugby, and nurture an atmosphere of equitable competition; such an individual is Chris Brewer. Chris began his rugby on the wing while living with the expat community in Budapest, Hungary. “I ran track in college, so naturally they put me on the wing,” he recalls. So started a career in rugby that has taken Brewer halfway round the globe to Colorado, where he plies his rugby trade with a whistle, well-worn boots, and an affable, engaging manner that is the hallmark of a great match official. In the rugby continuum, Chris sees the referee taking the back seat to what he refers to as “the game itself“ -the organic and cumulative effort of Chris' 1st match happened in the Pacific Northwest - with Tacoma coach, Marc Sullivan and referee Peter Buckley at Budd Bay, Olympia, WA: Liberty RC v Budd Bay everyone involved, whether they be player, touchjudge or spectator. Though a referee has total control over the match, it is best when they are a background entity. He feels, “player safety takes priority,” and that, “referees are there only to ensure the game has structure within the (Rule of) Law. In the unspoken connectivity of implied consent that is the relationship between the match official and the players on the pitch, he knows that “players commit to playing in that Brewer (in blue, top-right scrum) minds the put in the NCR match on campus at Regis University, Denver

structure and the game forum for the contest.” He reasons that is a fundamental function of the referee and evinces that sentiment every time he works the whistle. Match management, the crux of refereeing, is Brewer’s specialty: “I try to set a positive and respectful tone. I believe players are willing to give you control once you gain respect. I try very hard early in the match to communicate clearly with, and not at, players. I intentionally now reflexively say, ‘Please,’ ‘Thank you,’ and ‘I hear what you are saying.’ whenever I speak with players, he explains and adds, “I am only there to help facilitate a fair match, not control the game.” He feels an important attribute a referee can display is, “Empathy. The players on the field are individuals with emotions, passion, and a deep connection to the game. I understand the excitement, nervousness, and determination they bring to each phase of play. I’m aware that my decisions profoundly impact the flow of the game and the emotions of those involved. So, I try hard to communicate each decision clearly and respectfully.”

Rugby Australia will trial an amended tackle law that “will see dangerous tackling now deemed to include, but not be limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the sternum” beginning in February 2024.

Brewer has officiated the game at all levels from youth through high school and on to the adult leagues, as well as on the post-amateur, pre-international stage. He Smart Tackle Education reckons his favorite rugby group to work with is, “high school (as it) involves players who are in the early stages of their rugby careers. It is a great opportunity, and I try very hard to pass on the tradition of our sport from the middle of the field,” and he backs that up both pre- and post- match. One can often see him on the sidelines chatting with players, coaches and spectators, delivering cogent explanation of his calls made and what laws apply to specific instances. “Refereeing high school involves more educational aspects, as players are still learning the intricacies of the game. As a referee, I’m conscious that I may need to explain decisions to players and coaches (LOL). Depending on the high school, the intensity and physicality of each side can vary wildly. So, keeping them safe is always top of mind.” He feels that, “players at the (adult) club level often have a better understanding of the laws and nuances of the game. So, as a referee, I expect a higher level of game awareness from each side.” No matter the level at which he works on the playing field, his favorite thing about refereeing is that “I have the best seat in the house!” After matches, Brewer can always be seen speaking with those interested in expanding their rugby knowledge. He enthuses that is a critical function: “It’s one of my favorite things to do. Most often, the people on the sidelines have overseeing Raptors v Seattle

had very little experience with the game. I try, first and foremost, to give them a framework for enjoying the game. What’s happening on the pitch and why? I then try to introduce them to what I call the ‘referee’s pantomime.’ What do all those hand gestures that the referee makes at the stoppage of play mean?” And he confides: “I’ve got it down to a three-minute speech.”

When asked if he models his game after any of the wide-range of International Test caliber referees, the congenial and highly-effective Brewer informs without hesitation, “Luke Pearce - he's the blueprint for how I referee. He exercises good judgment and has zero ego. He communicates wonderfully. He is not afraid to show his personality and enjoyment of the game. Best of all, you can watch a game and go through huge chunks, not even knowing he was on the pitch,” and that is truly a characteristic of a top-class referee. As Brewer mentors both player and spectator alike, he reflects upon those who have influenced his ability to interpret and apply the laws equitably. Former USA Rugby Referee chief, Jim Russell, has impacted him favorably, providing sage advice and supportive critique of his rugby. In the past, Chris admits to having been assessed as overtalkative. Russell, a legendary field magistrate in his own right, “encouraged me to be myself on the pitch. I am a chatty referee; some say too chatty. They taught me how to control that aspect of my personality and use it to my advantage.” Mr. Russell reports on Brewer: “He interacts well with the players and sidelines, with a good mix of authority and friendship, and he currently is quite a good referee. What has most impressed me about Chris’ refereeing is his development. I watched him several years ago at a high school game and he was ... quite mechanical. We had a long chat afterwards, about refereeing people and not just the Laws, the reasons for positioning and running paths, the goals a ref should have when he goes out onto the pitch. Subsequently he matured and developed faster than any referee I have ever seen. His improvement between that game and when I saw him a year or so later was phenomenal. And he continues to be quite a good ref, and a

You Too, Can Referee

Whether you’d like to join the Men and Women of the Whistle, or just want to increase your knowledge regards the rules of our game, USA Rugby and Rocky Mountain Rugby Referees provide information to obtain that end. Follow the bold red links on the grey background for more…

pleasure to work with and be around. Brewer’s ability to adapt to constructive criticism is possibly his greatest attribute as he constantly seeks to improve his presence and effect on both sides of touch.” Denver Highlanders head coach Scott Bredehoeft leaves no doubt as to the efficacy of Brewer’s expression: “We love having Brewer as a ref. Obviously as a coach, there are calls I disagree with, but he absolutely calls a very consistent game, (he) is very fair to both sides, and gets around the field, so he is usually in the right position to make the call,” reports the former University of Colorado and Highlanders fullback. “Additionally,” the ‘Landers pilot states, “He is just a super nice guy!” Chris has been, “married to my best friend for 31 years,” and informs that his favorite activity outside of our game is squash.” In a storied refereeing career to date, the Level 6-rated referee says his most memorable match was, “Possible vs. Probable for the USA Women's team at Glendale.” He recognizes that almost anything is possible when you’re on the pitch with a whistle, though he was somewhat nonplussed when, “I once had a flanker pull me into the scrum. He thought I was the opposing team scrumhalf!” If you’re ever witness to an individual dispensing the spirit of rugby on and/or off the pitch, as many a Rocky Mountain Rugby Referee will, that capable and easy-going person is very likely to be, our own Chris Brewer.

Regis University v University of Denver last fall: well-managed

Vipers Women’s Rugby out of Salt Lake City, Utah, are our imminent representatives to the Elite Division of USA Rugby Clubsides this spring. Vipers have been working the pill since 2014 and in that time have always expressed rugby’s highest standard. The club was created a decade past by current coaches, Olive Ahotaeiloa and David Shelledy, and has been in ascendency ever since.

Vipers WRC

image: Vipers

“The first few years we acted as a free agent. Playing any level team and as many tournaments as possible. We joined the RMRU… in 2018 so we could compete competitively. We would love to have a WPL side one day, but the program is not there yet. The only WPL (Women’s Premier League) teams we’ve played have been in social tournaments,” reports Viper Shannon Woolley, a veteran of more than 15 years on the pitch. The flanker, whose day job is as a Clinical Research Coordinator for Cardiology at the University of Utah Hospital, began playing in college as a backthree back, then flyhalf, before moving to the side of the scrum. En route to USA Clubsides, Vipers will prep for those knockouts with Front Range fixtures in Colorado April 6th, the RugbyDay, versus Black Ice and they’ll return a fortnight later to test 2023 Women’s Premier League champions, Gray Wolves. Vipers are active in the local sports community and Woolley reports, “We have a home match on (Saturday) April 13th. We (have) partnered with the other local women’s sports teams (Utah Wilds-ultimate frisbee, Falcon’s football), for a day of women’s action. It will be a full day of sports. Slugs, our D2 side, will start off the day and the Vipers will be playing right after against the Peaks.” Vipers claim lineout v Black Ice: #9, Lili Toki, ball taken by Shannon Woolley, lifters - Alauni Delacerna (front) and Soloau Te’o image: Tabitha Lockhart

Vipers have begun spring training, “We started indoor practice this past week,” Woolley informs, “Just once a week to get us moving and

working on our passes and support.” In this manner the XV intends to ease into the rigor of full-on rugby workouts to ensure the highest level of operation come the playoffs. Woolley feels the competition in our region high level, though, “It kind of changes each season. Both Gray Wolves and Black Ice have had years with solid teams that have given us great matches. If you can give us 80 minutes of high intensity rugby, and then go grab a beer after. We (Vipers) are a happy camper!” For the spring, she predicts, “If we maintain our rhythm, we will most likely be the representative for RMR union for Regionals.” As for an ideal matchup, that would be: “I would love to play Life West (Gladiatrix), but I think they went up to WPL (Women’s Premier League). Both years we went to regionals… we were knocked out by them.”

Fullback Dallas McKee on the counter image: Tabitha Lockhart

As a whole, Vipers are looking to improve, “Cardio fitness has always been our struggle,” says Woolley, “We need to be in support every time!” First to breakdown, first to the ball, first to the line as the old adage goes. The Vipers breakaway forward sees the club’s strengths as, “We have a very strong forward pack, several players that can play in the pack or with the backs, and we have a lot of experience playing on a team together.” So power, mobility and unity; aspects upon which to build a champion organization, exactly what Vipers rugby is and will ever be. As rugby players everywhere, Shannon Woolley is, “Excited for the season to begin,” echoing a team theme, and one should know that 2024 will be an extremely lively and productive year for the Vipers Women’s Rugby Club.

Vipers Tongan international, Hannah Makasini, against Santa Monica image: Tabitha Lockhart

Inside center, Queenette “Pepe” Toomalatai, seeking space image: Tabitha Lockhart Halfback Lili Toki passes to her three-quarter line image: Tabitha Lockhart

Blindside flanker, Kayla Molisi, powering through the defense v Santa Monica

Joyful Journey - Sanctuary for the Soulll San Luis Valley, Colorado l

image: Tabitha Lockhart

CSOB Winter Banquet & Elections February 24 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

@THE Campus Lounge, 701 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80209 (click here for directions) Join us for our 2024 Winter Social! It’s time to celebrate 2023 & kick 2024 into gear with dinner with friends, a silent auction, & elections, with your favorite “well-aged” rugby club. RSVP HERE We have a couple awards we hand out each year, Young Buck & 'Ol Poke. Please help us determine who should be recognized Awards nominations here While we're at it, the CSOBs is a volunteer-run organization. Please help us by nominating members or volunteering to run for a position on the board. Board nominations here Meal details coming soon. Click the following for the most up to date information https://csobrugby.org/event/csob-winter-banquet-elections-2/

From the Wayback Room

The night Team Canada, intown for the Churchill Cup (beat the French side in 2010!), came to 303 Rugby Club training – in red jerseys: kneeling on the left, Pat Riordan, captain; DTH van der Merwe, who played for Glasgow Warriors and Ospreys; Tyler Hotson, the engine, center rear with the wee one on his shoulders; Aaron Carpenter, 8man; and blindside flanker Nanyak Dala, reclining in front on the left – the fellows put the youths through their paces in fine rugby frame – with L. Chavez, C. J. Miller, J. Tafoya, Masi, L. Chavez IV, K. Hiraki, M. Shafroth, C. Garrett, D. Chavez and L. Hiraki. “Together we are better; United we are strong”

News of the Union Mr. Fisher has been in our game for an estimable amount of time, first as a player on the side of the scrum as breakaway flanker at Ohio Wesleyan University and after his move to Colorado the Chicago native settled with Denver Harlequins, “I bleed red and blue,” and has served in that club administration as Match Secretary as well as President. The Head of Data Management and Analytics at the Colorado Department of Revenue is well-poised to lead our manyheaded hydralike rugby organization for the foreseeable future. Fisher reports that prior work in investment banking and risk consulting means that he is comfortable leading teams: “Working on cross functional projects with multiple stakeholders,” the personable union chief feels that his experience, “standardizing and documenting processes, fiscal responsibility, and ability to foster good relationships,” are attributes that well-qualify him in his current role as Rocky Mountain Rugby Union President. The landscape of play in the spring will consist of a combination of union-sponsored events, individual club managed matches and fixtures versus our representatives at USA Rugbysponsored clubsides (so in theory if a club were to want to test themselves at the top level, then an approach to our representative clubside: Haggis, Viperz, Barbo, Grizzlies, etc., would not be an errant move when setting up the club’s spring schedule. Best that clubs and their match secretaries are proactive with respect to spring scheduling. Fisher envisions his job as one that has the ability, “to bring people together through rugby. (Presently), we as rugby players and supporters have a major opportunity in the US to Desk of: Anthony gain traction. There’s not only the aspect of playing, which is exciting and intriguing to Fisher President, Rocky most outsiders, but there is (also) a true supporter culture around the sport; a healthy Mountain Rugby Union sense of community. When you think about (sports) rivalries, like my Bears versus the Packers, hatred for the other team and its supporters seems to make its way to the forefront. In rugby, we may support different sides, but there is mutual respect in love for the game,” a predominant feeling amongst the rugby cohort. A major event on the spring horizon, Fisher informs, will be the USA Rugby Clubside SuperRegional on the first weekend in May (3-5). The union is currently investigating a number of venues for the event with the primary requirement a facility with plenty of space for the number of representative XVs from the Geographic Rugby Unions (GRUs) of Mid-America, MidWest and Rocky Mountain; all who will be competing in the first round of 2024 USA Rugby Clubsides, first stop on the Road to the National Championships. Denver Barbarians, reigning champs, will begin their 2023 D2 title defense and Colorado Springs Grizzlies, second in the nation last year, will seek to close the deal in 2024. We will keep you posted on the TICR blog when further information becomes available.

CRAA

The College Rugby Association of America (CRAA) is the organ that manages our top level game in the United States. Its Commissioner of Men’s Division 1AA and Division 2, Josh Sutcliffe, is representative of CRAA’s determination and its expressed ability to bring the best of post-high school, pre-adult rugby to America. CRAA is made up of six divisions that comprise the premier collegiate rugby program in the country: Men’s Division 1A and Division 1AA and Division 2; and Women’s Elite Division, Division 1 and Division 2. Mr. Sutcliffe feels the greatest strength he brings to his job is, “Experience at different levels and roles within rugby in the US. I’ve coached college (CA, NC), worked for USA Rugby in Coach Education, and I’ve played (CA, NC, CO). So I like to think that I bring an ability to listen to the problems and be able to find commonalities between different groups to move forward.” He is a seeker of solutions rather than a promoter of division. Transitioning from a non-rugby background to one that is decidedly rugby-centric is not accomplished easily and that is something that Sutcliffe is well-past. In particular he identifies, “roles working as Director/Head Coach at Stanford where I coached the men and women, and supported the administration of the conferences,” as pertinent background prep for the critical job of managing over 200 college programs. He has also, “helped run events at Stanford including PAC Rugby 7s, playoffs and finals. I think I am able to listen to the needs of the players, the coaches and the conference administrators, so we can work together to create strong competitions that bring excitement and opportunities to players.” Arguably just the type of individual that has got both a plentiful rugby cv and is able to image: CRAA make ideas into actionable items. Short term, Sutcliffe is enthusiastic regarding his ability to cut a wide swath: “I think my background from USA Rugby Coach Development and the connection I have with coaches around the country (of vital import). I’m really excited to support the continued growth through helping colleges and (their) programs improve, players get more opportunities and the conferences produce better rugby.” Sutcliffe reckons his near decade at Stanford University and the accomplishments of the rugby program there while he was at the helm his proudest moments thus far: “I think that seeing the performance on the field is rewarding, but the greatest rewards of coaching is seeing the development of players off the field.” While working at USA Rugby, he feels, “the co-development of the Elite Coach Development Program and the High School Stars and Stripes program that has created opportunities for people to get representative coaching experience is something that I’m really proud of”

CRAA’s primary focus is, “on growth through competition, which we believe will produce players that want to remain involved and become the backbone of an inclusive, passionate rugby community,” and in this manner he looks to provide pathway both for Men’s and Women’s Eagles, as well as the transition to adult competitions. Josh continues, “I think that part of the way we ignite sustainable development is creating different levels of competitive structures for collegiate competitions. For Men’s D1A and Women’s D1 Elite, these programs are (currently) running as varsity or varsity-like clubs. We are looking to create competitions that allow the next generation of Eagles to develop under competitive intensity. For the Men’s D1A/D1AA and Women’s D1 and D2 we see creating competitions that allow all different levels of college clubs to be able to strive to compete and create memories for their student-athletes. Additionally with strong competitions, we create opportunities for student-athletes to access the Eagles pathway. At CRAA, we really strive to continue to raise the standard of what it takes to compete on the field…I think this is what sustainable development is: the ability of competitions to continue to evolve on the field, play and create opportunities for clubs to play at the appropriate level for their resources and their student bodies. To be honest, I think uniting is one of the more difficult tasks because the United States is a diverse set of states, each has diverse perspectives and needs within each state. The ability to unite, I think comes behind national team that capture the imagination at the Olympics, the World Cup, the Sevens Series or Test matches. My hope is that we continue to build our USA U-20 (program) and show (that) there are players coming through the ranks from youth, high school and colleges and they are able to compete with anyone in the world.” American rugby has underdeveloped transition phases. Sutcliffe responds that, “CRAA encourages college teams to connect with local senior clubs. This fosters connections especially at state schools.” There are plenty opportunities for college sides to scrimmage or practice with men’s or women’s XVs, it is often a matter of simply communicating the desire to play: college-to-club, or club-to-college and this, says Josh, “is one way to foster the transition…it’s a lot easier to go out and play with someone you already know than a group of strangers.” He knows, “CRAA coaches agree that they want their players to be exposed to and experience different rugby cultures over the summer (7s/15s), (on a) semester abroad, or on tour with select sides. With our roots deep in the club community, the CRAA Executive Committee looks for ways to create less obstacles in connecting with the senior clubs. To be honest, I think one of the biggest obstacles is the time to commute for a young professional and the lack of organization for some senior clubs. It can be discouraging to take a step backwards in organization,” as college and adult clubs have vastly different structures. There are presently two distinct collegiate rugby organizations in the United States, CRAA and NCR. When asked if ever the twain will converge, Sutcliffe is absolutely open to that event’s occurrence: “I think there are opportunities. With the collegiate club rugby structure, the ability to serve everyone is difficult. At the moment, we have teams from both competitions competing against each other. From a competition level, CRAA and NCR seem to be serving different communities and different ideas about seasonality. With rugby predominately a club sport at college, I think it is important to recognize these differences and look to create opportunities for teams to compete at an appropriate level against the right level of competition; blowouts aren’t terribly image: CRAA beneficial, if they are regular. If we are to work together, I think it would look like optimizing the strengths of the different perspectives to create the best opportunities for conferences to create competitive competitions, to support clubs in providing the best training environments at club sport, varsity-like or varsity level and to create pathways for players to pursue different ambitions driven by their personal motivations.” Together we are better; united we are strong. Sutcliffe has a particular affection for Colorado and its Mountain Rugby League, the only ongoing summer 15s league in the nation: “I love the mountain competition. I never played in it, but I have had a ton of mates that have played in it. I think it is great way for players to continue their development with different coaches and experiences. For the players that don’t want to play 7s, this provides a real opportunity for them to continue to train with a purpose.” But he

temporizes, “However, I don’t think all players should play because if they have physical goals that require an off-season, they should prioritize those goals if they are serious about taking the next step.” In terms of shoring up the high school-to-college rugby pipeline, typically forthright, “At the moment, I don’t have a strong plan.” Though he taps into the large cohort of CRAA’s coaches, “I want to listen to what different colleges are doing. I want to create stories and social media content, to allow the D1AA programs to show out. I think there are some really strong D1AA programs that compete on the field and offer connection/belonging off the field. I think there are some schools that may be able to support high school students and others that can not. I think I want to know the landscape more.” Upcoming Significant events for CRAA rugby include Women’s D1 Elite National Championship in April (keep tuned to the TICR blog for more info); the CRAA National Championships in Houston first weekend in May with Men’s 15s, and Women’s 7s champions will be crowned; late in May, there will be a D1AA 7s competition in Bellingham, WA; and at the beginning of June, the Men’s D1A 7s Championship.

2024 Six Nations Tournament Round 1: 2.2-4 Round 2: 2.10, 11 Round 3: 2.24, 25 Round 4: 3.9, 10 Round 5: 3.16 Three XVs will be without significant starters: Ireland former captain Johnny Sexton is gone; England’s Owen Farrell has retired from Test duty; and France will be without the services of both 2023 halfbacks, Dupont and Ntamack, though Ntamack may be returned from injury at some point in Les Bleus campaign. These absences will have a leveling effect on action. Expect many loopy, over-thetop, searching boots to space as strategies evolve to loosen threequarter line defensive rushes and expand backline expression. It will be interesting to see if Italy are able to build on last year’s Six Nations success without the guidance of head coach, Kieran Crowley, and how Wales will respond to the exit of long term pilot, Warren Gatland. France, Ireland and Wales all have three home Tests this season, while Scotland's two home fixtures, v France and the Auld Enemy, could put it in position for a Grand Slam decider last round at Lansdowne Road. Of all the change-ups through the competing countries’ national sides, it is highly likely that Ireland with its tight, boisterous forward pack will likely be the side sipping from championship glass at the end of March 16.

Round the European Professional Competitions & The World In the English League, Northampton Saints have marched in to the head of the class on a run of five straight wins plus three in the Champions Cup, they are truly a form club just now. Halfback conduit of Alex Mitchell-to-Fin Smith functioning in fine fettle, and the counter and cover of George Furbank&Co withering opponents backthree as they are spatially competent. Harlequins, Bath and Chiefs are close on the Saints hind and separated by less than one happy ending. Play resumes Saturday, January 26. Club

Won

Lost

Drawn

Table Pts

+/- Diff

Northampton Saints

Harlequins

Bath

Exeter Chiefs

Sale Sharks

-26

Saracens

Leicester Tigers

Bristol Bears

Gloucester

-107

Newcastle Falcons

-195

Friday, 1.26 Harlequins v Leicester Saturday, 1.27 Northampton v Newcastle Bristol v Bath Saracens v Exeter Sunday, 1.28 Gloucester v Sale

The French League is in its normal collaboratively combative state with 9-of-14 clubs within a weekend’s happiness of the half dozen extra time slot just now. Racing yet in first though faltering despite the big name-iness of their roster with a lusty Bordeaux Bègles hot on their nape. Like Northampton, the current runnersup have won five in the league as well as a trio of Champions Cup matches in their current won streak. Last season’s finalists, Toulouse and La Rochelle, are making inroads after a relatively poor start to their respective campaigns, but will surely be in the tasty French mix come May. Play resumes Saturday, January 27. Club

Won

Lost

Drawn

Table Pts

+/- Diff

Racing 92

129

Bordeaux Bègles

Stade Français

Stade Toulouse

RC Toulon

Section Pau

Castres

La Rochelle

Clermont

-13

Aviron Bayonne

-47

Perpignan

-116

Oyonnax

-90

Lyon

-125

Montpellier

-158

Saturday, 1.27 Bordeaux v Stade Français Bayonne v Oyonnax Castres v Clermont Lyon v Perpignan Montpellier v Pau Toulon v La Rochelle Sunday, 1.28 Racing 92 v Toulouse

At the midpoint in its season the only competition with clubs from both sides of the equator has a familiar leader and a notso recognizable runnerup. Leinster, though pipped by Celtic brethren Ulster last outing, remain in first position though the Irish Province is closely hared by Benetton, who are on a four winstreak and two match points in back of the leaders. That pair will square off at the RDS when play resumes. Jekylland-Hyde Glasgow push both right now and could see top of the heap with a happy ending next time out. Bulls and Lions have a match in hand that’ll be played on Saturday, January 27th, then play resumes on Friday, February 15 Club

Won

Lost

Drawn

Table Pts

+/- Diff

Leinster

Benetton

Glasgow

Ulster

Edinburgh

102

Bulls

112

Stormers

Ospreys

Connacht

Munster

Lions

Cardiff

Scarlets

-162

Zebre

-125

Dragons

-164

Sharks

-33

Saturday, January 27 Bulls v Lions Friday, February 16 Scarlets v Munster Zebre v Edinburgh Saturday, February 17 Lions v Bulls Leinster v Benetton Sharks v Stormers Cardiff v Connacht Glasgow v Dragons Sunday, February 18 Ospreys v Ulster

What’re YOU doin’ this Summer Break?

image: Vail RFC

image: Aspen RFC

image GJRFC

image: Steamboat RFC

Summer Mountain 15s There aren’t many things better than playing the game of rugby, I think we can all agree on that, but rugby at altitude with a Rocky Mountain attitude is truly something special. As graduating high school seniors plan for their fall college matriculation and college scholars plot their next steps, there’s an opportunity for interim adventure that is open to all, yet only a select group, will obtain. That is a Summer of 15s in the hills, an elevating experience for those so intrepid as to undertake it. Mountain 15s begins in June and runs through the middle of August for 10 weeks of not only the best summer 15s league in the country, it is also the only. XVs from the high country towns match up for fixtures coached and administered by savvy individuals. Players from all over the globe compete in some of the finest free-spirited action as can be found on pitch or planet. And the recreational activities thereabouts rival any in the world; from mountaintopping to rapids-riding, rugby towns in the mountains have on offer a myriad of activity beyond the rugby ground. The main obstacle in a summer of rugby is locating (affordable) housing as it is in high-demand, low-supply. But for rugby men not already sorted with summer jobs, or ready to begin the 9-to-5 office drudge, the Rocky Mountains beckon and its hill towns provide both high-level competition and downright formative foundation for next steps.

Red Rocks concerts, Rockies baseball, River rafting

A summer of camping in the mountains on National Forest land, playing rugby for one of the mountain clubs , and availing oneself of, and immersing oneself in, all that abounds in the Rockies will be a monumentally rewarding and eternally memorable experience for those bold enough to opt for it. However, such fun does not occur at happenstance; one must prepare for it. “It certainly has been done before, (though) summers still get a bit nippy overnight so having the right gear would make the difference!” informs Aspen RFC’s Jeffrey Barnhill. In years past Aspen’s Gentlemen have rostered happy campers: “We had four guys who camped all summer. It is tough, but if you get a gym membership you can shower and whatnot. Can be done depends on how bad they want to be out here!” Though last time we checked, rugby was never for the faint-hearted.

Campgrounds

Long Term Camping

Denver East High Angels Rugby Spring 2024 Schedule Saturday, February 24: East v Boulder Saturday, March 2: East v Falcons Thursday, March 7: East @ Monarch Saturday, March 16: East v Palmer Saturday, March 23 – April 1: Spring Break Saturday, April 6: East @ Parker Thursday, April 11 – Sunday, April 14: Salt Lake City Tour v Utah #1, East Saturday, April 20: East v Regis Saturday, April 27: East v Valor Saturday, May 4: Semifinals Saturday, May 11: Finals Soca, the Music of Carnival

Truck on the Road Bunji Garlin

It’s Carnival Destra Garcia

Phenomenal Benjai

Crossword #3 ACROSS 1. Home country for the 2025 Women’s World Cup 4. Number of engines in a XV 6. 11 or 14 9. 2023 MLR Champs ____ Jacks 11. Le Garrec’s overstudy 12. ___side flanker, #7 13. tuberculosis – abbr. 15. USA 7s star from Cherry Creek HS 19. du Randt or Lobos 20. England 10/12, recently retired from Test rugby - 2 wds 21. 9 for 92 23. Small in Aberdeen 24. Many consider the best men’s openside ever 25. Springbok half, ___ Pollard 28. Land of the Long White Cloud 29. Similar to a coyote; possession exchange at the breakdown 31. Legendary Denver Harlequins #2 and Black Ice coach, _____ Herrell 32. Collegiate rugby organ sanctioned by USA Rugby - abbr. 33. Formerly Dead Goat RFC - 3 wds 35. USA Rugby clubside competition to take place in early May at Denver DOWN 1. New Japan head coach - 2 wds 2. Simple three-quarters line movement 3. ___ gain 5. ‘sweet land ___ Liberty…’ 6. Best Women’s player ever? Portia ___ 7. Middle-agers, ___X 8. Rugby Utah Varsity Boys SS Champs (East) 10. ’23 Colorado High School Champs 14. Rocky Mountain Referees Level 6 official, Chris _____ 15. This ‘Bok 10’s so cool and collected, name should be synonymous with precision sticksplitting 16. Largest college rugby organ in USA – abbr. 17. In USA Rugby parlance, a delineation less than a territory and more than a local; a ___ union 18. ’15 RWC-winning scrumhalf overlooked by Ed Jones – Kerr ___ 22. RWC 2021 winner - 2 wds 26. Relative RWC ’23 newcomer that drew with Georgia and pipped Fiji 27. Lineout infringement 30. Colorado mountain town – former home of the AOB 34. Not a place to find oneself ___ bin

Daktari’s Cypher (DC3) “WZPZNWGO JWQH NWQATU KOZ XQWEU ONP GEZNWES LUZTKLJLZU PNJZKS NP KOZ TAHFZW QTZ LPPAZ VWZYZTKLTI JNTP NTU VQKZTKLNE VENSZWP JWQH KNMLTI AV KOZ INHZ,” PNLU WAIFS NAPKWNELN GZQ VOLE XNAIO QT NAPKWNELN KWLNELTI PNJZW KNGMEZ ENX. And here is your hint: T = N;

GOOD LUCK

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