RMRRR - Summer '24

GRMR3 – Championship Issue, Summer, 2024

“America Rugby Future”

Denver Wolfpack on the move

Table of Contents DWRC – pp. 2-6 DU upgrades – p. 7, 8 RMRU – President’s Post p. 8, 9 Pro Leagues round the globe pp. 10-12 Summer Tests – p. 14, 15 Back Pages – pp. 16, 17

image: h. Richard

Denver Wolfpack Youth Rugby Club

On a heated early summer Monday evening, former USA Eagles lock, Mike Mangan (17 caps), backs his pickup jampacked with equipment into a parking space adjacent the walkway leading to the playing grounds at Fred Thomas Park, Denver. In a trice the gear is offloaded by a contingent of players, parents and coaches eager for another period of instruction in the fundamentals, as well aspects of the finer points of our game. Along with a cohort of rugby teachers, Mangan and crew spend the next 120 minutes working a group of youths aged 3 through 14 in preparation for the upcoming Saturday Rugby Jamboree where the Denver Wolfpack age-grades will take on their contemporaries from up and down the Front Range, Foothills and also Summit Mangan's truck packed with fun stuff!

County, with attitude at altitude well above that of the MileHigh City.

Coach Mike, as he is called, is the Vice President and coordinating coach of the Wolfpack in the club’s 13th year of operation as a TRY Youth Rugby club. The formidably knowledgeable engine roomee coordinates training sessions with 10-15 coaches in age-grades from U-8s years through the U-14s open division. The session kicks with 30 minutes, give-ortake, of informal 7s, as do most across the United States regardless of age or grade, and which anyone familiar with a rugby training session knows well, is a loosening-up, mad frenzy of activity, that a casual observer might think chaotic, but in reality is a vibrant and vital start to practice where skills are both learned and honed, and new gambits attempted.

In the subsequent 90 minutes age-grades and their coaches separate to different parts of the Denver playing grounds.

Finance Off-pitch, behind-the-scenes structure is the real measure of a rugby club’s operability. DWRFC’s is sound and strong as evinced by the actions of Wolfpack Mom, Kalee Dryer. A registered dental hygienist by day, Kalee implements the club’s fundraising and marketing strategies, and is also on the club’s board. She became involved, “in 2021 with the Wolfpack, and that was our first interaction with rugby. We were looking for a great team sport for my son, we saw a poster for the Wolfpack. After watching a video of rugby with my son, he showed interest and wanted to try it out. The rest is history.”

Kalee reckons she puts in roughly 10 hours per week on the job for the Pack, and considers it time well spent: “It has truly been a privilege and a pleasure being a part of this league. I'm beyond thankful for the values it has instilled in each one of these kids including my own son. I know rugby has created character in each of these kids that set them up to be leaders in the future generation.

Rugby goes beyond teaching kids how to play a game, it teaches them how to be the best they can Kalee Dryer

be in all areas of life. I'm beyond grateful for every family in this league who contributes to the success of each and every one of these kids!”

She further states a sentiment that’s becoming more prevalent in the world of pre-teen sports, specifically rugby football (union code): “I have never experienced a community like the one we so gratefully have found with the Wolfpack. My son was seven and a half when I took him to his first practice. He was timid, nervous and intimidated by the game and practice. As he walked over to me in tears, unsure if he wanted to play, one of the coaches immediately came over, took him under his wing, encouraged him, and with the help of the other coaches and players, gave him the confidence to thrive in this sport. Never have I witnessed this commitment to making sure every kid is welcomed and finds success as in rugby. Rugby is a family and I have truly experienced this since the first day I set foot on the field. Coach James (Totten), head of the Wolfpack, has instilled in each one of these kids that we are a family, we take care of each other, we show respect, and care for others beyond ourselves. James and the coaches educate and demonstrate to the kids on this club the value of selflessness, and working as a team, not just within the Wolfpack but with our entire rugby family. If another team we are playing is short players and we have extras, we volunteer to play for the other team. Regardless of a win or loss of a match, we cheer for the other team. If a younger or older team is playing, we go cheer for them. Rugby is family. The values instilled are unmatched. If you have the privilege to be at a Rugby Jamboree, you will see players from all different teams talking with one another as these kids have made friends from around the state through this amazing sport. The Wolfpack families get together every week after practice enjoying time spent together outside of practice and games. I have met some of the most amazing families through the club that have become friends I will have for a lifetime. The coaches volunteer their time on a level that surpasses any other sports team I've been a part of. From hauling trucks of pads to every practice, to making sure any kid who wants to play has the opportunity regardless of financial situations.”

There is a simple and well-defined equity in the organization’s mission regards growth, and if given unlimited resources, she envisions: “Our goal at the Wolfpack is to ensure that any kid who wants to play has that opportunity. Rugby is for everyone! Given the amazing community we have seen formed within Colorado, it would be my dream to travel with our teams. Imagine having tournaments in other states, extending the connection and community of this sport throughout the United States.

“We are just starting to build our fundraising platform as we are recently received our 501(c)(3). I’m going to be planning future eat-and-give fundraisers with local restaurants along with a car wash and a team merchandise store,” to raise funds, she concludes.

That 501(c)(3) tag enables non-profit, tax-free status for the club and was engineered

by Coach Matt, aka Matt Shafroth, former Super League front row and longtime Denver Highlanders numero uno, Matt coaches the “Littles” (U-5s), and U-8s, as well the middle school side.

The CPA also serves as Wolfpack treasurer.

Matt’s rugby pedigree goes back nearly to the Coach Matt (left), Coach Tharp (center), and Coach Grzyb (right), making the future happen now womb as, “I was on the (Denver) Barbos sideline when I was 2 days old. I played my first game aged 7 at Ruggerfest and have played or coached as much as I can since then. Some say the game is in my blood as my Mom, Jane Shafroth, was born in (the town of) Rugby, England.”

Matt’s playing career began in earnest at Summit County High School, where he immersed himself in front row guile, the dark arts, then worked those skills at either loose or tighthead prop (situational exigencies prevailing) with the Breckenridge Blue Goose, University of Colorado Buffaloes, Denver Highlanders and Denver Barbarians RFCs. Coach Matt feels rugby leagues like Colorado’s TRY Rugby are critical to the future development and ultimate accomplishment on the international level: “USA Rugby’s best chance or growing and being more successful starts with the youth players. The more we have players starting as kids and continuing on playing as adults, the more successful USA Rugby will be.”

An apt CPA, Matt feels the, “Greatest challenge as a coach is always managing the different personalities on your team.

The best coaches are the ones that manage different personalities well. When you are coaching kids you also have to manage their parents. Although this can be tough sometimes it has been relatively easy with the Wolfpack as the community is fantastic!”

It’s All About Respect Scott Herman cut his rugby teeth with the venerable Gentlemen of Aspen, then plied a successful trade in the centers with Denver Highlanders. Mr. Herman, who has a small advertising business that specializes in direct marketing wears, as most Wolfpack coaches do, several age-grade caps, “I primarily work with the U14s, Lights (6th and 7th graders) and Opens (7th and 8th graders). I also work with the U12s at practice,” he informs. Coach Scott also represented Union Select Sides in both 15s and 7s, as well as having a tryout for USA Eagles 7s. Coach Scott applied his skills admirably well in securing the silver medal for USA at the Maccabiah XVs in 1993.

Having been engaged actively in coaching the Wolfpack for nigh on seven years, he’s not seen overmuch change in the all-volunteer structure and what change that has occurred has been smoothly transitioned. “Some years like this year, we had a change in our head coach. We have a head coach that oversees all coaches and that changed this year from Andre Bachelet (himself a capped Eagle) to Mike Mangan. I am the lead coach at practice and game day for U14’s, Lights and Opens. It seems like we add new assistant coaches every year, mainly because their kids join our team, and the parents have previously played. Coaches tend to stick around and continue coaching throughout the term their kids play (2 to 6 years). For the Wolfpack, over my 6 or 7 years of involvement, we have had two presidents, so not a ton of change with

Coach Scott imparts the basics of front row engagement to eager students of our game

the club’s administrative leadership.”

Herman further states, “I think we are a solid kids’ program where all kids of all skill levels are welcomed and included.

We have had tons of kids play for the USA West teams both at tournaments in the US and abroad. We are also a great feeder program to many of the high school programs, but especially East High School.”

His overarching rugby goals are straight forward, well-stated and a sentiment I’m certain is shared by each and every club in Colorado’s TRY Rugby League: • “That we could reach more kids and parents and show them how rugby is a great sport; • Show them (players) how popular rugby is internationally; • Educate them about the safety steps we take in rugby; in many ways it’s a safer sport than football; • Most importantly, we are not just trying to teach kids how to become good rugby players, we expect them to be good human beings and we encourage them to be leaders and take on more responsibility in every phase of life; • Respect is a big part of rugby; o Respect your competition- play the game the right way and shake hands after every match; o Respect your parents - help around the house, thank them for all they do and be a positive force in the family makeup; o Respect your school and schoolmates- do your homework, listen to your teachers, help a fellow student in need, and always stand up for kids that get bullied; o Respect your community - volunteer and help others in need.”

A Rugby Family Mike Tafel’s father played with Fort Collins RFC and University of Northern Colorado RFC under legendary New Zealander educator, Brian Cook. Mike won the USA Division 2 National Championship with UNC Bears in 2004-05, and 2011

Rugby Clan Tafel

National Division 1 Clubsides with Glendale Raptors as a front rower who also kicked for goal. He and his wife have three children aged 3, 5, and 7 years. All three are thoroughly committed Wolfpack players.

Denver Wolfpack’s stability is a result of the continuous commitment and devotion to our game by each and every member of the impressive Wolfpack community, one that rosters nearly 100 players. The good news is that, though the personnel who are the backbone of the successful rugby organization may change from year-to-year, the quality of the product trends upward. It is, as are all youth programs in the country, a critical part of the bedrock for a Greater USA Rugby, and a significant link in the rugby continuum.

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University of Denver Pioneers Rugby Club

The DU Rugby Club has made a commitment to excellence this year in the appointment of local (Littleton Eagles HS) rugby product and USA Rugby 7s star, Cody Melphy, as its 15s and 7s men’s head coach and Director of Rugby. Melphy brings a wealth of experience setting and obtaining goals, both short and long term, into the positions. It’s been a decade since Pioneers men’s 15s represented in National Small College Rugby Organization’s semifinals, but one might expect that to change under shape and form of Melphy’s direction.

The former Rugby Colorado standout has been his own inspiration and with experience garnered on the international rugby stage, the crucible within which the highest rugby is expressed, he intends to motivate his charges in the DU program. In his inaugural year at the helm, the DU men’s 7s side advanced to the CRC’s National Championships, placing 12th in the country, and this fall XVs season looks to provide opportunity for further growth.

According to Cody, the recipe for success is simple verbalized: “… hard work and dedication,” and though that can be an at times, daunting task, consistency and continuity of effort makes the grade in the end. “Everyone talks about achieving expert level takes DU at Nationals image: @paytonmelphy 10,000 hours and my mindset has always been how quickly can I get to that mark,” says the man who’s become an expert in smart goal management. And he continues, “Then (I think), how quickly can I double it (the rate) now.” He realized early the value in and of information, “(some)thing I learned quickly when I was growing up is to always say yes to information.” In a world in which one is constantly data-streamed,” Cody feels, “you’ve just got to pay attention. You never know what you could

learn or become a part of just by simply listening, and then making your own decision. Nothing came easy (to me), and everything was earned. I have never been the best at anything, but I have always worked harder than the person next to me.” Within the realm of team sports, that drive has sustained him well, whether at 15-a-side as a member of Pacific Rugby Premiership’s Glendale Raptors, or rostered along with Cherry Creek’s Ben Pinkelman, on the LA 7s championship squad, or playing rugby’s progenitor, soccer (football to many around the globe) with Real National.

Cody does not miss the rigor of the elite-caliber lifestyle that he’s been engaged in the past dozen years: “I am definitely happy being on the other side of playing. I don’t miss all the relentless work to be in my best form every day. I don’t miss all the pain and headaches. I don’t miss the sacrifice you have to make 24/7. The toughest part was definitely being 100% in, every day, towards your goals. Always eating, sleeping, training right and putting yourself into the best position to compete.

Its mentally and physically draining and that’s probably why there are only 13 people who become Olympians every four years for the USA,” however, he admits to benefits of maintaining that status, “The best part was travelling the world and playing the sport I love most. I loved Coach Melphy image: @paytonmelphy showing up to work every single day and I loved the grind. The culture of rugby has left me with friends all over the world and the brotherhood is second to none!” and he adds, somewhat cryptically, “I definitely have something left in the tank and everyone will have to wait and see what and when that may come about.”

DU supports his work as a part-time member of the club, while during the day he informs, “I work full time servicing seniors with their benefits. Managing a team of agents across multiple states who help those in need of final expense insurance, Medicare health insurance and investing in annuities for long term portfolios.”

On a daily schedule, Melphy manages his time, “with meetings and session planning. Communication to the team and club sports management. Working with team board members on club plans and development. Communication with alumni. Field set up and break down. Executing training plans.”

Coach Melphy realizes, “On the 15s side of things we haven’t (been in) the national picture recently,” but he feels confident, “with the high caliber staff that is at DU and the connections within the rugby community, I feel it’s only a matter of time until we do again.”

Melphy is implementing DU’s plan to, “continue building on where the program is and bringing on a vision of where it can go,” alongside, “inspiring these young men in that vision. It starts with having a full season of recruiting and with Colorado now having a strong location in DU for rugby athletes to go, we can keep more of our local talent at home and playing for their state.” He explains, “From the start we have changed things around to mold not only what the team wants and is used to, but to develop club members properly as athletes and as men. We have a seasoned staff of professional athletes who bring more knowledge to the game than I could have ever asked for. We have experience of high level programs, and what it looks like to compete at the next level. We have years of experience in the rugby culture and how we can compete, but still have fun, which is why we all play rugby. We are actively recruiting both on and off campus, and we have a pipeline of local talent we are looking to secure and keep in Colorado to build rugby in this state at the collegiate level. We also do massive outreach and are looking to add 20 players to the roster come fall time! Our connections from school, to alumni, to the team have taken big strides, and aren’t slowing down anytime soon.”

Training begins for Pioneers Rugby last weekend in August and in the upcoming Fall XVs league competition, DU opens v downstate rival Colorado College, Saturday, the RugbyDay, September 14 on campus at Diane Wendt Sports Fields,

followed by away fixtures on successive Saturdays at UNC-Greeley, and Mines; then it’s a hosting of Western State (Alamosa, CO); a road trip to New Mexico Tech a fortnight on; and lastly, host duty of perennial nemesis, Regis University on the first RugbyDay in November.

Short term, inside three years, Melphy would like to see on the national landscape more top level rugby players giving back to the game in the form of, “stepping into coaching and leadership positions to properly teach and grow athletes.”

He believes that more experiential education, as in gametime, is crucial for American developmental success:, “When I was learning and first starting rugby, I played on every team in (Denver) town and played every weekend. Nowadays, it seems hard to get more than eight games in a season. Coaches are holding back players, and not allowing them to play for other academies and clubs, when we should be encouraging (players) to play every opportunity they get.”

Melphy has scaled rugby greatest height and though he no longer plays competitively, he’s never left that lofty plane, he’s merely made a lateral transition, surely to the benefit of Colorado Rugby in general and University of Denver Pioneers Rugby in particular.

Instagram: @CodyMelphyRugby TikTok: @CodyMelphy

Rocky Mountain Rugby Union President’s Post

Our union is making significant strides as we move into the next competitive cycle (2024-2025) according to our inimitable leader, President Anthony Fisher: “RMRU had a good showing at the Super Regionals and at the National Championship. Although we were not the best team in every match, we held our own and played with a lot of heart (as ever!). In my mind, that is a great representation of our values.” At USA Rugby 2024 National Clubsides, Women’s D1 Utah Vipers, led by premier backrow Shannon Woolley, defeated Pittsburgh Forge in one semifinal, 31-22, before falling to NOVA Women in the final, while Park City Haggis (D1, men) and Denver Barbarians (D2, men) lost at SuperRegionals.

Looking forward, anticipating challenges, Fisher believes a proposed move to spring and fall may present issues should clubs be forced to re-schedule fixtures due to cancellations caused by intractable weather events. In past, faced with the necessity of re-rigging crucial matches, it’s strictly been a needs-must, less-than-ideal, resolution; catch as catch can with club match secretaries scrambling to complete league play. However, the clubs feel this adjustment may lead to better outcomes at the Super Regionals by having continuity of play up until. “I am always here to ensure our club leadership voices are heard and we, as a Union, can come together to find common ground,” noted Fisher. “We will also increase the amount of support for teams going to playoffs in hopes of getting more high level players that may have financial constraints to these important tournaments.” Fisher is intent upon establishing protocols to provide partial funding for our representative sides as well.

The transition game, or lack thereof, in American rugby has been the reason that the movement of age-grades fails to provide for the substantiation of next steps; that is, advancement from youth-to-high school-to-college/adult leagues. Elite pathways exist, but notso much for the average rugby jo.

Fisher would like to see our number of clubs increase, “I would like to see more teams developing in Utah and Wyoming, as well as more Women’s teams to have a larger pool for the Women’s Competition. In addition, I want

to create partnerships with the MLR and SAR to provide a pathway for high level RMRU players to go onto the next level.” In the next decade he sees, “A strong pipeline of players coming from youth, through to the high schools, onto college, and then to the men’s and women’s clubs. This will lead to a presence of high level rugby across the Union. I hope through the development and strengthening of these relationships, we have higher level talent in the Union, and therefore we are able to have a clean sweep across all divisions and competitions at playoffs.”

In a world in which he wins Powerball, President Fisher would like to see US club rugby livestreamed consistently: “At present, MLR and SAR are the only competitions televised. If I am able to get more buzz via The Rugby Network or even ESPN it would be my dream to see club-level rugby streamed across the US. It is a lofty goal/dream, but that is how we can truly make a mark on the US sporting market.” Additionally, there’ll be a bit of change upcoming in the club complexion: “Clubs like Aspen moving into D2, and the Littleton Scots moving up to D3,” Fisher informs, “will be exciting to watch.”

In his initial year at the helm of the union, Fisher feels the upgrading of the union website, which is the central inventory for information regarding our game, to be a prime accomplishment. “Our board has made some great strides in consolidating historical information and rebuilding the RMRU website. While the upgraded website has not been officially released, I feel that once it has it will be a great resource for everyone. It will have a map of all teams in the Union, contacts for each team, best practice documents and guidance for teams, and newsletters giving color to the entire Union.”

President Fisher would like to acknowledge with appreciation the support of the following individuals in assisting his own successful transition into the presidency: ● Rich Cortez, Bob Lesnansky, and Bill Gregg – “… being a huge help and supporting me in my first year as president; they know a lot more than I do!” ● King Medlin – for, “organizing a successful all-Union tournament, the Rocky Mountain Carnage Carnival.” ● Cody Wagner, Jeff Barnhill, Hannah LeMoine, and Lin Hill – “working with their respective competitions and supporting them through each season.”

Fisher feels overall the 2023/2024 cycle has been successful as, “We are strong in terms of our level of competition, as well as the comradery amongst teams,” though, “There is room for improvement with regards to treatment of referees and some personal disciplinary issues.” If you’re beginning to feel those old pre-season stirrings in your core, well that’s due the stewardship of our President and his network. Cheers!

2023/2024 Global Professional Rugby Competitions Finals

Gallagher Premiership An 18-all knot at ’50 broken by a Finn Russell three-pointer at ’66, and Bath were 3 points clear; Northampton returned on a 72nd minute grounding by halfback, Alex Mitchel and its completion by fullback, George Furbank, for a 25 – 21 championship happy;

European Professional Club Rugby 15 for the house after a 78 minute Ciáran Frawley penalty drew Leinster level Toulouse for the third time in the match before the French Giants owned extra time, the 31 – 22 victory, and their 6th Champions Cup trophy; th

United Rugby Championship Bulls, heavily favored in their home ground at Loftus Versfeld, looked the business through the better part of the first forty, went to the sheds ahead 13-7 after throttling Glasgow Warriors for ’40 before allowing a visitor touch down in the 41st; a brace of groundings by the visitors against one lone sticksplitter for homeboys and a last gasp five-meters failure for hosts made for 21 – 16 Scots joy in the Grand Final;

Top 14 Doubles for 9, Antoine Dupont, and 15, Thomas Ramos, and 9 trys in all as Toulouse ran fast and far away a lackluster Bordeaux-Bègles performance and 59 and 3 the tallies at time; 20 for Ramos on a 2-2-2 triple, while USA Eagles David Ainuu touched down near time in the match.

Super Rugby Pacific Seven-from-seven, 16 points, 100% accuracy, and 5-and-2 from the shoe of Blues 10, Henry Plummer, as the Auckland XV trounced Chiefs at Eden Park, 41 – 10; hat-trick of trys by the flying Caleb Clarke in the win;

Japan League 1 Wild Knights claimed a 20-17 advantage by the 70th minute yet were unable to hold that line as Lupus flyer, Yuto Mori, touched down for the additional deuce by ABs 10, Richie Mo’unga, and Toshiba Brave Lupus carried the day 24 – 21 at the New Stadium in Tokyo.

Ongoing USA Competitions

Club Gray Wolves All Blues NYRC Gladiatrix Beantown North Shore Amazons

Women’s Premier League Played Won Lost Drawn 7 6 1 0 7 6 1 0 7 5 2 0 7 4 3 0 6 2 4 0 7 2 5 0 7 0 7 0

Points 30 30 25 20 10 10 0

Reigning champs, Gray Wolves, moved into the league lead after topping previously unbeaten All Blues, 24-10, last round. Wolves dropped a decision to the Blues earlier in the season, but the Colorado side is presently in first due a larger cumulative points differential.

Colorado Gray Wolves host All Blues, Saturday, July 13; then are at New York Rugby Club 7.20; v North Shore 7.27; at Amazon 8.17; and they’ll complete their league play on Saturday, August 24 at home in what should be a doozy against Life West Gladiatrix.

Major League Rugby Playoffs are on in a fortnight as the men’s league commences the weekend of July 20-21: Saturday, July 20: New England Free Jacks v Old Glory DC, 3pm MST at Veterans Memorial Stadium; Jacks finished strong with only a loss to NOLA on the trot in their last handful of matches and they’ve not lost at home since the beginning of April, while OG has had difficulty on the road; Houston SaberCats v Dallas Jackals, 5:30 MST at SaberCats Stadium: Cats’re the hottest XV in the league just now with only a road loss to the Legion the only blemish in their last 10, while Jackals have experienced only one happy ending in their last five; Travelers can score a bunch, but they let a lot in also; Sunday, July 21: NOLA Gold v Chicago Hounds, 4:30pm MST at the Gold Mine: NOLA have been mercurial in their last set of five matches topping Jacks, LA and Sharks, but suffering defeat at the hands of OGs on the trot and Houston at home; Chicago Hounds, for their measure, are on a run of three that includes victory past San Diego; Seattle Seawolves v San Diego Legion, 6pm MST at Starfire: home side have lost a pair in their last five including 33-45 defeat last weekend to the Legion in San Diego, while the Legion are 4-and-1, a record that saw them defeat Wolves, Cats, Anthem and Warriors; could be the match of the round, a real whopper!

Summer Tests 2024: 6Nats roam the Earth

European International touring sides are going off-continent to contest the pill in the Southern Hemisphere, Japan, and the Americas in the initial stages of the cycle which will conclude at 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Excluding Six Nations tournament last late winter, now are the first actions for many national sides post-RWC ’23, as coaching staffs are now on the clock to determine favorably their rosters for the next penultimate rugby experience in Australia in ‘27.

Traveling England have already rolled Japan Brave Blossoms, 52-17, at the New National Stadium, Tokyo, and now turn their sights on the lofty goal of defeating New Zealand All Blacks in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Saturday, July 6, the Men of the Rose will chill with ABs in Forsyth Barr, Dunedin, then continue a week on (7.13) for Eden Park on the North Island and the second and final Test.

Wales have already lost to South Africa at Twickenham last week, 13-41, and Gatland’s embattled tourists are down under with dates against Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies at Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday and then across to Melbourne on the 13th for another round v Australia before finishing off the trip with friendly Friday against Queensland Reds, 7.19, in Brisbane.

Fabien Galthié has rostered 19-of-32 debutantes for his journey down and across the Atlantic for the series with La Albiceleste; new-hire, Felix Contepomi will have at his disposal a strong, well-seasoned tight five and potent backrow, while the three-quarter line, all who play professionally in Europe, will be looking to make a statement against Les Bleus youth at Estadio Malvinas in Mendoza this Saturday, the RugbyDay, and again on the 13th at Estadio Amalfitani in Buenos Aires. I’m goin’, you goin?

Scotland are on a four-Test tour: at Canada in Ottawa on the upcomer, then in our nation’s capitol on Friday the 12th, on to Chile, Saturday June 20th and lastly at Uruguay Los Teros on the final RugbyDay of July.

Italy, who showed signs of becoming a power in their 2024 Six Nations campaign, tour Polynesia with stops in Samoa this Sunday, then to Tonga on the 11th, and the tour will wrap in Japan on June 20th; And in perhaps the most anticipated Summer getaway of all, Ireland are on the High Veld at Loftus Versfeld on the upcomer, then down to the seashore for a brouhaha in Durban at Kings Park on Saturday, the 13th of the month.

Daktari’s Cypher “JX WTIAGSMN GWUSUGS UA KRMK KRTX ARGQNF WIGVMVNX LRMSBT KRT IQNTA, JMXVT WQK KRT TMBNTA USKG KRT JNI STCK XTMI AG KRTX LMS LGJVUST MSF WNMX KGBTKRTI ZGI M BGGF ORUNT, MSF KRTS BG USKG KRT USKTISMKUGSMN BMJTA,” JM’M SGSQ: ZGIJTI MV MSF LQIITSK AFN JNI And here is your hint: J = M;

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Clues on the following page

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Crossword Clues Across 1. A happening youth side in our region.

8. Former Colorado Pro side.

11. Former Fiji head coach, now coaching Blues, ____ Cotter.

12. Mistake on the Lake or US President.

15. Down Under Chicken.

16. One needs two of these to play.

17. Airline that supports rugby bigtime.

21. A trio with this surname are ABs. 23. A western First Nations people, or a functional vehicle.

24. Sun in Esp. 25. US space agency (acronym).

27. Beer that sounds like a dirt bike.

28. Lingua franca in Islamabad.

30. Newest MLR club.

33. Summertime Mountain Tournament.

34. Black ___, Denver women’s club.

35. Best men’s college side in the US. 38. Wilson, or fence material.

41. Beat France at the 2010 Churchill Cup. 42. Gray Wolves coach.

43. “I met her in a club, down in old Soho…”

44. Planetary division.

Down 1. 2023 USA men’s Division 2 clubside champions.

2. Full name of 11 across.

3. Fall mountain tournament.

4. Can _______.

5. Scots church, or ____ Douglas.

6. Former Highlanders backrow ___ Stoter.

7. Home of the Hammers.

9. Patron Saint of Scotland rugby?

10. What a scoundrel might do in a lineout.

13. M.A.S.H. actor.

15. … but you can’t tune a ____.

16. Club that won the European Double this season.

20. Wolfpack coach Mike ______.

22. Get this missive electronically.

26. Home of the tallest peak outside the Tibetan Plateau.

29. Summer Mountain Tourney 31. Town in Colorado near Fort Collins.

32. Clubsides month in US. 36. Rugs popular in the 60s.

37. A hue of blue.

39. Beat USA at Glendale in RWC Qualifier.

40. Tough subject for some.