Twenty two teams representing 17 of Colorado Youth Rugby’s high school age boys’ rugby clubs came together at Northglenn Open Spaces on March 14th.  Over 1,000 players, coaches and spectators witnessed the thrilling sport of rugby football in CYR’s annual “Spring Fling” tournament.

Nick Allen on the way for his first ever Try -- Zulu

Tigers Rugby Football Club, represented by players from Holy Family High School, Pomona and Ralston Valley entered 2 teams for the non league matches. Tigers RFC (in their sixth season) has doubled its club membership since 2007.

On Wednesday (3/11/09), the Tigers had defeated Boulder boys rugby club 36-10 with scoring from Markus Harvey (HFHS), Travis McKee and Charles Martinez (Pomona). Home games are played at Broomfield County Commons Park. Tigers improved to 2-1 in league play, moving into first place in the North Division, where they are defending champions. Standings can be found on CYR’s web site: http://coloradoyouthrugby.com/node/31

Saturday saw the Tigers Rugby’s A side pitted against PAC rugby club (Bailey, Conifer & Evergreen) and Chaparral HS (Parker). The A-side came back from 7 points down to defeat PAC 30-7. And although they stormed back to tie the Chaparral game at halftime, Tigers Rugby lost the war, 32-12.

The historic first appearance by a Tigers Rugby Football Club B-side at a Spring Fling Tournament was rough at times. Tigers Rugby’s B-side suffered a 36-12 loss to the recently improved Cherry Creek B side, and an 18-17 last second loss on a penalty kick by Denver East’s B side.

The opportunity to play two full matches a side was an enduring challenge for all involved. Rugby players will typically run 4-6 miles in the course of a 70-minute league match. Two 45-minute matches played throughout the day by each Tigers Rugby player demonstrated the importance of conditioning, proper hydration and safety. The International Rugby Board (IRB) limits time played by U-19 players to 90 minutes of competition in any one day.

If you would like to play with Tigers Rugby, practices are held Monday & Wednesday (3:15 to 5:00 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 am to Noon) at Aspen Creek Park at Meadow Mountain Drive (two blocks south of 144th Ave) on Sheridan Blvd. You can also find Tigers Rugby on the Internet at http://tigersrugby.com, or E-mail Tigers RFC at ContactUs@tigersrugby.com.

Other Colorado Youth Rugby teams, more general information and contacts can be found on CYR’s website: http://coloradoyouthrugby.com.

Monday (3/16/09) - Practice at Broadlands

Wednesday (3/18/09) - Practice/Scrimmage at Broadlands with Warriors RFC (Green Mountain & Bear Creek)

View the complete schedule at: http://tigersrugby.com/logistics/calendar/