GRR: Rugby Arizona
It's a busy weekend around the country in Boys HS rugby, as some leagues are getting started, and others heading into playoff-decision time; here's a look:
The West Valley Misfits are indeed aptly named, as they have surprised many by moving into 1st place in Arizona’s HS league.
Now, admittedly, it should be a shot time there, as Red Mountain, the favorite to win the state title, is undefeated and just didn’t play a league game this weekend. But, still, at 5-1 after a 34-29 defeat of Phoenix, West Valley is enjoying a nice season.
Rugby Arizona is in full swing and the competition has become very competitive.
Tempe and East Valley merged, competing as Tempe, and that has strengthened the schedule as 14 teams compete; every single team has won at least one game, and after Blackbirds lost to Tempe this past weekend, only Red Mountain is undefeated.
Few are surprised that Red Mountain has started unbeaten in Rugby Arizona’s HS league, but the Tucson Blackbirds have certainly turned heads by going 3-0 out of the blocks.
For Head Coach Tim Pappas, the good start is not really a surprise.
The Rugby Arizona season started this past weekend with Blackbirds beating Desert Vista 45-7 and Scottsdale downing El Mirage 36-19.
Defending champion Red Mountain didn’t get to play their game as Salpointe forfeited, but it’s fair to say that Red Mountain is, once again, the team to beat.