PORTLAND, Ore. — In front of an electrified crowd at Providence Park, rugby’s elite athletes and emerging stars delivered a spectacle of speed, power, and precision at Sunday’s PR7s All-Star Tournament. For 19 Olympians returning to U.S. soil after competing in Paris, the event was a triumphant showcase—and they did not disappoint.
Featuring six high-stakes matches, the tournament spotlighted Premier Rugby Sevens’ commitment to equality, with men and women competing on the same platform and receiving equal opportunities and exposure. For teams like the United States and Canada, it was both a proving ground for emerging talent and a stepping stone toward the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“This tournament was invaluable for our team, especially as we integrate young and emerging players,” said Emilie Bydwell, head coach of the U.S. women’s national team. “Events like these provide critical opportunities for athletes to battle-test themselves against top-tier competition while preparing for what lies ahead. Our partnership with PR7s allows players to showcase their abilities in a bigtime environment where the lights are bright.”
Match Highlights
Match 1: USA Men Dominate Early
The USA men set the tone with a commanding 38-10 victory over the PR7s All-Stars. Behind powerful runs from Lance Williams and the finesse of David Still, the Americans demonstrated their blend of speed and physicality. Despite flashes of brilliance from the All-Stars, the USA’s cohesion and athleticism proved too much to overcome.
“We wanted to set the tone early,” said Williams. “Playing on home soil always gives us extra energy, and the fans here in Portland brought the noise. It was a great way to start the tournament.”
Match 2: Canadian Women Shine
Canada’s women delivered a clinical performance in their 27-0 shutout of the PR7s All-Stars. Led by the dynamic duo of Piper Logan and Asia Hogan Rochester, Canada controlled possession and capitalized on every opportunity to assert their dominance.
“This tournament is all about showcasing what we can do as a team,” said Hogan Rochester, who would go on to earn Women’s MVP honors. “We stayed disciplined, stuck to our game plan, and made every possession count. It’s an honor to represent Canada and compete against such talented athletes.”
Match 3: A Men’s Thriller
In the most electrifying match of the day, the USA men edged the PR7s All-Stars 36-34 in a nail-biter. Lucas Le Camp, later named Men’s MVP, delivered a standout performance, anchoring the USA’s effort with key plays on both offense and defense. A last-minute defensive stand sealed the win, thrilling the Portland crowd.
“That game had everything—momentum shifts, big plays, and a lot of heart,” said Le Camp. “The All-Stars pushed us to our limits, but our team’s composure and trust in each other made the difference.”
