Preseason Training

Preseason training started. We have a Varsity, Junior Varsity, 7th/8th Grade teams and working on a girls rugby.

Training on Tuesday and Thursday
Girls - 4pm-6pm
Boys - 5-7pm

contact Vaha at 702-305-2984 for more info.

RugbyFit Results: Hurricanes Beats the Brumbies

Silvestri Middle School: Saturday is Rugby Day. Parents, grandparents, rugby fans and even some soccer players gather around the rugby pitch to watch the RugbyFit teams (5yrs – 10yrs) Hurricanes play the Brumbies. Hurricanes won the coin toss and Hurricane’s Captain Ami chose to receive the ball first. Brumbies captain Sarah decided to defend with the wind on their back. Both team looked nervous and excited at the same time. Both coaches directing their teams on where they need to be before the game starts.

The game started with both team’s captain waving to the referee, showing they are ready. Brumbies kicked the ball and Hurricane’s captain Ami caught the ball, ran straight and then cut to his left, out pacing the Brumbies defense to score under the post. Conversion was kicked by Alex, Hurricanes 7 Brumbies 0. Brumbies shocked at how quick the Hurricanes regroup and with some encouraging words from their coach started their counter attack. Receiving the kickoff the Brumbies started their attack to even the score. With some nifty side steps and no look passes the Brumbies where rewarded when #8 Lehi scored in the right corner to close the gap Hurricanes 7 Brumbies 5(conversion missed). Hurricanes got extended their lead when Captain Ami scored his 2^nd try of game which almost looked like his first try (Hurricanes 12 Brumbies 7). The Brumbies tried hard to get close to the try line and a few times where on the Hurricanes try line but could not break the hurricane defense. Hurricanes took a lineout from their 22meter and attacked down the field to send their #6 Kalai under the post to give the Hurricanes a 19-7 lead. Just a few minutes before the half #6 Kalai scored his 2^nd when a Brumbies turnover and overlap saw #6 Kalai out ran the Brumbies winger. (Conversion made by #11 Alonzo)

Halftime: Hurricanes 24-7

The 2^nd half started with the Brumbies taking the kickoff and attacking the left side of the field. Hurricanes defense was found taking nap as Brumbies captain Sarah took a pass from #2 Leo and stretch the Hurricanes defense. A quick recycle from the touch and the brumbies send the ball wide who found #8 Lehi, who side stepped two Hurricane defenders to score. (Brumbies 14 Hurricanes 24) Brumbies kept the pressure on and played most of the 2^nd half on the Hurricanes 22 meters. The Hurricanes weathering the attack finally saw an opportunity when the Brumbies knocked the ball. The Hurricanes attacked left and with some no look passes sent the Brumbies in a scramble in defense. With the Brumbies defense slow to retreat to onside, the Hurricanes found #12 Alex split two defenders to score. Brumbies had several opportunities to score but a few mistake cost them points. Final score Hurricanes 29 Brumbies 14. Hats off to the Brumbies who played a lot closer than the score showed. I look forward to the RugbyFit Finals as the Brumbies will get a rematch with the Hurricanes. Rugby, we dare you to TRY!

Steel Defense send Lions home with a loss!

On a beautiful cool fall Saturday (Saturday is a RUGBY DAY!!) morning in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Rugby Academy took the field at Silvestri Middle School field to embark in a game of touch. There were three games total on the day. The young ruggers (ages 5-10) played one match of forty minutes and the more experienced ruggers (ages 11-18) played two forty minute matches.

The young ruggers match was filled with a lot of excitement and keep the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Both of the more experienced ruggers matches were filled with long runs, great passes, and stellar defense from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. In the first game (Lions vs. Black Steel) the Lions team started off to a very good start. They took the opening kick off in for a try, scored by Izzak. (This is Izzak first touch game of the fall because he missed the first set of games due to attending the Serevi Rugby Camp in Utah, where he won the drop-kick and passing contest.) Lions kicked off to Black Steel, the Lions defense stood firm not giving the Black Steel much room to work with. Off of a Black Steel turnover The Lions sent the ball out wide to Izzak, who was in for the try in the corner. Black Steel took the ball the entire length of the field from the restart where they found Jarion for a try. Jarion also added another try in the first half. After the restart, Lions found again an open Izzak wide open on the wing who ran in for his third try of the day. Just before half, Dallen of the Black Steel found the try zone from about eight phases of possession.

After a quick pep talk by the coaches, both teams were eager to take the field for the second half. Lions kicked off to Black Steel who took the ball at the 22 meter line due to the restart going out of the back of the try zone. Black Steel moved the ball nicely down the field and was able to find their speedster Noah out wide for a try. Black Steel never looked back after the first try of the second half. Black Steel found Noah two more times for tries, Brad added two second half tries, and Dallen & Jarion finished with one try in the second half. The lions found some light right before the final whistle to put Dean over for the final try of the match. Try scores from game one: Lions: Izzak (3), Dean (2), Black Steel: Jarion (3), Noah (3), Dallen (2), Brad (2)

In game two, Adults were able to play in the match. The young ruggers really benefit from running with the adults because the adults are able to help the young ruggers get into the right passion on the field. The Black/Yellow was able to out muscle and score the Black/Red to win the second match. Both teams ended the day with the same record of 1-1.

The next touch matches are on November 12, at Silvestri Middle School field. WE DARE YOU TO TRY!!!

GIRLS RUGBY-CONTACT RUGBY FOR HIGH SCHOO GIRLS

2012 registration

USA EAGLES PLAYERS VISITING THE KIDS

Oct 4 2011 at 4pm, USA Eagles Captain, Todd Clever and USA Eagle Lock Hayden Smith will visit the kids at RUGBYFIT. This is awesome for the kids as well as Rugby in Las Vegas. Both Todd and Hayden played in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Rugby, we dare you to TRY!

Great turn out at RUGBYFIT! It was awesome to see all the new and old faces. Big Thank You to some of the BLACKJACKS Rugby players who came out and supported the event. Still accepting new players to try RUGBYFIT!

Great turn out at RUGBYFIT! It was awesome to see all the new and old faces. Big Thank You to some of the BLACKJACKS Rugby players who came out and supported the event. Still accepting new players to try RUGBYFIT!

Las Vegas Rugby Academy and Rugby 12 Presents RUGBYFIT. Only $40.00 for 8 weeks at Sunset Park (4pm-530pm)

Jr Blackjacks report

JR. BLACKJACKS FALLS SHORT AGAINST TEMPE/RED MTN.

(Silvestri Middle School) Saturday is RUGBY DAY! Today was a treat for Las Vegas Rugby Fan as the Las Vegas Rugby Academy hosted the two top team in the nation, #1 Highland (Utah) and #2 United (Utah) as they travel down to Las Vegas to take on Red Mountain (Arizona) and Tempe. The first game saw Red Mountain upset United, who are the defending 2010 Under 19 National Champions. The 2nd game was a little bit one sided as Highland displayed how rugby is played. It was an awesome treat to see high level of rugby and also to have the Jr. Blackjacks and Academy kids learn from it.
The 3rd game of the day was Jr. Blackjacks against a mix team of Tempe/Red Mtn. After a good warm up and prayer the Jr. Blackjacks took the field. With the wind blowing about 12-15 mph we took the kickoff. We did great to seal and protect the ball and started to move the ball up field. Fitness was the key factor in the game as we moved the ball up the field, the number of supporters reduce and Arizona saw the opportunity and counter ruck to turn the ball over. Arizona started to attack and went wide and the winger knocked the ball on and our #14 Matt picked up the ball and out paced a few defenders to score under the post. We had some great go forward opportunity but lack the continuity to keep going the same direction. We displayed some great individual efforts but in this game of rugby, teamwork always succeeds far better then individual efforts. We won 80% of our lineout’s and stole the ball 4 times. Our the only time we gave the ball away in the lineout is when we did not throw it straight. Our scrum was shaky at the first half as we lost 55% of our scrum. When we started to hit them and push is when we started to control the scrum more. In the 2nd half we won 80% of our scrum which was an great turnaround for us. We had many opportunity to score but lack of supporters and protecting the ball. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well against a very talented team. Jr. Blackjacks has no where to go but up. We made 80% of tackles which was really good and the only time Arizona scored was out wide or turnover in the open field. Our Defense around the ruck area was solid and Arizona knew the only way they can move the ball was to go wide. We performed well and are looking forward for the next game and training. It was just great to see the camaraderie of the Jr. Blackjacks and how the develop as a team. I see a lot of potential with the Jr. Blackjacks and the next time we play Arizona, it will be a different result. Back to work on Tuesday with Fitness and Fitness and enhancing our rugby skills. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY!! Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!!!!!

LVRA Whites wins

Under 14/U19 Girls

LVRA Whites sneaks past the LVRA Blues to win 50-40. Under a cloudy and winding afternoon the LVRA Whites took the rugby pitch to take on the LVRA Blues. This was the first meeting between the two team and it was a promising game to watch and ref. Both side had a good mixture of new and experience players and also for the first time a group of girls. The academy is working on building an all girl team to compete and today was the first time to see some of the girls play.
The game started slow with each team trying to feel each other out. The Blues seem to be the team that gelled quickly and it showed as the score the first try of the game. Blues Dakota took a quick tap and beat two defender to take the lead 5-0. The Blues again extended their lead with some quick hands and footwork to find an open Malcolm in the corner. 10-0. The Whites responded back with a try with Ernie taking the matters in his own to score a long run. 10-5. The Whites finally found their rhythm and the see-saw tries started. When the Blues scored a try, the whites would reply with a try. The halftime score was Blues 35 Whites 25.
The Whites started the 2nd half the same way then ended, with a quick try off the kickoff. Whites 30 Blues 35. The whites continue its attacking arsenal with 4 more tries to take a 50-35 lead. The Blues scored one more try but could not muster anymore. Final White 50 Blues 40. The best part of the game was watching how the U19 Girls played with good communication and plenty of good passing. The U19 Girls also display an awesome awareness of rugby skills. This U19 Girls is going to be a force to be reckon with. RESPECT, RESPONSIBILTY, RUGBY.

Chiefs comes from behind to win

LVRA TOUCH LEAGUE REPORTS

Under 8/Under 10

On a windy Saturday afternoon the LVRA Chiefs come from behind to upset the LVRA Hurricanes 21-19. It was a one side affair in the first half with the Hurricanes controlling the possession of the ball. Hurricanes defense was solid and scored a beautiful try from a turnover ball. The Hurricanes got on the board again with some awesome passing from such young player to extend the lead to 10-0. Chiefs had opportunity to score and get on the board but just could not finish the movement. Just before half the Hurricanes again with an excellent defense turn the ball over and send it wide to take a 19-0 lead.
The 2nd half was another story as the chiefs responded to a prep talk from their coaches and made some personal changes. The Chiefs found and after many attempts to break the Hurricanes defense to score under the post. (7-19) The coaches talked seem to lifted the chiefs as they quickly got back on the score board again with some great passing, running and keeping the ball. The Chiefs were reward with a penalty and took the advantage to score under the post with only minutes remaining. (Chiefs 14 Hurricanes 19)
In the final second of the game and with the ball in hands the Chiefs attacked from their half of the field. Phases after the phases the Chiefs control the ball attacking and the Hurricanes working hard to hold the attack. What seem like an eternity the Chiefs found a gap and sent the player to the corner to score. (Hurricane 19 Chiefs 19). With no time left the Chiefs kicker placed the ball and with a Johnny Wilkinson stance kicked the ball. Chiefs make history as one of the best come from win in rugby to take the win. Awesome display of rugby skills, teamwork, communication and just overall athleticism from both the Hurricanes and Chiefs. Looking forwards for more rugby game from these great young rugby stars. Rugby, we dare you to TRY

Jr. Blacjacks compete in the U19 7s

Las Vegas Invitational Tournaments
Feb. 11 2011 (Field #16 8am-5ish)
After a well fought 15 a-side game, the Jr. Blackjacks were back on the field again to play some more. This time it was 7s and again playing against kids older, bigger and sometime faster. The Jr. Blackjacks landed in pool B with some well establish teams. Jr. Blackjack’s first game kickoff off at 8am against Cherry Creek Rugby Club from Colorado. The game did not start till 9ish due to miscommunication of what field the U19 7s were to play at. After arriving at the correct field and a quick warm-up and a prayer, the Jr. Blackjacks were ready. The Blackjacks played well spinning the ball wide and attacking the wing. We made several breaks but had no support to finish. This was the Blackjacks first game at playing 7s so the supporting line was lacking. But a few quick words and adjustment the Blackjacks were back at attacking again. “One more pass” became the word of the day as we fell short of the try line due to not passing the ball one more time to the open player. Overall the Jr. Blackjacks played well and performed well against a well-trained and older opponent.
The Jr. Blackjacks then took on Valley Center Avengers Rugby Club. Blackjacks came out firing and score 2 beautiful tries to take the lead. But due to experience and fitness then Blackjacks fell short of another opportunity to win. Also there were some questionable tackling techniques by the opponent. The players began to gel as team and understand how to compete in 7s compare to 15s style rugby.
The Final game of the day was against Arizona Bobcats. Due to the lateness of all the games due to miscommunication on the event organization we found out 5 minutes before kickoff we are to play. So with no time to warm up and trying to name my starting 7s we took the field. Arizona scored first with some awesome display of quick hands and speed. We finally regroup and started to work our way down the field. But questionable call by the ref game the Arizona the ball and they beat us outside. After the game the Arizona coach came over and was impress with the how the kids played and want to schedule more game against us in the future. I told him we would love to play them soon.
After the final standing of the pools we found our self in the Bowl bracket and were schedule to play our fourth game of the day. But the team we were supposed to play, never showed up. So we made it to the Semi-final the next day. But we forfeited the game so that the players can go and watch the International teams play and enjoy the weekend. Was it a good choice? Yes, because on Saturday I saw the parents and the players enjoy the atmosphere, the games, fan festival and just everything about the USA 7s. I am just happy the kids played with heart and never gave in. I look forward to training and train the Jr. Blackjacks to be the team to beat next year in the LVI. “Respect, Responsibility, Rugby”

Jr. Blackjacks compete in the LVI and still came out a winner!!

Las Vegas Invitational Tournament (LVI)
Feb. 10 2011 (Field #3 330pm)
The Nursery Field located outside of the Sam Boyd Stadium was filled with rugby players from around the nation and world. All types of accent, color, sizes came to Las Vegas to participate in the most exciting game call rugby and to watch 16 International teams compete to who is king of Las Vegas 7s. The Las Vegas Rugby Academy (Jr. Blackjacks) players were also part of the crowd. A feeling of excitement and butterfly filled the air. Each player from the academy looked ready to what was awaiting them on the rugby pitch. The Jr. Blackjacks’ opponent was Edina Rugby Club from Minnesota and was entering their 13 year as a club. Before the match I had a brief meeting and introduction with the Edina Coaching staff. Edina club had a lot of experience players and been playing rugby for a lot longer than all of the LVRA players. I was concern with the size and age of the Edina rugby players compares to his LVRA players (average age is 13 and the oldest player was 16yrs old). After a quick meeting with the parents of the LVRA and all feeling fine with the kids playing, the coaches got the players dressed and ready to go.
The Jr. Blackjacks did their team warm up and split into forward and backs. Jr. Blackjacks captain Isaac K. lost the coin toss and Edina chose to receive the ball. I believe I was more nervous then players. But with a prayer and a loud “Vegas Rugby” the butterfly flew away and I was ready to see some rugby action. The kickoff was good with some good chase from the forwards. I was amazed at how the Jr. Blackjacks kept tackling and kept their defensive system strong. Each player calling “Ruck, Guard, Post” and point to who had what man. The Edina used their size to attack the smaller forwards. But to my surprise as well as Edina, the Jr. Blackjacks forwards reply back with hard hitting tackles and held their own. After 15 minutes of playing defense, Edina scored a try beating us out wide after failing to beat us in the middle. I was proud of how well the players played and how well they respond to every breakdown and no matter what the score was, they kept fighting. Edina found that the only way they were going to beat the Jr. Blackjacks was go wide and use their speed cause the Jr. Blackjacks defensive system in the middle was solid. This was a great improvement for the players as the week before they had a hard time defending. They score did not reflect how well the players played. This moment was one of my fondest and beats any other feeling I had in my rugby experience to see how much the players played with their hearts. At every breakdown we competed, at every scrum we pushed and every lineout we fought. Edina coaching staff and players had nothing but positive feedback. The head coach of Edina said he was shocked at how well the kids tackled and organized they were around the breakdown, in a few years the Jr. Blackjacks will be a team to reckon with.
No words can express the feeling I had after the game and how proud I was with each player and how they played with their hearts. Playing with heart cannot be taught or learn, that something you have to find by yourself and the Jr. Blackjacks had heart that day. After the game I got a lot of good comments from players, coaches, former international and international players who saw the kids play. They were amazed to see 12 years old compete against 17-18 years old. As a reward for the kids, Fox was there to interview Mele and get the kids on the 10pm news. It was awesome to see the kids on the news and I know they were on cloud nine when they saw it as well. I look forward for more games and training to enhance the player’s skills and hopefully see all compete in professional, elite and maybe International level. Rugby, we dare you to TRY!!

Reds holds Blacks down

Under 13/Under 19: Reds 50 Blacks 30

With alot of exicement in the air, the Under 13/19 game kicked off with both teams runing hard and feeling out each other. Both teams were playing open style game, each trying to out run and spread the ball wide. The Blacks scored first with some nice line break and finally scoring in the corner with #3 Erine doing the honor. The Blacks extended the lead with #9 Shane taking the ball from the base of scrum and sneaking by the defenders to score. Blacks 10 Reds 0. The Reds finally got their break from a Blacks knock-on and watching #13 Seth going the distance. On the kickoff the Reds retain the ball and spread it wide to find #8 Jeff side steping a defender to score. Reds 10 Blacks 10. From there the Reds took the lead from 2 tries from #10 Ollie and never looked back. The Blacks stuggle in the game to control the ball and lack of communitcation hurt them. Final score Reds 50 Blacks 30

LVRA Touch League Jan 22 2011 Under 8/Under 10

Under 8/Under 10 Results: Blues 39 Brumbies 44

The Spring league kicked off with the boys (and girls) LVRA Brumbies upsetting the 2010 Fall league champion LVRA Blues. The Blues got on the scored board first with two tries from London #8 and Luke #13. But the Brumbies quickly answered back with 2 tries from Anthony #10 scoring a nice solo try and new player #11 Triston. Brumbies #11 Triston also scored 2 more tries to give the Brumbies a 20-10 lead. Just before halftime the Blues closed the gap with a try from #9 Mathieu, who also converted his own try. Halftime: Blues 17 Brumbies 20
In the 2nd half the 2010 Champions, Blues came out firing with #12 Paula scoring two hat-trick tries and set up another with his mid-field partner #13 Luke dotting down. The Brumbies answered back with tries from #11 Triston and #12 Mike. Half way through the 2nd half the Blues seem to make some silly mistake and the Brumbies under Coach Jess A. punish the Blues with two more tries from #10 Anthony and #3 A.J. The blues was able to score a consolation try at the sound of the final whistle.

Blues 39 Brumbies 44

Spring league kickoff this weekend

2011 Spring League Kicks Off
January 22 2011
10am Sunset Park

Spring League Schedule
Jan. 22 2011 (Sunset Park)
Jan. 29 2011 (Sunset Park)
Feb 10-13 USA 7s
Feb 26 2011 (Sunset Park)
Mar 12 2011 (Sunset Park)
Mar 26 2011 (Silvestri)
Apr 9 2011 (Silvestri)
Apr 23 2011 (Open Game?)
Apr 30 2011 (Silvestri)
May 7 2011 (Silvestri)
May 14 2011 (Silvestri)

ALL GAMES STARTS AT 10A
Rugby, we dare you to
TRY!!