LVI Kicks Off: Here's Who To Watch
LVI Kicks Off: Here's Who To Watch
FloRugby looks at the contenders in the major brackets of the LVI
The largest amateur rugby tournament in North America has kicked off at the Las Vegas Invitational in Las Vegas. Here's a rundown of the three-day competition's major divisions.
Americas Cup Elite
This is a competition of pro, semi-pro, and international teams not involved in the USA 7s tournament. Every year this is a bit of a crapshoot, and this year is no different. Japan could be strong, and the Froggies out of France are always tough. Samurai, a pro touring side out of England, and Tiger, a touring side out of (mostly) California, are both major contenders.
Watch out also for 1823 and the Stars. It's a packed field, with no true front-runner.
READ MORE: Stars Stumble In Fiji Hotbed
CRC 7s
This is a direct qualifier for the Collegiate Rugby Championships tournament in June, and this year's field is solid but not overwhelming. Kutztown, which will play in the CRC anyway and doesn't need to qualify, could well be the best squad.
Air Force, Utah Valley, St. Joe's, and Lindenwood-Belleville all have significant potential. St. Joe's loves to surprise people.
Men's Open 7s
Who knows? Belmont Shore and Equipe Quebec might be the best bet.
Women's College 7s
This is a good tournament to stretch the legs and one that has often seen Canadian teams perform well. The division's lineup of teams is made for Notre Dame College to roll through. NSCRO, Arizona, Virginia, and Utah State all could do well, but NDC has to be the favorite.
Women's Elite 7s
Quebec won the New York 7s and it can play — that's for sure. British Columbia and the team Quebec beat in the NY 7s final, Scion, are also teams to watch.
Women's Open 7s
Not a big field. Lindenwood should roll.
Equipe Quebec Reveals The Team's Secret To Success:
Boys High School Elite 7s
Eagle Impact Rugby Academy won this division last year, and EIRA is heavily favored once more. Upright Rugby, British Columbia, and Atlantis, plus the two Utah teams, could all contend for the title. Watch out for DMV, which has been known to sneak up on people.
Boys HS Open 7s
Eagle Mountain out of Texas is poised to do well here and so, too, could Los Alamitos and Las Vegas. But don't stray from the Rhinos Rugby Academy or Atlantis. These two are more 7s oriented.
Girls Elite 7s
Atlantis all the way. BC, Oregon, Atavus, and Rocky Mountain all have talent.
Play Breakdown | Atlantis' Restarts At NY 7s:
Girls Open 7s
This is a tough one to call. Summit out of Colorado probably has the most unity. Edmonton brings a ton of physicality. Arizona and Eastern Ontario could be in the mix, too.
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