Great Northwest Challenge 2018

Great NW Challenge: Don't Miss These Dominant Duos

Great NW Challenge: Don't Miss These Dominant Duos

Collegiate and National Team scouts should keep their eye out for these dominant RCT duos.

Jun 21, 2018 by Austin Willis
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Every player at the Regional Cup Tournament (RCT) level is individually talented. However, a prospect's talent alone isn't the only attribute that can catch a USA Rugby or college scout's eye.

A 90-meter solo break might be a worthy highlight moment, but players with excellent assist and poaching ability are the ones who are selected to the High School All-Americans (HSAA) or even walk away with a college scholarship.

At all-star tournaments like the RCT, there are teams riddled with players that have never played together. Prospects with experience in the all-star setting or years of chemistry with their teammates will have a massive advantage on the field.

Here are a few duos that we expect to catch the attention of scouts from USA Rugby and from college programs at the Great Northwest Challenge this Friday and Saturday in Boise, Idaho.

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The Flanker Unit

The Washington Loggers have a pair of flankers in their lineup in Alex Cleary and Mo Vea that could very likely lead the tournament in tackles and carries. Cleary has already been recognized as a High School All-American as well as playing with the Eagle Impact Rugby Academy. Mo Vea out of Liberty High School is built like a hooker but can tackle and roam the field like a flanker. He’ll likely play both positions for the Loggers which makes his utility more desirable to scouts. Vea also plays defense for his high school football team and will be dominant in the point of contact.

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Commits Collide

Two prominent women’s rugby collegiate commits could potentially face each other in the Girls Tier 1 competition. In one pool is Washington Logger’s hooker Hannah Boekelman, who is committed to Life University. In the other Tier 1 pool is Utah Cannibals center Delaney Rakuita (pictured below), who will continue her rugby at BYU. 


Both players are already on the national radar and will be competing for state pride. If the tournament shakes out right we could see the two stars go head to head in the Girls Tier 1 RCT Final. These women will likely face each other many more times at the collegiate level.

The 9-10 Combo

Two players with the most chemistry in this tournament will likely be the NorCal Barbarians scrumhalf to flyhalf pairing of Cole Wallin and Tai Fetui. The two have been playing together since they were 11 years old. While they will be in the Boys Tier 2 competition they should be a setup unit to watch out for. 

Coach Rodney Wallin of the NorCal Barbarians predicts his Tier 2 team’s center, Josiah Naigulevu, "would be my favorite to be the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.” Cole Wallin and Tai Fetui are only underclassmen in high school and have years to compete in this tournament. But with seven years of chemistry and a danger man in Naiguvelu don’t be surprised when these guys show up big in the assist tally.

Back Row Bros

Isaac Fabela and Nick Kincaide (below) out of Pleasanton, CA, are two physically imposing loose forwards. 


The two play for the same high school club and will be familiar with each other's style and communication on the field. Kincaide is a shorter stouter flanker that makes his impact around the breakdown. Kincaide’s developed fundamentals will make him a desirable collegiate flanker. Fabela played no. 8 for Pleasanton but his length and range will likely boost him into the lock position at this level and the next. Fabela has played in this tournament for the last three years and will be no stranger to this level of play. 

By the end of this tournament, we'll see plenty of highlight plays but the players who can make the team better will standout and advance to the next level. Expect chemistry to play a huge role in the RCTs.