The Kansas City Junior Blues may be one of the most dependable attendees to the Boys HS Rugby National Championships. 

Playing in somewhat isolation in the the Heartland, where only St. Thomas Aquinas is a nearby challenger, the Blues are used to traveling long distances to find difficult opponents. As a result, the Blues are used to searching far and wide for games, and going to Nationals is just part of the equation.

Watch The Boys HS Rugby Nationals LIVE on FloRugby May 16-18

This year, the Blues have started well. They toured Texas, where they beat Allen and lost to The Woodlands. Then they beat one of the top Wisconsin teams in the Chargers, before tying perennial Indiana power, Penn HS. 

Following that was a string of games that showcase the Blues’ impressive defense. They shut out Naperville of Illinois 22-0, beat local rivals KC Cougars 64-0, and last Thursday were leading Liberty HS 48-0 at halftime when lightning ended the game. Then this past weekend they traveled to Bixby, OK for the Heart of America tournament. Despite some nasty weather, the Blues shut out Bixby 21-0, Blue Valley 19-0, and then beat Aquinas 19-5.

In the past 300 minutes of rugby, the Blues have given up exactly one try.

Leading the way for this team is center Saoisi Nauer, a powerful runner and part of a strong defensive effort, too. Flyhalf Kaiden Fothergill has been running the offense effectively and has an eye for mismatches and openings he can exploit.

Up front, No. 8 Ayden Augsburg is a powerful runner, but it’s his defense that really leads the way.

Is this a national championship level KC Jr. Blues team? Maybe. The ability to clamp down the defense since that loss to Woodlands is worth a look.

Every game at the Boys HS Nationals May 16-18 in Salt Lake City will be LIVE on FloRugby.