Round 9 was a make-or-break week for three teams looking to secure a playoff spot in the WPL East. Twin Cities, New York, and Beantown all entered the weekend still in contention, but now just the latter two remain. 

Wales and South Africa each progressed their way to the semifinals on Sunday, beating France and Japan, respectively. 

The world's top two teams laid down serious statements on Saturday, as England and New Zealand each put in dominant displays against Australia and Ireland in the quarterfinals. 

Wales have played their "get out of jail card," coach Warren Gatland said Monday of his team's nail-biting victory over France that set up a World Cup semifinal against South Africa this weekend.

Mike Friday and his staff have selected 16 players for this weekend's AFI 7s in Manchester. Following the 7s tournament, the players will also be competing in a 5v5 Rugby X tournament, the first of its kind. 

Watch both days of the West Coast 7s, Oct. 19 & 20, right here on FloRugby!

Following a week off, WPL teams should be fresh and ready to get down to business this weekend in the penultimate round of the campaign.

The growth of rugby in America relies not only on the improvement of the players, but also that of the coaches. 

Joe Schmidt has named a starting side that includes eight players from Leinster for Saturday's quarterfinal showdown with New Zealand. 

Michael Cheika has picked his side for Saturday's huge quarterfinal clash with England at Oita Stadium, and among his starters is 19-year-old center Jordan Petaia.