High-Rankings Clash as Woodlands Meets Up With St. Martin's

02.02.2024

Woodlands takes on St. Martin’s Kingfishers in Dallas this weekend in an early-season meeting of two highly-ranked teams from different states.

Woodlands plays their players from one school in the Texas school league but they generally operate as a club, and as a club are ranked #5 by GRR.

For St. Martin’s, they are currently ranked #12. Yes it’s early days, but this is still a marquee game for the weekend.

“This season, Woodlands Rugby is undergoing significant changes with 11 starters, including seven forwards and four backs, being replaced from last year’s roster,” said Woodlands HS Boys team manager. “While we have confidence in the quality of our new players, they are relatively untested in competitive play. Facing St. Martin’s will be a crucial test for our team as we prepare for another shot at the National Tournament in Elkhart. It’s an opportunity to assess our strengths and areas for improvement as we strive for success on the national stage.”

Woodlands will also play St. Thomas Aquinas and Kansas City Junior Blues, and travel to Southern California to play three top teams. So they will be looking for challenging matches.

“The Woodlands is the best high school rugby team I have ever seen play in person,” said St. Martin’s Headmaster Daniel Kerr. “Having the opportunity to meet them on the pitch is an extraordinary privilege and we look forward to the challenge.”

Head Coach John Prezzia echoed that, adding that “the boys love warfare, and that’s what we’re hoping this game will be: a run-and-gun, tv-style rugby match of skill and will.”

And this is why GRR advocates for HS teams to play outside their region.

“Woodlands is a class act and an incredible team,” added Prezzia. “The boys are excited to battle with the very best."