Over 100 at Western Washington University Skills Clinic

03.05.2024

On Saturday, February 17, a gathering of nearly 100 High School players from British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon attended the WWU High School Rugby Clinic, getting a high-level session from Western Washington University coaches and players.

The clinic ran from 10:00am to 2:00pm on Harrington Field, and the goal was to provide all participants with an opportunity to improve their skills and understanding of how to play the great game of rugby. WWU coaches and players taught, coached, mentored, and provided a positive four-hour session.

The players were divided into four groups, two for JV (grades 9 and 10) and two for Varsity (grades 11 and 12).

"We moved some kids around depending on experience," said WWU Director of Rugby Paul Horne. "It was a good opportunity for kids to get. little more advanced coaching.

The format of the day included sessions on basic skills of handling and passing, introduction to ball in contact, and positional skills. Players also went through unit skills on set piece such as scrums and lineouts, as well as back play and pattern in attack and defense.

With a variety of positional stations the WWU players were able to work closely with the players on the ins and outs of each position while the coaches provided oversight.

"We had a station for scrumhalves, we had kicking skills; we covered a lot," said WWU Director of Rugby Paul Horne.

Players came from local HS team Chuckanut and across the border with BC, but also from the Cascade Conference in Eastern Washington, Camas in the South, and even the Eastside Tsunami in Oregon.

"We had kids from all over which was awesome to see," said Horne. "There was a range of skill level; all wanted to develop their skills but some of the kids were playing their 6th or 7th year of organized rugby and that showed. Still, we did think that this was the best skilled group we've had since we started this camp.

WWU's Director of Admissions was on hand to answer questions about applying to the college, and there were campus tours available to kids who wanted them.

The day ended with "The fastest Rugby player" race. winners were presented with a new WWU Rugby ball.

"It truly was a great day and all participants went home exhausted wearing a new WWU Rugby T-shirt and a greater Rugby IQ," said Horne.