The Washington Loggers State Boys and Girls Rep-Side competed in the Vancouver Sevens Invitational (VSI) held as part of the Vancouver 7s, this past weekend, coming away with some hardware.

The VSI was held at the purpose-built Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre, preceding the HSBC World Series 7s event. 

The Boys U16s finishing 3rd.

This year’s Boys' bronze-medal performance featured steadiness under pressure and powerful running by Chance Loudenback. Max Rhodes was physical with the ball in hand and was a solid finisher.

“Over the years, this has proven to be an exceptional rugby development opportunity,”  said David Miller, Loggers Director and Coach. “British Columbia is the North American capital of rugby, and everything — competition, facilities and rugby culture – are on display for these young Americans. Notably, our Canadian neighbors are cooperating in their rep-side development. Each team is part of a comprehensive framework, to identify and develop players through progressive opportunities. That dividend from that cooperation is evident in the rising standards of play. There’s a lesson in there for us here in the U.S." 

Players came from Rainier, Eastside, Seattle, West Seattle, Liberty, and Chuckanut, and while it took a while to put everything together, they got better over time.

Looking forward, The Loggers begin their XVs’ training sessions in April, to prepare for their annual Border Series in Canada. This year the series will include the Oregon Redhawks, the Victoria Crimson Tide Rep-Side, and the British Columbia Rep-Side, each at U18, U16 and U14 levels. 

“We’re committed to creating a pathway,” said Miller. “There isn’t a better mechanism to develop USA and Canada's aspiring players than international-standard play, against progressively better teams, in full-match formats — with partners who respect the game, the referee and nurture the culture."   

Boys U16 

10-22 vs British Columbia (Valley)

46-0 over Thunder

22-0 over Calgary Irish

19-26 vs British Columbia (Mainland)

10-0 over British Columbia (Valley)

Girls U18 

17-17 even vs. British Columbia (Blue)

0-37 vs. Ontario Blue

0-31 vs. Rugby Canada Development Academy

17-7 over Thunder

12-33 vs. British Columbia (Blue)

Boys U18 

7-38 vs. British Columbia (Mainland)

19-26 vs. British Columbia (Island)

21-7 over Edmonton Gold 

5-0 over Peterborough

5-34 vs. British Columbia (Valley)