Olympic Stars and Rising Talent Shine at PR7s All-Star Tournament
Olympic Stars and Rising Talent Shine at PR7s All-Star Tournament
PORTLAND, Ore. — In front of an electrified crowd at Providence Park, rugby’s elite athletes and emerging stars delivered a spectacle of speed, power, and precision at Sunday’s PR7s All-Star Tournament. For 19 Olympians returning to U.S. soil after competing in Paris, the event was a triumphant showcase—and they did not disappoint.
Featuring six high-stakes matches, the tournament spotlighted Premier Rugby Sevens’ commitment to equality, with men and women competing on the same platform and receiving equal opportunities and exposure. For teams like the United States and Canada, it was both a proving ground for emerging talent and a stepping stone toward the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“This tournament was invaluable for our team, especially as we integrate young and emerging players,” said Emilie Bydwell, head coach of the U.S. women’s national team. “Events like these provide critical opportunities for athletes to battle-test themselves against top-tier competition while preparing for what lies ahead. Our partnership with PR7s allows players to showcase their abilities in a bigtime environment where the lights are bright.”
Match Highlights
Match 1: USA Men Dominate Early
The USA men set the tone with a commanding 38-10 victory over the PR7s All-Stars. Behind powerful runs from Lance Williams and the finesse of David Still, the Americans demonstrated their blend of speed and physicality. Despite flashes of brilliance from the All-Stars, the USA’s cohesion and athleticism proved too much to overcome.
“We wanted to set the tone early,” said Williams. “Playing on home soil always gives us extra energy, and the fans here in Portland brought the noise. It was a great way to start the tournament.”
Match 2: Canadian Women Shine
Canada’s women delivered a clinical performance in their 27-0 shutout of the PR7s All-Stars. Led by the dynamic duo of Piper Logan and Asia Hogan Rochester, Canada controlled possession and capitalized on every opportunity to assert their dominance.
“This tournament is all about showcasing what we can do as a team,” said Hogan Rochester, who would go on to earn Women’s MVP honors. “We stayed disciplined, stuck to our game plan, and made every possession count. It’s an honor to represent Canada and compete against such talented athletes.”
Match 3: A Men’s Thriller
In the most electrifying match of the day, the USA men edged the PR7s All-Stars 36-34 in a nail-biter. Lucas Le Camp, later named Men’s MVP, delivered a standout performance, anchoring the USA’s effort with key plays on both offense and defense. A last-minute defensive stand sealed the win, thrilling the Portland crowd.
“That game had everything—momentum shifts, big plays, and a lot of heart,” said Le Camp. “The All-Stars pushed us to our limits, but our team’s composure and trust in each other made the difference.”
Match 4: U.S. Women Start Strong
The U.S. women opened their campaign with a hard-fought 22-12 victory over the PR7s All-Stars. Kayla Thomas shone brightly, breaking through defenses with speed and power to help secure the win. The Americans showed resilience under pressure, responding to the All-Stars’ spirited efforts with sharp execution.
“This was a great way to start the day,” said Thomas. “We focused on our game plan, and it felt amazing to see the team come together. Everyone contributed to this win.”
Match 5: USA Men Stay Perfect
In their final match, the USA men completed a clean sweep with a gritty 31-23 victory over the PR7s All-Stars. Once again, Le Camp, Williams, and Aaron Cummings were pivotal, combining athleticism and leadership to hold off a determined All-Stars squad.
“The All-Stars gave us a real battle,” said Cummings. “Matches like these make us stronger as a team. We had to trust our preparation and dig deep to get the job done.”
Match 6: Canada’s Women Reign Supreme
The day concluded with a dominant 26-5 win by Canada’s women over the USA. Hogan Rochester capped her MVP-worthy performance with another exceptional display, helping Canada solidify their status as one of the world’s top teams.
“The rivalry with the USA always brings out the best in us,” said Hogan Rochester. “Ending the day like this is special—it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of this team.”
While the spotlight shone brightly on the Olympians and international stars, the PR7s All-Star Tournament also celebrated rugby at the grassroots level. The day included amateur matches showcasing regional, collegiate, and youth talent, underscoring the sport's growing reach. Fans in attendance witnessed spirited performances from the Oregon Rugby Sports Union (ORSU) in both men’s and women’s matches, as well as a thrilling college matchup between the University of Oregon and ORSU. The tournament also featured a youth select game between the Pacific Northwest Loggers and TOA Idaho, highlighting the next generation of rugby talent.
As players and fans reflected on the day’s action, the PR7s All-Star Tournament stood as a landmark moment in rugby’s growth across North America. Premier Rugby Sevens innovative approach to equal opportunities, paired with global broadcasts and top-tier competition, continues to elevate the sport’s profile.
With sights set on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the 2028 Olympics, teams will carry the lessons learned in Portland into their next competitions. For rugby fans, the tournament served as a reminder of why sevens is one of the most thrilling sports in the world—and why its future looks so bright.
