The Northwest Collegiate Rugby Conference gets going in earnest this weekend with four game scheduled.

Defending conference champion University of Washington is slated to visit Gonzaga, however that game is currently in doubt due to a frozen pitch at Gonzaga. Recent increased concern about concussion risk in all sports on campuses has wisely brought to light the issue of hard (including frozen) fields increasing the risk of concussions. So that game might or might not go forward, and it’s a big one. Gonzaga leads the conference at present with a 2-0 record, and UW is 1-0 and, as we said the defending champions.

UW Head Coach Mike Alfstad said he is very pleased with the team he has now. With former Eagle Shawn Pittman working with the squad, they are using their rugby experience a little better.

“While our numbers are down we’ve got a stronger core than we’ve ever had before,” said Alfstad. “More skilled, more field award, and better presence and recognition.”

The culture of the team is strong, said Alfstad, and he is getting players with some high school rugby experience. 

“We are getting kids who prove that you don’t have to sacrifice being a scholar to be an accomplished athlete, so how can that not be fun to be their coach?”

The Huskies are led by a cadre of senior players, including last year’s top try-scorers Nate Lungstrom and QueVeon Jenkins, both big, powerful props who are fit, work hard, and know the way to the tryline. Riley Poulson has moved around the positions and is now back in the back row. His twin brother, Grady, is at fullback, and then a group of freshmen look good.

Once they get on the field, the Huskies should be tough to catch - as long as they stay healthy.

Also on the slate is Western Washington, runners up in 2016, who were supposed to have a warmup match against University of British Columbia, but had that game called off. A frustration for the Vikings, but they will now have to take that frustration out on Oregon State, back in the NCRC after they moved out of the PAC Rugby Conference. The NCRC is, for now, a better fit for the Beavers, and they will be hard-pressed in what has become a competitive conference.

WWU expects a perfect day for rugby in Bellingham, Wash. Saturday, and Program Director Paul Horne is excited to finally see what his players can do.

“Preparation has been good considering the winter conditions,” Horne said. “Lots of depth allows for some spirited competition at training [but the] team is anxious to play after three weeks of work.”

WWU gets captain Louie Henson back after injuring his ACL about a year ago. He anchors the forward pack and will be a massive addition for the Vikes.

Also on the slate, Washington State (0-1) visits Oregon (1-0), another expected contender. Eastern Washington (0-1) faces Boise State (1-1).