Rugby Texas held its preseason Ruggapalooza event, with teams from St. Thomas HS, Cy Fair, SALT Rugby, Lamar, and West Houston in attendance.

The tournament was designed to get players on the field and to get a little coaching done in between, and it succeeded there.

The Texas league will once again feature two divisions for the boys, with The Woodlands looking to defend their title (see the championship game here).

But once again this will be a very challenging league, with St. Thomas, Katy, and Cy Fair from the Houston area looking to take down The Woodlands. From Dallas, Jesuit, Allen, and the Harlequins Colts are eyeing a title, while in Austin, Westlake and Lake Travis are probably the top teams once more.

The Boys D2 features upstarts Timber Creek, who are back for another run. St. Pius X is always strong, too.

Christian Glover made a good impression playing for Lamar, while Fischer Wheat showed how he is developing by making the shift from No. 8 to flyhalf. Alex Park, the normal flyhalf, moved to scrumhalf because of an injury and the pair kept things clicking nicely.

"Great day overall," said St. Thomas Head Coach James Wolfinger. "Lots of rugby with no serious injuries and lots of collegiality. Cy Fair had great numbers and athleticism. Salt was very athletic and came all the way in from San Antonio. Brand new West Houston did very well. Lamar has a solid improving squad."

St. Thomas flyhalf Eli Young had a solid day and worked nicely with new scrumhalf Matthew Ornufrow.

Several Houston Sabercats men's players were on hand to help out.

(Jordan Maat took all the photos)