GRR: Utah Youth Rugby
It was a pretty satisfying first run-out for the United HS programs as Utah Youth Rugby opened up its fall 7s.
With Utah having dodged some of the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state moved a little faster than most to full-contact rugby.
United swept the field Saturday in the opening weekend of Utah Youth Rugby's fall 7s.
The United boys team was dominant, winning three games by shutout. Their only close one was against Brighton/Copper Hills at 19-14, but that was the last game of the day and United was already 3-0 and Brighton/Copper Hills was already 0-3. Mountain Ridge did well to finish the day 3-1.
Rugby ramps up in high school 7s this weekend, with Utah Youth Rugby kicking off its fall season.
While some teams in Utah have seen a bit of a slowdown in signups as some parents are wary of allowing their kids playing time during the COVID-19 pandemic, UYR's campaign of pointing out how extensive screen time is bad for kids has helped get eager kids back on the field.
After some feedback from clubs, Utah Youth Rugby has delayed its Fall HS 7s series by two weeks.
The delay is less about COVID-19 concerns—at least in a direct way—than it is about USA Rugby's new membership platform and about the needed delays in saying the season was a go.
Utah Youth Rugby will start its fall 7s in three days now that Salt Lake County has opened up for sports activities.
With the Regional Athletic Complex in Salt Lake City now able to rent out is fields, UYR will be able to hold tournaments for boys and girls through the fall. The first tournament will be this Saturday, September 19.