The Friendship Cup: From a Single Match to a National Rugby Showcase
“What many people don’t realize is that The Friendship Cup started as a single match in 2023 between Raptor Rugby (TN) and the Charlotte Cardinals,” said Friendship Cup founder and Peak Rugby partner Mike Orefice.
“Jason Zehmke reached out because his team was looking for a match, and we decided to test ourselves against one of the top Tier 1 high school programs in the nation.”
St. Thomas of Houston Wins Dramatic Local Derby
St. Thomas edged Strake Jesuit 24-22 Wednesday night in a huge game among school teams in Texas.
Both teams were undefeated going into this match and it proved to be a very intense contest.
"A lot of these guys know each other and have played each other since middle school," said St. Thomas Head Coach James Wolfinger. "It was a true derby."
Gamebreakers for March in HS Rugby
Here's a little look back at the past month or so and the players who had some big performances.
Jaxson Siroky, Wichita
The Wichita wing scored three tries in a victory over Junction City.
Andy Campanell, Bixby
Described by his coach as "a large, fast wrecking ball," Campanell has exploded onto the scene for Bixby this year at center.
Old Guard Strong in New-Look Utah League
One of the features of high school rugby in the last couple of years is the realignment, readjustment, and reimagining of various leagues.
Some have succeeded, some have fallen flat, and some have been rebuilt.
Boys School-Team Rankings Week 11
Well we have a new #1.
This was a tough call because, at least this week, Herriman didn't have a matchup that screamed "send us to #1!" Our other options were St. Ignatius, who won a game GRR watched and we came away thinking they needed something more; and St. Francis, who were dynamic and thrilling, but have also lost a couple of games this season.
