The USA Rugby Men’s U20 National Team will train at the deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields in Ferndale as it prepares for the two-match World Rugby U20s Qualification series against Canada.
The Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club — a northwest Washington organization that fields youth and adult rugby teams — announced the national team will arrive in Bellingham on Saturday, May 18 and train at the complex from May 20–28 before heading north to the competition in Langford, British Columbia, in early June.
Training will be open to spectators, with details yet to be announced.
“We are honored to host the USA Rugby U20 National Team,” Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club president Kellen Wiggins said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our local community to witness the future stars of American rugby and showcase the excellent facilities at deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields.”
The national team announced the squad that will travel to face Canada on May 1. The winner of the series will move on to the eight-team U20 Trophy competition at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 2–17 with a chance to earn a spot at the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2025.
“Being able to assemble in the state of Washington, so close to where we will be playing, is crucial to our preparation in search of consecutive qualification,” said national team head coach Neethling Gericke. “We are grateful to the Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club for their hospitality and look forward to a productive 10 days at deWilde Fields.”
The deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields are the home of the Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club and have recently undergone development and expansion in four phases. Phase one was completed in March 2021, and phase four is set to begin in summer 2024.
Connor J. Benintendi is a former CDN sports reporter, send tips and information to newstips@cascadiadaily.com.
