Written by: Sierra Porter | Staff Writer

Every year, National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) hosts men’s and women’s Collegiate Rugby All Stars, where skillful and dedicated players are selected to represent their schools on an all star rugby team. 

The NCR evolved from the National Small College Rugby Organization, NSCRO. Its goal was to support the growth and development of small college rugby, as well as having equal opportunities for men’s and women’s rugby. They still support this goal, but also focus on furthering the growth of collegiate coaches, players and teams. 

The NCR runs five major national championship events, including the men’s and women’s XVs National Championship after the Fall season, the Collegiate Rugby Championship 7s in the Spring and the mid-year All-Star Tournaments, bringing in the best players from around the country. 

All star players are observed playing in clubs or colleges throughout the year and those selected are considered to be some of the best; this year, three members of Western’s very own men’s rugby team were selected to demonstrate their skills on the Pacific Coast Grizzlies all star team. 

Junior, Isaac Bare, Senior, Braedon Eltagonde and Senior Sangato Letisi, were among the best when selected to be part of the Grizzlies. The three traveled down to Austin, Texas last weekend, Jan. 6-7, with the help and contributions of people in the Western community. 

The Grizzlies started out strong with their first match on Saturday against the Independent Whites — high energy, hard hits and motivation made for a successful first game with a 12-0 win for the Grizzlies. Letisi holding down every scrum, Eltagonde’s efficient defense and Bare with a beautiful catch in the lineout, were no doubt essential in this win. 

The Grizzlies had a difficult battle the next two matches and ended the weekend 1-2. Regardless of the end score, it was clear that Bare, Eltagonde and Letisi represented Western with pride and showed why they deserve to be all stars. 

Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu