Las Vegas Rugby Sevens

Last week some of the greatest rugby players gathered in the Las Vegas desert for the 2015 USA Rugby Sevens Las Vegas tournament.

Rugby, the hooligan sport played by gentlemen, is an all-guts, fiercely adrenaline rushed game. In a regular match there is 15 players on the pitch per team, while a sevens match has, well seven players on the field.

The only thing to remember, throw the ball behind you. Seriously, it’s a penalty and gives possession of the ball to the other team. So, just don’t do it!

The Las Vegas Rugby sevens tournament gathers professional teams, leagues and university varsity teams to participate. This year, St. Catharines very own Brock Badgers Mens Varsity Rugby team took home second place in the Men’s University division.

Now, seeing how this is sports from a female’s perspective. Let’s take some time to explore some of the amazing women rugby teams.

APTOELLA Angles at Las Vegas Rugby Sevens tournament

First, hailing from the West Coast, the APTOELLA  Angles. A fierce group of 11 powerful women making bold moves for women in the sport of rugby. Along with their rugby team, APTOELLA is a female rugby clothing store and IRB approved padding. Losing to the Netherlands 7s Elite team in the cup final. Not bad for a team that isn’t consider one of Canada’s “official” teams at the tournament.

The Maple Leafs East and West were the two official Canadian teams in this years Las Vegas Rugby Sevens tournament. The two teams faced each other in the bronze medal game, leaving Maple Leaf East victorious.

On the bright side, Rugby Canada’s Women’s program has never seem more dominant. With three Canadian teams, official or not making the top five in the Women’s Elite division.

Lynzi Anderson- APTOELLA Angles

Back in high school, I had the privilege of playing along side some of the women that represented Canada in Las Vegas. I can honestly say, I could not be more proud of the effort, determination and sacrifice put forth by Lynzi Anderson and Emily Belchos.

Emily Belchos- Maple Leafs East