Photo: Will Mahoney-Watson (see more) •
We’ve always been a big fan of ORSU, the Club Team of Fall 2016. The Portland, Ore., outfit is an emblem of the “true club,” an organization that invests long-term in players and levels of participation to produce sustainable success.
“ORSU definitely takes pride in being a true rugby club in the USA, especially in the current rugby climate of new academies popping up across the U.S.,” ORSU captain Rachel Johnson commented. “We of course want to attract players to come to Portland to play for ORSU, but we also value rugby as a team sport, not a showcase for or race to acquire individual athletes. Our approach to rugby and our club is about the team, about our family. We empower individuals and truly believe our game plan needs to include and support each player’s strengths in order to get the best, and most fun, process and results!”
During the second half of 2016 (the time period being considered for fall awards), ORSU was the only club team to advance out of the club 7s national championship quarterfinals. Co-coached by clubmate Nick Cutrell and veteran San Juanita Moreno, the Jesters defeated the San Diego Surfers in the Cup Round of 8, and then fell three points shy of Old Blue – a 7s-only team – in the semis. As Scion Rugby Academy went on to win the title, ORSU finished fourth to National Development Academy ARPTC.
It was a vast improvement considering ORSU missed out on the 2015 event, and the majority of the 7s players booted up for the fall Women’s Premier League season. Again, led by stalwart player-coaches Moreno and Beckett Royce, the Jesters competed against eventual WPL finalists San Diego and Glendale (and Berkeley) during the regular season, and qualified for the 5th place bracket at nationals. ORSU won both its games and saw players like Johnson and Paris Hart tabbed for NASC inclusion.
It’s important to note that ORSU also runs a women’s DII team, as well as men’s DI and DIII sides. Johnson indicated that the connectivity between these entities, bound by a supportive board, is further buoyed by close ties with the Portland Hunters, a top-notch touch team. The result is a veritable rugby community that is dedicated to growth and top performance.
“I think the fun aspect is also important,” Johnson concluded. “We love playing high-level rugby but we don’t lose sight of the fact that we are a community of goofy ORSU Jesters; and fun high-level rugby with your family is truly the best!”
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College Player of Fall 2016: Ilona Maher