The 2025 Midwest U23 All-Star 15s Tournament will occur in Oshkosh, Wis., from Saturday-Sunday, May 31-June 1. The event features the region’s eight state-based all-star teams and is the primary selection venue for the Midwest U23 Thunderbirds, which competes in the annual U23 national 15s championships. [lead photo: Calder Cahill / USA Rugby]
The state teams are divided into two tiers based on year’s results, and they all receive two full 15s games across the weekend. There is one pitch in operation on Saturday, and then two on Sunday. Do note that this all-star tournament is different and separate from the Thunderbird Cup, which occurs the same weekend at the Chicago Blaze facility and features senior club players.
SATURDAY MAY 31
All times Central
Tier 2
9 a.m. Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
11 a.m. Allegheny vs. Indiana
Tier 1
1 p.m. Michigan vs. Illinois
3 p.m. Iowa vs. Ohio
SUNDAY JUNE 1
8 a.m. Both Tier 2 games
10 a.m. Tier 1 3rd place
12 p.m. Tier 1 championship
Midwest U23 Thunderbird coaches Xane Gerasimo and Meghan Flanigan will be on the ground scouting talent and inviting individuals to a selection camp (details TBD). The national U23 tournament is June 27-29 at a TBA location. If you or someone you know is interested in representing their state all-star team and competing in the Midwest U23 tournament in Oshkosh, then contact the following head coaches for more information:
• Allegheny: Mike Geibel, mbgeibel@gmail.com
• Illinois: Betty Nguyen, betty.nguyen25@gmail.com
• Indiana: Izzy Gibbon, izzigibbon@gmail.com; Caitlyne Poe, caitlyne.poe@gmail.com
• Iowa: Kathleen O’Neill, kathleen.c.oneill@gmail.com
• Michigan: Jamie Frech, jamiefrech@gmail.com
• Minnesota: Amity Beiner, amityb014@gmail.com
• Ohio: Izzy Gibbon, izzigibbon@gmail.com
• Wisconsin: Xane Gerasimo, xanthi.gerasimo@gmail.com