‘We’ve had a ton of response’: Rugby regains popularity in C.O. as teams compete in Cascade Classic
(Update: Adding video, comments from Bend Rugby teams)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Several rugby teams took to the field at Bend’s Pine Nursery Park on Saturday for the 2024 Cascade Classic, hosted by Bend Rugby.
Rugby is a team sport where 15 players on each team compete, carry, pass and kick an oval ball to score points.
Bend Rugby Secretary Craig Branstad said the sport is exhilarating and, is open to everyone.
Bend Rugby was founded in 1975 and prides itself on finding inexperienced players and turning them into rugby players.
"We have a men's team, a women's team and also the high school girls too. So we try to start with the youth and work everybody up through the adult programs," he said.
It's a sport that's also rising in popularity. Bend Lady Roughriders President Mara Ozolnieks-Firtz shared why the sport is gaining momentum in the community.
"I think with the Olympics, when we re-started practices (after COVID), and now all the restrictions are gone now, we've had a ton of response."
The teams competing were from around Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
There were seven men's teams taking part, including the Bend Roughriders, Boise United and Moscow Mules, as well as three women's teams: the Bend Lady Roughriders, Half-Time Oranges and Portland Pigs, going up against each other.
Ozolnieks-Firtz said, "When COVID happened, our team, we couldn't play, you know, we had so many restrictions. You had to wear masks or people were getting sick. So our team previously was very strong. we were playing really well and it all broke apart."
The sport brings joy to Branstad, as it holds a special place in his heart.
"Seeing the women's teams come back and the men's teams numbers grow, it means a lot for me personally," he said, "because the sport is one of the best sports to ever be a part of, from the people in the community being so supportive. And then obviously, the competition on the field is is the best."
