The prestigious competition took place on January 13-14 weekend, drawing 9 of the best teams in the country:
Rhinos Rugby Club, Motherlode, Danville Oaks, Utah United, Utah Olympus, Snow Canyon, La Morinda, San Francisco Golden Gate, and Santa Monica Rugby Club.
All teams showed off notable rugby talent and determination competing intensely for every point. We are very proud of our club’s, Rhinos Rugby, performance as they finished the tournament winning all 3 games. The tournament kicked off for Rhinos with the game against Motherlode, imposing a 35-14 win in a beautiful display of teamwork and higher level strategy.
The next game, against Utah United, started much closer, with Rhinos barely leading at half time. Through perseverance and outstanding rugby skills, the Rhinos pulled away to a 33-15 win in the end. Sunday brought the last game of the tournament for Rhinos, against La Morinda. A nail-biting match all the way through saw Rhinos win in the last minute with a converted penalty kick (15-12).
Deservedly so, our scrum half, Austin Kikuchi earned the MVP title for the tournament. Kikuchi’s versatility, adaptability, leadership and resourcefulness led the Rhinos to an outstanding performance in this tough beginning of the season tournament, together with Ethan Howard and Diego Vasquez who made the All-Tournament 1st Team, and Wes Uipi, Moses Sepulona and Jason Uipi who made the All-Tournament 2nd Team.