SALEM, OREGON USA – “Let’s just say, the Instonians, taught us a thing or two, or 93”, commented Mike Scott the head coach of the Willamette Rugby Football Club (WRFC) based out of Willamette University in Salem, Oregon USA. WRFC wrapped up its Ulster tour this spring with a 15-12 loss to the Instonians 3rd/4th XV but returned to the Pacific Northwest to conclude its 2009-2010 season with a 93-7 win over another American collegiate club it had never beaten by more than seven points.
“Sure, the Giants Causeway is one of a kind and Bushmills and The Crown treasures, but its the people we met and the friendships we forged that are our most lasting and cherished memories,” said Scott. Scott continued to note that as a coach if he knew that playing in Ulster would so quickly result in on-pitch success back in the States he would have demanded WRFC tour there years ago. As it was, the genesis for the this spring’s tour was the Instonians welcoming WRFC First XV Captain Stephen Scott to join and play with them while he spent the 2009 spring semester studying at Queens University Belfast.
Including its tour losses to the Instonians and in Scotland to Stirling University, WRFC’s 2009-2010 season record ended up at 12-6 (or 12-4 against American sides), not bad for a club which did not even field a squad just five years ago.
“Please pass on our thanks to the Ulster rugby community and to the Instonians, in particular. And, let everyone know WRFC stands ready to return the favour and welcome not only the Instonians but any Ulster rugby club interested in touring our corner of America… its the least we can do,” coach Scott.
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Attached: WRFC 2009-2010 Club Photo. (And no, despite what some of the WRFC lads, may have told the Instonians at the after match social, that’s not WRFC’s clubhouse in the background – it’s the main administrative building at Willamette University)
Match action from the 2009-2010 season in back Oregon.
First XV Captain Stephen Scott, spins the ball wide out wide after a ruck during the Western Oregon match which WRFC lost by seven. Western advanced to the American collegiate nation championships.
Scrum down. WRFC vs. Oregon State 2nd XV. WRFC plays its home matches on artificial Field Turf.
Coaches Mike Scott and Anthony Lally rally WRFC during half-time at home match. WRFC home pitch also serves as the stadium for Willamette’s American Football team and seats 2,500. WRFC usually draws about 300-400 fans for its home rugby matches.
