Bulls are State Champions Again!

West Suburban Bulls are Rugby Illinois State Champions 

June 13, 2022, Western Springs, IL - The West Suburban Bulls are Rugby Illinois Division 2 Champions! The Bulls beat La Salette Academy 31 to 28 in a dramatic game played on June 1 at the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club in Lemont. Bulls scored in the first minute with a try by #8 Lachlan Jackson and conversion from fly half Gavin Myall, but ended the first half down 7-21. The second half did not start well as the Bulls conceded another try, resulting in a score of; 7-28. The team finally hit their stride and scored three unanswered tries, leaving them just two points behind at 26-28. Time was running out, but with the last play of the game , inside center Michael Gallagher  scored a  try, for a final score of 31-28, and a narrow victory. 

Larry Zeno started the Bulls Rugby Club 13 years ago with only had a handful of players in the first season. From there he built the club into a highly successful two-team club, moving up the divisions of Rugby Illinois. This is the third State title for the Bulls - two at Division 2 level, and one at Freshman/Sophomore level. Bulls players receive quality coaching from USA youth Rugby-certified coaches, which includes extensive training and certification in coaching techniques and the rules of the game. 

 

Bulls players hail from the following high schools: Lyons Township, Nazareth Academy, Hinsdale South, Hinsdale Central, Riverside-Brookfield, Downers Grove North and South, and recently added players from Oak Park & River Forest. Indoor team training began in February at the Compass Arena in Westmont. Once the weather allowed, outdoor practices were held at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale. Home matches are played at the Chicago Blaze Rugby Club in Lemont. The season runs from end of March through the end of May.

 

 The sport of rugby enjoys popularity worldwide, and is a fast-growing sport in the United States. World rugby officials recently awarded the 2031 men’s World Cup and 2033 women’s event to the United States – the first time the men’s event will be held in the Western Hemisphere. New players are always welcome to join the Bulls. No experience is required, and building character is the name of the game. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing 100%!