07/01/2025
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🏉 Tucson Players Shine at the Great Northwest Rugby Challenge! 🏔️
This summer, the Arizona Bobcats, our state’s premier youth select rugby squad, stormed the fields of Bozeman, Montana at one of the largest and most competitive high school rugby tournaments in the country — the Great Northwest Rugby Challenge.
Representing Arizona Youth Rugby, the Bobcats fielded three powerful teams: Boys U19, Boys U16, and a rising High School Girls team. Among them, six standout players from Tucson’s own Blackbirds and Raptors clubs proudly donned the Bobcats jersey, joining forces with top talent from across the state.
Facing elite teams from California, Washington, Utah, Montana, Colorado, Oregon, Iowa, and Idaho, our Arizona athletes didn’t back down. The competition was fierce, but the Bobcats met it head-on with heart, discipline, and skill. Both the U16 and U19 squads finished with 2 wins and 2 losses — but more importantly, they left Montana with newfound unity, improved chemistry, and well-earned respect.
We are especially proud to announce that four of our six Tucson players brought home MVP honors! Their hard work and sportsmanship stood out on and off the field — and the praise they received from coaches, referees, and opposing teams speaks volumes about their character. To those who didn’t receive official awards: your performance, grit, and effort were just as inspiring. Every player contributed to this incredible experience and growth.
This is more than just a moment — it’s a movement. As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 season kicking off in November, we’re energized and determined to keep building Tucson Rugby into a formidable force statewide. With teamwork, numbers, and passion, we’ll rise to challenge our Phoenix rivals and showcase what Southern Arizona is made of.
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🏆 MVP Honors – Tucson Players
Isaac Madrid (U19) – Best Forward of the Tournament
Sammy Bacahui (U19) – Best Rookie of the Tournament
Chase Shawver (U19) – Best Overall Player of the Tournament
Wyatt Gabbard (U16) – Best Overall Player of the Tournament
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👏 Congratulations to these outstanding athletes — and to the entire Tucson rugby community for continuing to raise the bar.
📢 Let’s keep the momentum going! If you’re ready to join a club that builds strength, respect, and leadership on and off the field — this is your moment.
➡️ Visit [Tucson Blackbirds Youth Rugby club] to get involved.