The 2 premier Milwaukee rugby clubs, the Westside Harlequins and the Black & White, will travel just under 700 miles this weekend to play a cross town rivalry game in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
More than bragging rights will be on the line when the teams meet on Saturday in the Men’s Midwest Division 2 semifinals. The victor will gain promotion to the Men’s Division 1 competition, have the opportunity to play the winner of the eastern division for the Midwest Championship and finally will represent the Midwest in USA Rugby’s National Division 2 playoffs.
This weekends game is a recognition of the development of rugby in Milwaukee as both clubs have stood out as powerhouses in the region finishing the regular season with impressive stats. The West Side Milwaukee Harlequins totaled over 326 points and the Black & White 279. These achievements are a product of the strong physical talent and expansive, exciting styles of play demonstrated by both clubs.
The greater Milwaukee area boasts 4 men’s and one women’s clubs. In addition, there are numerous university men’s and women’s teams and over a dozen youth programs.
The sport offers the athletes a unique challenge both physically and mentally and is able to accommodate enthusiastic participants of all shapes and sizes. Rugby has much to offer on the field and off for players and spectators alike. Watching rugby has been compared to watching 80 minutes of Sport Center highlights: a non-stop, action-filled adventure.
In the current economic environment, the free admission to local matches makes rugby one of the best sporting entrainment options in the Milwaukee area.
