Milwaukee Harlequins to represent the Midwest in USA Rugby national championship.

The Harlequins travelled to Grand Rapids, MI over the weekend to play cross town rivals the Milwaukee Black & White in the Midwest semifinals. On a day affected by rain and long delays due to lightning, the Milwaukee Harlequins defeated the Black & White 27-16. The game was a tight contest with the Harlequin forwards proving to be too strong (full match report).

Due to the weather, the Midwest final between the Harlequins and the Indianapolis Impalas was unable to be played and the teams were named co-champions. Both teams will now represent the Midwest Rugby Union in the men’s division 2 national championships. The Harlequins first challenge at the National Sweet Sixteen will be on may 16th against the Tampa Krewe in Columbia, SC.

The Milwaukee Westside Harlequins are proud to have the opportunity to represent Milwaukee on the national stage and as an amateur club are looking for sponsors to help with the financial burden of travel required to attend the competition. Individual donations are also being accepted on the club web site at http://rugbymilwaukee.com.

Head coach Mike Loader, even joked “We are like Nascar, but tougher. And we can have your logo almost anywhere”.

Coach Loader is a New Zealand native with 25 years coaching and playing experience, and represented his local province prior to emigrating to America.

The Milwaukee Westside Harlequins will be playing the Chicago Lions on Saturday, May 2, in Waukesha. Match details can be found at the clubs site http://rugbymilwaukee.com.

Admission to the game is free.