Colusa County Rugby Finishes as National Runner-up

Story by Jennifer Corriea

AUSTIN, TX (MPG) – Although its inaugural trip to the 2024 USA Club Rugby XVs Division III Championship didn’t go exactly as hoped for the Colusa Rugby Football Club, the team still did the county proud, finishing as the national runner-up.

As the Pacific Super Regional champion, Colusa played its first match in Austin on May 18 against Boston’s Charles River, the winner of the Atlantic Super Regional.

Down 12-17 at intermission, Colusa rallied back in the second half to edge Charles River 33-31 and punch its ticket to the title match where it faced the defending national champion Austin Blacks the following day.

A large club and perennial powerhouse, the Blacks, who also benefitted from home field advantage, ultimately emerged victorious, posting an 86-0 win over Colusa.

Yet in spite of the loss, it was still a significant achievement for the Colusa squad as captain Cody Beckley explained.

“We ended up second in the nation and I’m very proud of my brothers for that accomplishment,” said Beckley. “It was really cool to go that far. This is our 50^th anniversary and was the perfect year to do something special.  I also really want to thank the community for the support that allowed us to make all of this work.”

Rugby fans can look for the club to return to the pitch next January.