The Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club is delighted to announce that the USA Rugby Men’s U20 National Team will be utilizing the deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields in Bellingham, Wash. for their training sessions from May 20th through May 28th, 2024. This exceptional location, situated just 90 miles north of Seattle and 20 miles south of the Canadian border, is an optimal setting for the U20 team as they prepare for the upcoming competition.
This development is further heightened by the proximity of the deWilde Fields complex to Vancouver Island in Canada, making it an excellent choice for the U20 team as they ready themselves for their two-match World Rugby U20s Qualification series against Canada, located in Langford, BC on Vancouver Island. The triumphant team from this series will progress to the U20 Trophy competition in Scotland in July 2025, where 8 national teams will vie for promotion to the World Rugby U20 Championship 2025.
“We are delighted to host the USA Rugby U20 National Team,” expressed Kellen Wiggins, President of the Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club. “This presents an extraordinary opportunity for our local community to witness the future stars of American rugby and to showcase the exceptional facilities at deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields.”
The training camp will offer the U20 players a valuable opportunity to unite for an extended period in preparation for the qualifiers and to continue fostering team chemistry under the guidance of Head Coach Neethling Gericke. Supporters will have the chance to observe the USA squad during the intensive training camp, with specific details to be announced closer to the camp date.
Gericke emphasized the significance of assembling in the state of Washington, stating, “Gathering in the state of Washington, in such close proximity to our upcoming matches, is pivotal to our preparation in pursuit of consecutive qualification. We are thankful to the Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club for their hospitality and anticipate a productive 10 days at deWilde Fields.”
The Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Ferndale, just north of Bellingham, WA, has been dedicated to nurturing the sport of rugby for all age groups and genders in the Pacific Northwest since 1973. The club provides a competitive environment for adult teams and places a strong emphasis on youth development through their adult programs.
As for the deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields, located in Ferndale, just ten miles north of Bellingham, WA, they span 15 acres and feature two expansive, all-natural grass rugby pitches, generously donated by the deWilde family. The fields host the Club’s Men’s, Women’s, Boys’, Girls’, and Youth rugby teams, and serve as a venue for regional competitions while promoting the sport throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In conclusion, the deWilde Fields in Bellingham, Wash. provides the perfect setting for the USA Rugby Men’s U20 National Team to prepare for the World Rugby U20 Qualifiers. With their excellent facilities and ideal location, the Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club and the deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields are truly paving the way for the future stars of American rugby.