This week the Boys HS Rugby National Championships kick off in Kansas City with three brackets; we’re looking at Tier II today.

The Tier II teams all were accepted to Nationals, but were seeded lower than 8th in their original bracket (HS Club or Single-School) and so go into Tier II.

The Boys HS Rugby National Championships will be live-streamed on FloRugby.

So maybe it’s not the highest level, but it’s still a tournament that it takes a lot to win. First of all, you’ve got to win three games in a row in three days. In doing so, you need to be good, and have depth. Last year, winners West End took Tier II despite losing a couple of key players for the final game. That’s how it usually is - it’s very tough to make it all the way through the week without some sort of injury or other commitment undercutting your roster.

Success in Tier II means a lot. It can set your program, or your league, up for higher seeding next year. It can help with recruiting. It certainly has an effect on national rankings.

This season’s Tier II is about as strong as we’ve seen. Teams with very strong pedigrees are competing. Here’s a look at how they might match up:

St. Thomas Aquinas

Won state title last week, and has wins against six ranked teams. A smart and tough team, playing at home, but STA has been hit with some injuries.

South Bay

Lost a few games in SoCal, but by very small margins. A young team with a ton of talent.

Our Take

We like STA in this opening game. They will be fresh, and ready.


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Brownsburg

Seasoned team with a powerful pack.

St. Louis University High

Almost won Missouri. They can surprise a lot of people.

Our Take

This is a tough game to call. Maybe we should go with the local (ish) team in SLUH. However, Brownsburg comes to nationals a lot, and they can handle themselves.

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Jesuit II

Younger players than the full Varsity Jesuit team, sprinkled with some upperclassmen. They have won this bracket before.

Greenville

Hard-nosed pack and some good up-and-coming players.

Our Take

Jesuit II has a very good shot at winning this game.


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Charlotte Catholic

They just lost the North Carolina final and they’re not happy about it. Some excellent backs.

Blue Valley

Runners up in Kansas to STA, they didn’t play well and will want to fix that. Good sequential offense.

Our Take

This is actually a pick ‘em. Blue Valley didn’t have to travel, and that helps them. They can run down the clock and frustrate Catholic, who are a little iffy on depth. 

Who Wins It All?

After that, our picks are for a Jesuit II v Aquinas final. We also think whoever loses out of SLUH and Brownsburg will likely win the consolation bracket and take 5th.