Fairfax, VA– The fourth Rugby Virginia High School Rugby State Championship was contested on June 4, 2011 at Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium, T.C. Williams High School, Alexandria, VA.

FPYC celebrates repeating as Virginia State Champion. (Photo courtesy of Frederic Bardot)

On the day that saw high quality rugby, three state titles were decided. The first match of the day saw a rematch of last year’s girls final as Western Loudoun played Fairfax Police Youth Club (FPYC). In a back and forth game, the Fairfax girls ultimately prevailed by a score of 29-15 to repeat as State Champions.

In the Division 2 boys match, the State’s top two seeds, Heritage HS, from Newport News VA, and Western Suburbs from Lovestville, VA (Loudoun Co.) faced each other. After being down 17-19 with three minutes left in the game, Western Suburbs took the lead on a penalty kick, and ultimately prevailed 20-19.

In the final match of the day, the Division 1 boys contest pitted defending State Champion SYC West End of Springfield against NOVA U19 of Chantilly. In a match of great physical intensity, SYC West End used its superior ball retention skills to overtake the game. Led by MVP, Michael Tobias, SYC West End took over the second half to win by a score of 34-15 and repeat as Division 1 State Champions.

“It was a memorable day,” said Rugby Virginia’s Executive Director, Frederic Bardot. “We saw great contests, the largest crowd in our league’s history, and deserving Champions. We cannot wait until next year as more clubs will be added to the competition.”

Rugby Virginia wants to acknowledge the great support provided by the TC Williams HS Rugby boosters, TC coaches and players who helped make the event a success.