Match Recap: Vikings Dominate Rival, Advance to National Quarterfinals!

Western Washington University Rugby delivered a commanding statement in one of the Northwest’s fiercest rivalries this past weekend, storming past the University of Washington 64–0. From the opening whistle, the Vikings set the tone with a disciplined, physical, and tactically precise performance that never wavered across the full 80 minutes.

Captain Harry Moore led from the front with direct, uncompromising effort, setting a high standard for the squad. Kalin Lee carried with authority and consistently made his presence felt across the park, while Ned O’Brien returned from injury to inject spark and confidence into the lineup. Janco Jonkers delivered one of his most composed and impactful performances of the year, and Sho Sekiya continued to prove himself a dangerous playmaker whenever he touched the ball. Across the roster, the result reflected a true team effort.

A hallmark of Western’s success this season has been its depth, with 35 different players suiting up for the 1XV. This rotation has fostered internal competition, development, and trust, creating a system where any player can step up when called upon. The strength of the squad extends beyond numbers—it is a reflection of a program-wide commitment to growth and collective improvement.

Although disappointment surrounded UW’s decision to cancel their 2XV fixture, the Vikings remain focused on development at every level. The 2XV’s growth is foundational to the program’s success, and their dedication continues to be central to Western’s upward trajectory.

With this decisive win, Western guarantees a berth in the national quarterfinals in Northern California on April 11th. The opponent is yet to be determined, but the Vikings have earned the opportunity through consistent effort, resilience, and commitment since the season’s first whistle. While qualification is an achievement, finishing the regular season strong remains the team’s standard, with two massive games still ahead.