Chicago Blaze spark interest in International rugby match, USA Eagles vs New Zealand All Blacks

The Chicago Blaze rugby team is working just as hard this season on and off the pitch as we have in the past 30+ years, but the rewards will be bigger as this season progresses. We’re looking forward to an International Rugby Match, a Rugby Gala, a Masquerade Ball, a Tailgate, five more matches and can you say a new club house in spring of ‘15.

There will be a break in the season before the final two matches to head down to Chicago’s lakefront and watch the biggest rugby match in audience and stature to ever hit stateside.

The #1 World Cup Champion New Zealand All Blacks will take to Soldier Field vs our very own USA Eagles. Soldier Field is sold out for the match and every Blaze member is excited that we will head down to the game as a whole. We have secured a fleet of buses for our pre and post tailgate party at our home away from the pitch in Chicago, Reggie’s Rock Club.
The club is partnering up with assistant coach Graeme Jackson’s high school rugby club Nequea Valley and heading down to the lakefront in force.

Leading up to the match, the Blaze hit the road to Minnesota for two games, have a bye week and will host local rival Lincoln Park and University of Nebraska vs. University of Illinois for a Big 10 rugby match played in Lemont on October 11.

The Blaze just participated this past Saturday in a viewing party sponsored by USA Rugby and Smith & Forge Hard Cider, at Reggie’s for the All Blacks vs. Argentina Los Pumas in the Rugby Championship. The Rugby Championship is the southern hemispheres annual competition, which also includes Australia and South Africa. New Zealand brought home the Championship Trophy with their victory. They will bring their fast paced game to the sacred ground where my beloved Walter Payton played, on the 15th anniversary of “Sweetnesses” passing November 1st.

USA Rugby, Chicago Area Rugby Football Union, Beach Rugby America and the Chicago Blaze all are hosting great events the weekend of game.

USA v. All Blacks

1. USA-New Zealand Rugby Gala, at Union Station’s Grand Hall, Thursday evening October 30th.
http://usarugby.org/usa-v-all-blacks-fundraiser

2. USA Rugby Foundation Lost Luncheon, at Hyatt McCormick, Friday afternoon October 31 The Lost Afternoon Rugby Luncheon

3. Chicago Area Rugby Football Union’s Masquerade Ball, at Union Station’s Grand Hall, Friday evening October 31
https://www.facebook.com/events/680876588634453/

4. Beach Rugby America and Chicago Blaze, Pre and Post Tailgate at Reggie’s, all day Nov.1 https://www.facebook.com/events/298158807059076/

5. USA vs. New Zealand, at Soldier Field 3pm, will be televised starting at 2:30 on NBC Nov.1

The Blaze is the one club in Chicagoland to have been coached by a former All Black, Ken Going ‘94-’96. Ken was a big inspiration to the team and he brought the Kiwi brand of rugby to Chicago. I will never forget his first practice when he circled us up to teach us the importance of securing the pill (ball). Ken took the center of the circle and challenged any of us to try and take it from this 50 year old man that stood all of 5’7 with his crooked nose (mine is just as crooked as his was now), of course no one did, but what a lesson it was.

From that day on, I became a fan of the mighty All Blacks, but come Nov. 1 you will see this Blaze member dressed from head to toe in Red, White and Blue. Go USA!

www.chicagoblazerugby.com