FERNDALE — Chuckanut Rugby Club, a nonprofit organization based in Ferndale, has been a pillar of the community for over half a century. The club offers rugby opportunities for all ages, from 5-year-olds to adult teams, competing against squads across the Pacific Northwest. All Chuckanut teams play on the deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields in Ferndale.
Over the years, the program has developed several players who have competed in the USA national 15s and 7s programs.
“We aim to compete at high levels and develop skilled players,” said club president Kellen Wiggins. “We also prioritize inclusivity and the enjoyment of the game. We have competitive teams that strive for excellence but work to develop players who don't have experience playing rugby. This balance allows us to cater to a wide range of players, from those seeking to push their athletic limits to those looking to build their skills.”
Chuckanut’s youth program comprises over 130 players across Whatcom County, ranging from 6 years old to high school age. The teams participate in the regional Rugby Washington Union, facing off against other clubs in Washington State, friendly games with neighboring British Columbia clubs, and international touring teams. Their season takes place in the spring and early summer.
“As a club, we are deeply committed to fostering a lifelong passion for rugby,” said Wiggins. “Our vision extends beyond the pitch, focusing on community engagement, youth development, and promoting the values of teamwork, respect, and perseverance.”
The club also offers a program for children just getting introduced to the sport. The 'Littlenecks' is a coed non-contact rugby program, comprising 5-10-year-olds split across age-related teams. They play flag rugby on a 1/3 sized field at the club's home facilities, with a few chances to play clubs down south along I-5 and in jamboree-style games in Vancouver, BC.
For adolescents interested in a more physical style of the sport, the 'Steamers' contact program offers coed under 12, coed under 14, boys under 16, and boys High School varsity teams. The club also plans to expand with a new high school girls' team next spring. U12 plays a modified version of the game on a smaller field designed to introduce safe tackling techniques and uncontested set pieces.
U14 plays a more structured game with contested scrums and lineouts on a full-sized field, where they learn more about game tactics and strategies. U16 and high school teams further refine their skills and see opportunities to play for select regional teams and go on periodic international tours. High school players are also working to eventually play for college teams like Western Washington’s rugby club following graduation.
The program’s adult teams include the Geoducks (men's) and the Mussels (women+'s), who play in the PNW Rugby Union, the regional governing body associated with USA Rugby. The Geoducks play in the competitive PNW Rugby Men's Division II, and the Mussels play in Women's Division III. Both teams play 'rugby union' with 15 players per side and two 40-minute halves per game on a 100-meter-long field.
The teams' split-season format begins in the fall (September through November) on Saturdays, breaks during the winter, and resumes in the spring (March through May). The playoffs wrap up in June, with the potential for top-seeded teams to play in national club finals. During the summer, Chuckanut’s teams play 7s rugby weekend tournaments, the same style played in the Olympics. This format includes seven players per side and two seven-minute halves on the same 100-meter-sized field.
Wiggins noted that over the last five years, the club's volunteers have contributed countless hours and funds to build two world-class rugby pitches, thanks to the donation of the land by the deWilde family. The club has hosted numerous development camps for select regional teams and recently hosted the USA U20s national team before they played in Canada. The USA U20s team just wrapped up their international competition, making it to the finals against the Scotland U20 team in Scotland. Wiggins noted they are also looking to host the USA Women's XV national team for a camp in September as they prepare to play the Canada Women's national team.
In the coming years, the program hopes to continue its expansion and grow its presence within the Whatcom community.
“We believe that rugby has the power to bring people together, giving players a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves, a path to learn how to be good citizens and give back to the community,” said Wiggins. “We are dedicated to ensuring that Chuckanut Rugby Club becomes and remains a cornerstone of our county for years to come.”
