Last week, the USA Women’s Eagles took to the deWilde Rugby & Polo Fields, owned by Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club, to prepare for the upcoming WXV1 Series in Vancouver, Canada. While the fields themselves are impressive, the credit for bringing this national attention belongs to the Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club and its passionate community of volunteers and coaches who have made the club a national rugby presence.

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Despite being a relatively small club in the far northwest corner of Washington, Chuckanut has consistently produced national talent for over 16 years, a testament to its commitment to growing rugby in the region. The club’s success in tapping into an underserved population of athletes, paired with its remarkable achievement of constructing two world-class pitches during the COVID pandemic, speaks volumes about the dedication within the rugby community.

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“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built here,” said Kellen Wiggins, club president of Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club. “It’s a true community effort, and it’s inspiring to see that effort recognized at the national level with events like the USA Women’s Eagles training camp.”

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State Representative Alicia Rule, a long-standing supporter of the project, joined the event, reinforcing her belief in the importance of the deWilde project. "This development is not just about creating fields; it’s about what rugby means to this region," said Rule. "The Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club has shown that with vision, passion, and a strong volunteer base, we can create something remarkable that will serve athletes and the community for years to come."

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The club’s growth is evident beyond just national recognition. With community support like the generous donation of the deWilde property and grant funding from the state, Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club is expanding its reach. New after-school programs, along with the addition of teams to support the rising demand in girls’ and women’s rugby, reflect the club’s commitment to making rugby accessible to everyone in the region.

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The USA Women’s Eagles training at deWilde is not just a moment for the club to celebrate, but also a testament to the value rugby brings to the region and the bright future ahead for the sport in Whatcom County and beyond.

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