[CHICAGO, IL] – This spring marks the return of U-23 Select Side Women’s Rugby in the Midwest. The Midwest U-23 Thunderbirds, led by Meghan Flanigan and Xanthi Gerasimo, with support from Sue Whitwell, will be competing in USA Rugby’s National Women’s U-23 Competition this June in Chicago. Selections for Local Area Union-based All-Star teams have already begun – with teams from eight Unions assembling to play each other this April. Midwest women, who were born in 1999 or after are eligible. Those who have aged out are encouraged to try out for the Senior Club Thunderbirds.

On April 9th and 10th,  CARFU, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will gather to crown a Western Conference Midwest Champion  in Iowa Falls, IA.  On April 23rd and 24th Allegheny, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio will gather in Cincinnati, OH  to crown an Eastern Conference Midwest Champion. Players identified at these two tournaments will then be invited to attend a selection camp in Milwaukee, WI on May 14th.

Interested players should reach out to their respective LAU contact. If schedules, or geography do not allow you to compete with your LAU side, but you wish to still be considered for the Midwest team, please fill out this interest form: https://forms.gle/vnzD1z5AdYNzgGTP6

LAU Side Coach Contacts:

Allegheny – Rebecca Trapp, Kiyomi Know, Hannah Henry

CARFU – Betty Lauren Trout Nguyen

Indiana – Ricardo Ramirez

Michigan – Brittany O’Delll

Minnesota – Rebecca Radtke

Ohio – Craig Russell

Iowa –  Meghan Flanigan

Wisconsin – Xanthi Gerasimo