Cascade Classic 2026

It’s back — Bend Rugby’s Cascade Classic returns for 2026, our annual high desert kickoff that brings teams and fans from across the Pacific Northwest together for a full day of fast, physical, and friendly rugby. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a newcomer curious about the sport, or a player sharpening up for the season, the Classic is the place to be.

What the Cascade Classic is all about

• A preseason celebration: This is our unofficial preseason tournament — the trophy and bragging rights are up for grabs, and teams come to play hard and test combinations in real-game conditions. Expect competitive matches with a social, welcoming atmosphere.

• A Bend tradition: Bend Rugby has hosted the Classic for decades. It’s become a must-attend event on the PNW summer calendar, drawing return teams and first-timers who all come for the same reason: great rugby in a beautiful setting.

• For everyone: From players of varying experience to families and curious newcomers, the Cascade Classic is built to be accessible and fun for all ages.

On-field highlights

• Multiple simultaneous matches across several fields — plenty of rugby all day.

• Men’s club matches showcasing preseason form and depth across the region.

• Fast-paced rugby, hard tackles, slick handling, and plenty of tries — every game is an opportunity to see skill and grit on display.

Off-field fun

• Food trucks and concessions so you can grab lunch and snacks without missing the action.

• Local craft beer on offer — enjoy a pint pitchside while you watch.

• Club merch tent featuring new and classic Bend Rugby gear — perfect for souvenirs or a gift.

• A friendly crowd: If you’re learning the game, feel free to ask someone nearby — rugby fans love sharing the sport.

Plan your visit (Know before you go)

• Arrive early for the best viewing spots and to catch warm-ups and the opening ceremonies.

• Bring camp chairs, sun protection (hat, umbrella, sunscreen), and plenty of water — Central Oregon sun can be strong.

• Restrooms and food/beverage vendors will be available on site.

• Multiple fields mean you can follow a favorite team or wander to catch different matchups.

• Follow Bend Rugby on social for final schedule updates and live-day posts. We’ll publish the full game schedule once teams are finalized.

Why you should come The Cascade Classic is more than a tournament — it’s a community day that celebrates the sport and the place that’s hosted it for years. Whether you stay for one match or the whole tournament, you’ll experience rugby the way it’s meant to be: loud, fast, friendly, and full of heart.

We’ll see you pitchside — come support your local rugby club and join the summer tradition.

Bend Rugby Trivia Night Men’s Fundraiser

When: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Doors open: 5:00 PM
Trivia starts: 6:00 PM
Where: The Coyote Bar — 910 NW Harriman St Suite #100, Bend, OR 97703
Tickets: available at the door and in advance

Join us for an evening of trivia, prizes, and community support at Bend Rugby’s Trivia Night Men’s Fundraiser. Open to all ages and skill levels—bring friends, family, and teammates for a fun night out while raising funds for the men’s club.

What to expect

• Team play encouraged: form a group ahead of time or join a team when you arrive.

• Prizes for the top teams plus raffles and other fundraising activities throughout the night.

• Food and drink available from The Coyote Bar.

• Doors open at 5:00 PM so you can grab a table and a bite before trivia begins at 6:00 PM.

Why your support matters

All proceeds from the night go directly to Bend Rugby’s men’s program. Your support helps fund:

• Equipment and gear

• Team travel and tournament fees

• Club operations and development

About Bend Rugby

Bend Rugby has been part of Central Oregon since 1975. Our men’s club welcomes players of all levels and abilities, and we’re always recruiting new members. Whether you’re new to rugby or a seasoned player, there’s a place for you on the team.

Questions or want to get involved?

Contact Bend Rugby for more information about the event or to learn how to join the club. Come out for a fun evening of trivia and help support local rugby—see you at The Coyote!

The Six Nations

The Six Nations Championship is Europe’s premier international rugby tournament, contested each spring by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Established in its current six-team format in 2000 (with roots stretching back to the Home Nations Championship of 1883), the competition combines intense national pride, historic rivalries, and modern elite rugby—delivering six rounds of weekend fixtures that captivate fans across the northern hemisphere.

What to expect this year

• Format: Each team plays every other team once (five matches per team). Wins, draws, and bonus points determine the table and ultimately the champion. The team with the most points after all rounds wins the Championship.

• Key storylines: Form, injuries, and late-season international call-ups shape squads. Look for battles between traditional powerhouses (England, Ireland, France) and the passionate home advantages Scotland and Wales, while Italy consistently looks to close the gap.

• Rivalries and trophies: Classic fixtures like England vs. Ireland, France vs. England, and the Calcutta Cup (England vs. Scotland) carry extra spice. Grand Slam talk surfaces when a team wins all five matches; a Triple Crown is possible when one of the Home Nations (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales) beats the other three.

Why it matters

• International Test rugby: The Six Nations is a key measure of northern-hemisphere strength, influencing selections and momentum ahead of tours and the Rugby World Cup cycle.

• Development and exposure: It showcases emerging talent and tactical trends that clubs and coaches study closely.

• Community and tradition: Longstanding rivalries and packed stadium atmospheres make these matches special for both casual viewers and die-hard supporters.

Fantasy League tips from Bend Rugby

• Balance risk and consistency: Select a core of reliable starters from teams expected to score or dominate possession, then use one or two high-upside picks who can explode for tries or kicking points.

• Watch fixture order: Teams facing a run of easier opponents early can rack up points; conversely, tough late fixtures might limit captain choices.

• Monitor squad news: Injuries and national selections change quickly—stay flexible and be ready to swap players before each round kicks off.

• Value set-piece scorers and goal kickers: Players who start at fly-half or hooker often produce steady points through conversions, penalties, and try opportunities.

Join us at Bend Rugby We’re running a fantasy league alongside the tournament to keep the season competitive and fun—open to all experience levels. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to international rugby, the Six Nations is the perfect time to get involved, cheer on your picks, and support local rugby. Come join us, track the matches, and may your fantasy team lift the trophy.

Winter touch rugby wrapped, practices start soon

Winter Touch Series Wrap-Up — Practices Start February 3rd

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the winter touch rugby series. With a milder-than-usual winter, we had great turnout, solid numbers on the field, and plenty of fast-paced, fun sessions that kept us fit and ready for the spring season. The emphasis was on skill work, fitness, and enjoying rugby in a relaxed, social setting — and that’s exactly what we got.

Highlights

• Strong attendance and great energy across all sessions.

• Excellent opportunities for fitness and skill development in a low-contact format.

• Newcomers mixing in with regulars and picking up the game quickly.

• Plenty of laughs, competitive moments, and teamwork as the temperature warmed.

A big thank you to everyone who came out — your time and enthusiasm helped make the winter series a success. It’s always inspiring to see the club community come together and support one another on and off the field.

Join us this Saturday, January 31st, at the David M Jaqua fields at Redmond High School, for our end of winter rugby 7’s Showcase with COCC players.

Practices — Starting February 3 We’ll begin regular practices on Tuesday, February 3. All are welcome — whether you’re a seasoned player or new to rugby.

• When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

• Runs: Through February (weather permitting), and into March as our men’s team season begins

• Where: Skyline Park and Sports Complex

Season Notes

• Men’s team season begins in March.

• Women’s season runs from February 28 through the end of March.

If you’re new to rugby or interested in getting back on the field, come to practice. The men’s club is open to all player levels and skills — bring a friend, come try it out, and see what Bend Rugby is all about.

Stay Updated Check the teams’ social pages for schedule changes, field updates, and further announcements.

See you on the pitch.

Winter Touch Rugby is back!

Winter Touch Rugby Series is Back!

Although traditional rugby in the Pacific Northwest takes a break for the winter, Bend Rugby’s activity doesn’t stop. Our Winter Touch Rugby series is returning to keep players conditioned, sharp, and engaged through the colder months.

Expect regular sessions primarily on weekends, with possible weekday games on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Locations and exact times are still being finalized, so keep an eye on our social media channels for the most current updates.

Whether you’re looking to maintain fitness, improve skills, or just enjoy some fun rugby moments with the community, our Winter Touch Rugby series is the perfect way to stay involved this season. Come join us!

TL;DR — Your First Rugby Practice (What to Expect)

Thinking about giving rugby a try? We love that. 💚🏉
Here’s what to expect at your first Bend Rugby practice:

• 🕕 Men’s team Practices

  • When: Tuesday & Thursday nights, 6:30–8:00pm

  • 📍Where: Skyline Sports Complex

• 🕕 Women’s team Practices

  • When: Tuesday & Thursday nights, 6:00–8:00pm

  • 📍Where: Skyline Sports Complex

• 👟What to bring: Athletic gear, water, boots (if you have them — runners are fine to start)

• 🤝 Who’s welcome: Adults 18+, all experience levels — especially total beginners!

• 🧠 What we’ll do: Warm-ups, skills, game-style drills, and a lot of laughing

• 💬 What we say: Ask questions, take breaks, and stick around after — the best part of rugby is the people.

No experience? No problem. Just show up. We’ve got you.

➡️ DM us with questions or to let us know you're coming!
📅 Men’s Practices begin Tuesday, August 12
📱 Follow along for any last-minute field/weather updates in our stories!

“My First Practice” — What to Expect When You Try Rugby

So… you’ve been thinking about it.
Maybe you watched a match at the Cascade Classic.
Maybe a friend said “You’d love rugby,”
Or maybe you just want a new way to get active, meet people, or try something that actually looks fun.

We hear it all the time — and we’ve all been there.
This is your invitation: Come to practice.

Whether you’re curious, coming back after time off, or trying sport for the first time ever… this one’s for you.

What happens at practice?

Men’s team Practices:

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:30–8:00 PM
Skyline Sports Complex | Bend, OR

Women’s team Practices:

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6:00–8:00 PM
Skyline Sports Complex | Bend, OR

You’ll start with a warmup — nothing fancy. Just get the body moving, do a bit of running, and maybe try out a pass or two.

We keep things inclusive, low-pressure, and fun. Most practices involve:

• Passing and catching (no spiral required)

• Footwork and evasion drills (ever played tag? You’re halfway there.)

• Tackling and contact (totally optional — and fully coached for safety)

• Game-style scenarios (we might run touch or controlled contact games)

We wrap up with a stretch, a few laughs, and probably an invite to grab a drink with the team.

What should I bring?

• Comfortable workout clothes

• Cleats (soccer/rugby preferred — but runners are just fine to start)

• Water bottle

• A positive attitude (no really — we’ve got everything else)

I’ve never played before. Is that okay?

Absolutely.
We want beginners.
Many of our players had their first taste of rugby as adults. Some never played a sport before joining Bend Rugby.

We’ll walk you through the basics, pair you with a buddy if needed, and make sure you feel welcome from minute one. You’ll learn by doing, laughing, and playing. That’s rugby.

Do I have to tackle people?

Not unless you want to.
We’ll introduce contact gradually, with full coaching and safety in mind. We have tackling drills where you’re not tackling a person, but a pad or column. However, if you’d rather stick to non-contact? That’s cool too.

(Also — ask us about our touch rugby program if you want to play, run, and pass without the hits.)

Will I be fit enough?

Rugby makes you fitter — you don’t have to “be fit” before you start.
We scale drills to every level, and we’ll never make you do something that feels unsafe or out of reach. Promise.

Why do people stick with it?

Here’s the thing about rugby: it’s not just a sport.
It’s a team, a social life, a support system, and a weekly reminder that you can do hard things — and have fun doing them.

You’ll meet people from all walks of life, of all shapes and sizes.
You’ll make friends, laugh a lot, and discover just how strong you already are.

👣 Ready to give it a go?

Men’s team first practice: Tuesday, August 12
📍 Skyline Sports Complex – 6:30–8:00pm

Women’s team First practice: Tuesday, August 12
📍 Skyline Sports Complex – 6:00–8:00pm

✅ Just bring yourself (and maybe a water bottle).
💬 DM us with questions — or just show up and say hi.

We’ve saved you a spot!

TL;DR — Your Quick Guide to the Cascade Classic

📅 August 23, 2025 — Mark your calendars!

The Cascade Classic returns to Bend for another summer of rugby, rivalry, and good times. This isn't just a tournament — it’s a PNW tradition over 20 years strong.

Expect big hits, huge runs, and friendly competition, all wrapped in a family-friendly, social atmosphere.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring the crew, the camp chairs, and your sunscreen — it gets hot in the high desert!

🍔 Bend Blues Burger Shack (supporting youth rugby)
🍺 Deschutes beer trailer
🧢 Club merch tent
🏉 Old Boys Game at halftime – rugby for all ages, even the “retired”

Whether you’re watching one match or staying for the whole day, you’ll have plenty to see and folks around to explain the game.

📱 Follow Bend Rugby on Instagram & Facebook for updates, the game-day schedule, and behind-the-scenes action.

Grab your crew and head to the fields on August 23 — food, drinks, and a full day of high-energy rugby await.