Captain Weir Represents Club in Inter-Union Play
Southwest Rugby Union Selects 29, Old Aztecs RFC 24
San Diego, CA
December 10, 2022 - DW
Southwest Rugby Union Selects 29, Old Aztecs RFC 24
Santa Fe Santos club captain Ryan Weir capped his long and solitary off-season journey to San Diego in glory on December 10, scoring Southwest Rugby Football Union’s final try in a dramatic 29 - 24 victory over Southern California RFU opponent Old Aztecs. Ryan also served as vice captain for his Southwest teammates in this, his second appearance for the all-star team representing all of New Mexico and Arizona. And he wasn’t even playing his normal position.
Mr. Weir established his place in the Southwest team by answering a blanket invitation to Prescott, Arizona for an August 13 “identification camp” where coaches could assess what they had to work with. Nearly three months later, candidates were called back to Phoenix for one full day of training and a Sunday selection match. Ryan described the weekend as “grueling.” Finally, a week before the Old Aztecs match, the Wild West Rugby Fest (aka Loudfest, in honor of a visiting participant in the Labor Day SFRFC 50th Reunion match) in Scottsdale provided an enjoyable way for players to tune up while also serving as a final selection vehicle.
Unknown at press time is what and whether the next step up for Southwest’s standouts may be. The success by foreign clubs to replicate so-called “academies” in the USA, and their impact on the rest of us, remains to be seen. A multi-layered discussion fully worthy of a refreshment!
An online video of the Old Aztecs vs. Southwest Union match briefly viewable last week seems to have disappeared. The following report is assembled from information provided by Ryan Weir.
The match was played on a San Diego pitch rendered soft and even muddy by a recent rain. For decades, most U.S. clubs have struggled for playing fields, and those in SoCal aren’t exempt.
A few hours before match time Ryan was named vice captain of the Southwest team. Then, during warm ups, the player named to play inside center went down with an injury. In light of Ryan’s oft-demonstrated versatility the sole Santa Fe representative was asked to switch from his intended position at openside flanker to fill the gap. (Who would you have picked - the man’s a firefighter! -ed.)
Ryan described play as equivalent to a mid-level Division One match, which many readers may not have seen. As you’d expect, select side players are on average bigger, faster, and fitter than their mates back home. Less noticeable perhaps is that pace of play increases with each ascending level, requiring in turn more refined decision-making skills. Yet thankfully for the masses, success relies more than anything else upon that most elusive goal, teamwork.
Old Aztecs RFC
Formed from former San Diego State University players, Old Aztecs have since their 1978 origin played such well-known clubs as OMBAC, Belmont Shore, Santa Monica, and Pasadena. In the 1980s, Santos coach Herb Howell brought his previous San Diego State University Aztecs coaching role into play by arranging two successful (and fun) “minitours” to Southern California. During one of these tours, Los Santos scored a famous win over then-national contender Irvine Coast RFC, complete with USA national team captain Ed Burlingame in the scrum. Old Aztec’s current website lists player subscriptions as $350 for returning players, $300 for new players, and $250 for Under 21s- CIPP not included.
Ryan picks up the narrative: “I played all 80 minutes and scored a try in the 70th minute with a tap and go penalty run from 7 meters out. After nine minutes of defense, at times three or four meters from our own goal line, the whistle finally blew and we won, 29-24.”
Asked for takeaways to share with his Santo teammates, Ryan mentioned the importance of clearing the defensive zone with kicks and playing with structure, as well as speed on defense - taking away time and space, especially off set piece ball.
Our always-gracious captain wishes to thank the old boys who helped defray expenses to Arizona for practices and tryouts as well as the big trip to California. “Thanks so much - it’s nice to feel loved by the club.” And by one’s life partner. Little Lachlan was in good hands with his mom Maria, who graciously and gracefully -and gratefully! - allowed Dad the space to pursue and achieve a significant goal.
