The 1978 National Rugby Championships were a series of tournaments organized to determine a national champion in several divisions for United States rugby teams. The divisions included College, Women's club, and Interterritorial.
The 1978 College championship took place from February 4âÂÂ5 at LSU's Parade Grounds in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Palmer College of Chiropractic were the champions. Palmer had previously won championships in 1972 and 1973 and were runners-up in 1976. Palmer won three matches in the series to win the title.<br> Championship Bracket
Consolation Bracket
The Inter Territorial Tournament involved the four regional rugby unions comprising the United States RFU: Pacific Coast RFU, Western RFU, Midwest RFU, and the Eastern Rugby Union. The region teams are formed from selected players from the sub regional rugby unions. Subsequently, the USA Eagles are selected from the four regional teams after the ITT concludes. The 1978 edition was sponsored by Michelob and played as a round robin from June 10âÂÂ11 on Aviation Field at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri.<br>
Results:<br>
The 1978 Women's National Rugby Classic for club teams was co-sponsored by the Chicago Women's Rugby Football Club and Michelob beer. The teams invited needed to have won a major regional title and have a winning record. The games were played at Lion's Park in Mount Prospect, Illinois. The team from Portland, Maine won the championship with four shutouts: 3âÂÂ0 over Denver Blues in the first round, 24âÂÂ0 over Houston Boars in the second round, then 4âÂÂ0 against Chicago, and finally 18âÂÂ0 against Madison, Wisconsin. Chicago took third place with a 4âÂÂ0 win over Florida State after three overtimes.
Champions: Portland(ME) Women's Rugby Club. Qualified as New England Champions.<br> Record: 10âÂÂ1âÂÂ2<br> Coaching Staff: Rocky Frenzilli, Ricky Scala(Aide), Peter Gillis(Aide)<br> Roster: Sondra Spiers, Denise Dimitre, Pat Cribby, Kim Berry, Janet Muccino, Susan Adams, Brenda Costello, Mary Beth Staid, Reta Brown Flaherty, Brenda Swallow, Cheryl Ring, Ann Chippfield, Sue Malcolm, Marie Gagne, Amy Belliveau, Debbie Selleck (captain), Ann Chute, Mary Gouletand, Sue Lawler.
The 1978 Monterey National Rugby Championship was the 20th edition of the tournament and was considered to be the de facto national championship. This event took place at Pebble Beach, CA from March 25âÂÂ26. The tournament MVP was Jeff Momsen (Old Blues), Miss Rugby winner was Nicole Parlette, Bill Armstrong of the Old Blues won the Running Drop Kick contest while Brian Lowe of UC Davis was runner-up. The Old Blues of Berkeley, CA went 5âÂÂ0 to take first place.<br>
First round
Championship Bracket
*Advanced on kicks
Champions: Old Blues Rugby Club<br> Coach: Ron Mayes<br> Captain: Geoff Momsen<br> Roster: Steve Anderson, Bill Armstrong, Rick Bailey, Dave Bateman, Peter Burnam, Jack Clarke, John Dixon, Whit Everett, Leo Fracess, Pete Gunderson, Steve Gritch, Charlie Hextrim, Jeff Hollings, Bill McFarland, Steve Ponder, Peter Richter, Dennis Row, Vern Smith, Bill Stowers, Scott Stringer, Mark Villa, Dennis Ward, Blaine Warhurst.<br>
*Advanced on kicks
Consolation Bracket
*Advanced on kicks
Exhibition match: