ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Current and former members of the Central Washington University men's rugby team continue to thrive in different competitive settings across the world. Continue reading to see recent accomplishments by some stellar Wildcats.
 
"We could not be prouder of these Wildcats who have taken advantage of all the resources CWU provides them both on and off the field and propelled themselves forward into some great rugby environments where they continue to grow," Head Coach Todd Thornley said. "Our program has a history of developing professional and international rugby players and we look forward to providing our student-athletes with all the tools they need to continue that tradition."
 
Traveling overseas, Jack Wendling, a 2020 alumni, recently competed for the USA Rugby Men's Sevens in Toulouse, France, and London, England. In Toulouse, the Dawgs didn't make the quarterfinals and dropped their two playoff stage matches. The World Rugby Sevens Series transitioned to London just this past weekend, where the team completed the tournament with a 10th-place finish. These fixtures marked a return to action for Wendling just 12 months since he had ACL surgery. The Dawgs will turn their attention to the RAN Olympic Qualifier in August.
 
John Dupree, a 2022 alumni, made his Major League Rugby (MLR) debut for the Utah Warriors on May 6 against the Dallas Jackals. Dupree fulfilled a promise he made two years to the day to his late best friend Henry Foster that he'd play professional rugby. The Warriors are currently 3rd in MLR's Western Conference with a record of 8-4 and only four regular season fixtures remaining.
 
Alex Mackenzie, a 2021 alumni, is in the midst of a campaign with the URAYASU D-Rocks in Division 2 of the Japan Rugby League One. Mackenzie, the only American competing in the league, made his season debut against Kamaishi Seawaves back in March. The D-Rocks sit atop the League One Division 2 standings with a perfect 10-0-0 record.
 
Ivan Pula, a 2022 alumni, and Cole Zarcone, a 2020 alumni, wrapped up competition in Chile, Argentina, and Charlotte, North Carolina for the USA Hawks last month. The Hawks are a collaboration between MLR and USA Rugby to improve player pathways, create high-quality opportunities, and develop USA Men's Eagles prospects.
 
Fresh off his first season with the Wildcats, outstanding newcomer Oliver Cline earned a selection to the USA Rugby U20s extended training camp in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team includes other D1A representatives, MLR prospects, and members of the USA Hawks. Cline will represent the USA in the U20s Trophy Qualifiers in Canada on June 6 & 10 in Spartanburg, S.C. Both fixtures will be streamed on FloRugby.