Las Vegas witnessed a rugby league spectacle on the opening day of the NRL Vegas Nines Men’s Cup, with American teams defying expectations and claiming their place among the tournament’s elite.
After a grueling day of over 40 matches, featuring 22 teams from across the USA, Canada, Greece, and Australia, only eight remain in contention for the coveted Vegas Men’s Cup trophy, and remarkably, four of them hail from the United States.
Roots Rugby, the Southwest Florida Copperheads, the Los Angeles Roosters, and the Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans have emerged as the flag bearers for American rugby league, showcasing resilience and skill against international competition.
The remaining quarterfinalists represent a diverse and formidable lineup. The Greek Selects are joined by Queensland-based Titans of League and Brisbane Veterans Jackals, whilst the Wellington Wedgetails, representing regional New South Wales, round out the final eight.
Last year’s champions, the Sacramento Immortals, faced an unexpected setback and will now compete in the Plate Finals. While they may have missed out on a chance to defend their title, their presence in the Plate competition ensures that the fight for silverware will remain fiercely contested.
RESULTS:
Round 1:
Southwest Florida Copperheads 22 – 18 Riverton Seagulls Select
Atlanta Rhinos 16 – 30 Provo Broncos
LA Roosters 22 – 4 Herriman Roosters
Roots Rugby 42 – 12 Riverton Seagulls
San Diego Barracudas 6 – 26 Toronto City Saints
Sacramento Immortals 16 – 20 Brisbane Jackals
Brooklyn Kings 22 – 14 Wide Bay Renegades
East Palo Alto Razorbacks 17 – 0 West OzNomads
Titans of Coal 20 – 8 Greek Select
Round 2:
British Columbia Bulldogs 20 – 4 Atlanta Rhinos
LA Roosters 18 – 20 Wellington Wedgetails
Roots Rugby 24 – 12 East Palo Alto Razorbacks
Provo Broncos 22 – 28 Brisbane Jackals
Herriman Roosters 14 – 22 Wide Bay Renegades
Southwest Florida Copperheads 6 – 18 Titans of Coal
Riverton Seagulls 28 – 24 Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans
Riverton Seagulls Select 24 – 4 San Diego Barracudas
Greece Select 28 – 8 Toronto City Saints
Round 3:
Brooklyn Kings 12 – 32 Wellington Wedgetails
Sacramento Immortals 26 – 10 British Columbia Bulldogs
Riverton Seagulls 12 – 18 East Palo Alto Razorbacks
Titans of Coal 30 – 10 Riverton Seagulls Select
LA Roosters 20 – 8 Wide Bay Renegades
Atlanta Rhinos 4 – 30 Brisbane Jackals
Southwest Florida Copperheads 33 – 16 Toronto City Saints
Greek Select 28 – 14 San Diego Barracudas
Round 4:
Provo Broncos 18 – 14 Sacramento Immortals
Herriman Roosters 8 – 30 Brooklyn Kings
British Columbia Bulldogs 8 – 26 Brisbane Jackals
Wellington Wedgetails 24 – 10 Wide Bay Renegades
South West Florida Copperheads 34 – 12 San Diego Barracudas
Toronto City Saints 0 – 42 Titans of Coal
East Palo Alto Razorbacks 10 – 28 Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans
Greek Select 24 – 14 Riverton Seagulls
Round 5:
Atlanta Rhinos 12 – 28 Sacramento Immortals
LA Roosters 28 – 14 Brooklyn Kings
British Columbia Bulldogs 16 – 28 Provo Broncos
Wellington Wedgetails 20 – 16 Herriman Rooster
FINALS:
Men’s Cup Quarter Finals:
Roots Rugby v Greek Select
Titans of Coal v Southwest Florida Copperheads
Brisbane Jackals v LA Roosters
Wellington Wedgetails v Santa Rosa Dead Pelicans
Men’s Plate Quarter Finals:
Sacramento Immortals v Wide Bay Renegades
Provo Broncos v British Columbia Bulldogs
Brooklyn Kings v Riverton Seagulls Select
East Palo Alto Razorbacks v Riverton Seagulls
Men’s Bowl Finals:
San Diego Barracudas v Canada Junior Select
Toronto City Saints v TBC
Herriman Roosters v Atlanta Rhinos
