News Blog
All-BARBO SIDE PLAY WITH PRIDE AT RUGGERFEST
Your Denver Barbarians put forward a valiant effort to defend last year’s Championship at the 58th Aspen Ruggerfest Tournament, falling to a stacked and impressive home side in the Grand Final. Aspen came loaded for bear – fitting, as this year featured a historic number of sightings, including a “Bear Delay” when one of several bears napping in pitch-side trees climbed down for a leisurely stroll across Wagner. The Gentlemen, infused with international legends of the game like flyhalf Kurt Morath, a veteran of three World Cups, orchestrated several show-stopping tries that outpaced the Barbos’ best efforts for a 67-12 final.
All in attendance were treated to a dream final between the two teams who’ve hoisted the trophy more often than all other Ruggerfest winners combined. And none will forget the electric silence echoing down the Roaring Fork Valley before kickoff. At the end, the Barbos were well beaten but stood proud as the only true club side in the competition – all players being current or former Barbos.
BARBOS HEAD TO CLUB NATIONAL 7S WITH A COHESIVE SQUAD
The summer of 2026 brought together old and new in the Barbo 7s camp. After bringing on Dave Williams to coach and lead the men, the professional coaching impact was immediately felt by the team. After securing tournament wins in Mingo 7’s, Denver 7’s & Fountain City 7’s … the boys are hungry for the grand daddy of them all. Veteran physio Purvi Desai will be strapping knees, and team manager Howard Kent wielding more spreadsheets than your average accountant, the management team is excited to support this exciting group of players who are blessed and honored to wear the Green & White.
BARBOS EXCITED TO RENEW OLD RIVALRY AGAINST BOULDER
Your Denver Barbarians take on Boulder RFC Saturday, April 4th at noon. The match will be held at Infinity Park Turf, with the weather looking sunny, chilly, breezy and all the lovely things we associate with springtime. With Boulder competing in Division 3 RMR, last fall marked the first time the two historic clubs did not play each other for the first time in a decade. Over the years, the two clubs have played epic clashes dating back to the 1960’s. The Barbos are fizzing to host what will surely be a match which they must rely on defense and tenacity in order to be victorious.
Earlier in March, the men in Green and White defeated Queen City RFC 34-28 to open up the spring campaign. Will “Wild Bill” McCormick was named man of the match, as he led the defensive charge … throwing his body around like a Raggedy Anne Doll tossed in the dryer cycle. The forward pack saw success in the lineout, with the return of stalwart Alex Wormer. His prowess in the air is notable as he looks to continue to make his mark in the set piece.
BARBO 7S UNDEFEATED THROUGH TWO TOURNAMENTS, SHIFTING FOCUS TO SUNPLASH 7S
The Denver Barbo 7’s program is renowned for producing home grown talent and continually competing at the highest level. Saturday June, 24th at Prospect Park was no exception. The Barbos finished 1,2 and went undefeated in pool play throughout the day. The Barbo A side was led by Mickey Bateman & Malik Bryant who both scored early and often throughout the day. The Barbo B side had multiple standouts including Nick Johnson, Thomas LaMuraglia & USA 7’s Eagle Ben Pinkelman.
MEET ALEX WORMER
Born and bred in Colorado, rugby runs through Alex ‘Worm’ Wormer’s icy cold veins. After graduating with an engineering degree from Cal Poly, he returned to Colorado and immediately tried his hand at men’s club 7’s. Like a good late night candle, he burned slow and steady … time was in his favor.
DENVER BARBARIANS THRASH BOULDER - FINAL SCORE: 83-26
After suffering a humbling defeat to Boulder RFC to open the 2021 fall XV’s season, the BarboFam circled November 6th in what would be the much sought after rematch. Seasons, fortunes and even fates can change in the blink of an eye. Was the 31-17 defeat on August 28th truly the moment of self reflection that launched this successful run in the late fall? Perhaps … it’s also possible that change can ALSO come slowly. It can permeate within a team like water breaking down stone. Slowly, but surely.
By the time this fateful November 6th rematch arrived, the men in Green & White were ready to show they had cemented the change needed to capture the Rocky Mountain Premiership. Under the magnificent Colorado sun, the Denver Barbarians were successful on the day, dismantling Boulder from start to finish.