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.