2024 Thunderbird Announcements

[CHICAGO, IL] – The Midwest Rugby Union is pleased to announce updates on the Midwest Thunderbird Program for 2024. The Thunderbirds are an elite-level All-Star programming for Senior Club Rugby players under the jurisdiction of the Midwest Rugby Union. The Midwest Rugby Union also franchises Thunderbird branding to the Women’s U23 and U19 programming but does not directly manage those programs. After leading the women’s program for the last three years, Todd Fabec has graciously resigned his position as Women’s Head Coach in order to focus on his professional career and prepare his home club, the Pittsburgh Forge, for a run at the USA Club Rugby Women’s Division 1 National Championship this May. In his place, the Union has promoted Libby Berg to the position of Head Coach after serving as an Assistant Coach for the past three years. Libby has coaching experience with both youth and senior sides and has a storied playing career. She currently continues to play for the Metropolis Valkyries (and occasionally the Midwest Thunderbirds) but has past experiences with the US National Side and both the Eagles and Minnesota U23 sides. In addition to her accolades in club rugby, Libby also has served the youth game as both the Youth Rugby and Executive Director for Minnesota Youth Rugby. Being added to the staff in a formal capacity this year will be Hans Dessureault who will serve as an Assistant Coach. Hans attended the Mary Graham All-Star Tournament this past December as an intern-coach and the Union received positive feedback on his contributions. Hans began playing rugby in high school before playing collegiate rugby for Michigan State and Davenport Universities. After graduation, Hans began playing for the Grand Rapids Gazelles and Detroit Tradesmen before settling with the Detroit Rugby Club. From a coaching perspective, Hans began coaching at the U19 level before moving to senior club. He coached Grand Rapids 7s side before serving as the Head Coach of the Detroit Rugby Women XVs and 7s program. In addition to these coaching changes, the Union has also added a Team Manager to the women’s program. Kristle Teng, a former Thunderbird in her own right, will serve as a liaison between pool players, the coaching staff and Union administration for 2024. In addition to playing with the Thunderbirds, Kristle has also played for the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities Amazons where she currently serves as the club’s President. Women’s Thunderbird Programming for 2024 (subject to change):

• Saturday, April 27 – Thunderbirds at Pittsburgh Forge (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Sunday, May 5 – Western Conference Open Assembly (Minneapolis, MN)
• Sunday, May 12 – Eastern Conference Open Assembly (Detroit, MI)
• Saturday, June 1 – Sunday, June 2 – Midwest Thunderbird Cup Tournament (Lemont, IL)
• Sunday, July 28 – Invitation Camp/ Training (Elkhart, IN)
• Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8 – Mary Graham All-Star Tournament (TBD, Texas)

The Men’s Program staff will remain the same from 2023. Interim-Head coach Steve Walsh will remain in his position and will be assisted by Al Lucas and player/coach Chris Schade. Union Administrator Bill Marnell will continue to serve as the program’s Team Manager. Men’s Thunderbird Programming for 2024 (subject to change):

• Saturday, April 20 – Thunderbirds at St. Louis Bombers (St. Louis, MO)
• Saturday, June 1 – Sunday, June 2 – Midwest Thunderbird Cup Tournament (Lemont, IL)
• August 2024 – East/West Match (TBD)
• December 2024 – HP Fixture (TBD)

For 2024, both the men and women’s Thunderbird Programs will rely heavily upon the Thunderbird Cup for the selection of players for 2024. Since some Local Area Unions are still developing their women’s sides, the women’s program will still utilize some open assemblies to scout players. Since most LAUs have established men’s sides, all men’s players must qualify for the Thunderbirds by competing with the LAU side at the Thunderbird Cup in June. You can read more about the Thunderbirds here.