After defending their second straight undefeated Division I League Title, Central Washington University Men’s Rugby Team secured home field advantage and will host the Pacific Coast Playoffs this Friday and Saturday, April 2 and 3, in Ellensburg at the CWU Rugby Pitch next to Tomlinson Stadium. All matches are free and open to the public.

CWU fans are encouraged to wear black to show their support as Central faces off against Sacramento State Friday at 1 p.m. Black-out shirts will be available for sale at the match for $7.

“The team has worked really hard this year and hosting the playoffs in our own backyard is pretty incredible,” says Bob Ford, CWU Men’s Rugby head coach. “Our fans, CWU and Ellensburg have a great opportunity to see what level these guys are playing at.”

A win will place Central in the final match Saturday, giving them a chance to move on to the USA Rugby Round of 16 and Elite 8 in Atlanta, GA.

“This match and playing at home is huge,” Ford continues. “We are looking for an energy boost from a massive crowd at one of the best spectator sports in the world. We will be in our black jerseys, socks — well, you name it. We hope the crowd is too.”

Last year’s national champion, the University of Utah, will square off against the University of Washington on Friday at 3 p.m. The consolation match will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, with the championship match to follow at 1 p.m.

story of Jewish prisoners in Auschwitz. The viewing is free and open to the public.

Events are sponsored by the CWU department of philosophy and religious studies, the Diversity Education Center, the College of Arts and Humanities Special Events Funding, Chamber Music of America and the Society for Inter-religious Dialogue and Education.