If you’re playing rugby in the Northwest College Rugby Conference (NCRC), then the weekend can’t come quick enough. With a full slate of game on tap for ruggers and coaches alike, and right after snow scuttled last week's games, it’s time to get down to business.

North of the border, a resilient Simon Fraser squad takes on powerhouse and defending NCRC champion Oregon State. Simon Fraser has been quiet as of late, but looks to give the Beavers everything they can handle. Meanwhile, the Beavers return fresh from their New Zealand trip and look to start the new season off strong.

The Beavers know they have a long road ahead of them with the talent that teams have and the target they have on themselves, but they’re confident, according to head coach Mark Webber.

Staying in Canada is another intriguing matchup between University of British Columbia (UBC) and University of Washington (UW). The UBC Thunderbirds look to get off to a good start in their own territory against a UW squad that has struggled in the past couple of seasons with inexperience. Nevertheless, as every coach knows in rugby nothing is a given.

Last, but certainly not least, is the action on the east side of the mountains between Eastern Washington Eagles and Washington State Cougars in Pullman. The Eagles enter their first game of the year with a lot of confidence coming off last year and are looking to make a statement not only for league, but in the national picture as well.

The Cougars return an experienced squad and are looking to attack through all phases of the game. Head coach Matt Hudson bulked up his roster in recruiting and has a lot to choose from with this squad.

WSU will look to slow down EWU No. 8 Eric Populus and win with their physicality in the rucks and scrums. Moreover, with this matchup its personal as the teams finished 3^rd and 4^th respectively with WSU getting an edge in the standings.