United States Quad Rugby Association (USQRA) teams have a history of  success at the Vancouver Invitational and our southern neighbours from Seattle and Portland are back for another shot at the title – This time in Division 2.

Seattle Slam

The Seattle Slam  finished in the top four at the past three Vancouver Invitationals. However, this year they’re without Japanese Import Daisuke Ikezaki and Vancouver Invitational poster-boy Paul Watson,

Despite lacking a high-pointer, player/coach/welder Jeremy Hannaford will have his team  have his team ready to play. With no clear-cut star, the Slam will likely rely on multiple ball-handlers and crisp passing to score.

Portland Pounders

The Portland Pounders have multiple Vancouver Invitational titles and are currently ranked eighth in the USQRA.

For the second straight year, Portland will have some international flair in Colombian Jhon Orozco Nunez, a rolling highlight reel, who expertly combines aggression and agility.

Nunez is using the Vancouver Invitational to prepare next month’s  IWRF World Championship Qualifier in Switzerland.  Where the Colombian national team will attempt to qualify for their first World Wheelchair Rugby Championship.