As winter sports wrap up, spring sports get ready to begin, including rugby fifteens at Charles Hays Secondary School (CHSS).
The biggest concern before the season even starts is having a field to play on, since currently it’s covered in snow. Patullo Field likely won’t open until May, which could cause some scheduling conflicts, forcing all soccer and rugby teams to the turf at CHSS.
Getting on a grass field would already be the highlight of the season, said coach Andy Enns. But he’s sure they will field a good team this year.
“We have started practices but we haven’t seen massive numbers yet due to poor weather conditions, lack of outside facilities and spring break. We do have new players who will be exciting to train and watch so I have every expectation that we will be able to combine our veterans with the rookies to provide a solid squad,” he said.
Enns expects the team will be competitive this season, but since the rugby sevens will be attending the Provincial Sevens Tournament at Brentwood College near Victoria in June, they probably won’t attempt to go to provincials with the rugby fifteens, should they make it that far.
The fifteens play their first games of the season on May 5-6 in Smithers, with a home game later on, depending when the field opens. The squad also hopes to play at least one game during Seafest.
The men’s rugby team will also be starting up practices this week to prepare for their season.
