The Nanaimo Hornets women’s rugby team will face some fierce competition this spring as they step up to the Div. 1 league of competition.
The women know they need to swarm the pitch with improved skills and leading up to the spring season they’re working on their defensive work, rucking and mauling.
Britta Peterson, a player and secretary of the executive for the Nanaimo Hornets Rugby Club, said the team is still going to maintain its core attitude.
“Even though we’re moving up in tiers, it’s about maintaining the fun atmosphere and just enjoying the sport,” she said.
The Nanaimo team ended the fall season in the middle of the pack in the Island Senior Women’s League, with a 4-3 record. The team earned its promotion to Div. 1 last spring. They defeated Burnaby in North Vancouver 17-3 and won the B.C. title for Div. 2 competition.
Peterson said the women’s team has players of various ages from high school students to older.
This spring, players from the Island teams may amalgamate and competitors will become valued teammates.
The Hornets rugby team doesn’t have tryouts but instead recruits players throughout the season. Peterson said the Hornets extend an invitation to anyone interested in playing rugby to stop by the clubhouse, located at May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park, on Tuesday and Thursday nights when the women and men practise at 6 p.m. to learn about opportunities to join the club. The Hornets have levels of competition for many skill levels and ages including mini rugby six to 15 years, under-17 men, senior women, and Yoos to Bees over-40 programs. People can also call 250-390-2121 or check out the Hornets women’s team’s Facebook site.
“We are really a big family with a larger club mentality,” said Peterson.
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