BC Blue led 21-5 just before half time then the live stream went dead. Below are our notes from that time period. BC Gold obviously turned it around in the 2nd half, the BCRU might have an archive of the match they’ll upload to their YouTube channel. It’s wait and see.
[ed. we’ve updated the list to 16 now since we’ve had new information come in, details below. Also add Brady Reeleder from UBC who is in Japan playing rugby for Tokyo Koryo RFC this summer.]
There are at least 13 BC based players who are playing rugby in NZ right now. There’s a few in Australia as well, three that we have listed. If you have a chance, follow their clubs on social media, we’ve included the links below. We’ll update this article with new info as it becomes available.
New England have secured 1st place in the east as they’re 20 points ahead of second place DC with only 3 games remaining. DC, NY, Atlanta and NOLA all still have a chance to claim the two remaining playoff spots. In the west it’s San Diego leading by 5 points over Seattle, with only those two teams in the running for top spot. Houston and Utah are competing for the last remaining playoff spot.
[ed. Noah will send updates every 2 weeks so check back to read the complete series.]
by Noah Bain
Hello, if youve made it back! Noah here again, and thanks for tuning in to BC Rugby News.
I first off want to say congratulations to the Canadian 7s Men who avoided relegation in London this past weekend. It was by no means an easy task and you made a lot of people, including myself, extremely proud to be Canadian. Every one of you played with so much heart. It’s evident that we are making progress compared to our earlier performances this year, and I’m thrilled to watch the boys in August at the Olympic Qualifiers in Langford. Make sure to get out and support!
BC Boys High School Updates
Shawnigan won the Island final over Oak Bay 36-10, St. George’s defeated Carson Graham in the Mainland final 13-5. It’s likely those two teams will be top seeds in the Provincials coming up May 31st to June 3rd. Elgin Park defeated Lord Tweedsmuir 41-7 in the South Fraser championship.
Little has changed in the standings from Week 13, San Diego and New England continue to lead their respective conferences. Seattle has closed the gap a bit on San Diego who now are only 5 points ahead, while Houston and Utah battle it out for the last playoff spot in the West. In the East, New England has increased the gap on top to 15 points with DC, NY and Atlanta in the hunt for the two remaining playoff spots.
It was a heroic effort by Canada on Day 2 as they dug deep and made a nation proud. They needed to put a large score on Tonga to ensure they would make the final on points differential and that’s exactly what they did with a +36 defeat of Tonga. Now they were in the final even if Uruguay defeated Kenya, which they did. It would put Kenya and Canada in the final and Kenya had won the pool round encounter. It was a tense match, tied 7-7 at the half, Canada kept their nerve and found the overlap with seconds left on the clock. Brock Webster had done well to move the ball down the pitch with a couple of line breaks, Phil Berna and Alex Russell had a 2 on 1 inside the Kenya 22 and Berna delivered the perfect pass for Russell to beat the cross cover. Webster put the ensuing kickoff deep and Canada were able jackal the ball for the win.
Since BC School Sports took over rugby from the independent BCSSRU results have been difficult to find. Thanks to the organizers of the Island Boys competition we have some results to provide and a schedule for the Island Boys HS final.
The Provincials will be held May 31st to June 2nd in Abbotsford.
by Lisa Cooper
2023 is the first year that girls rugby is an official LIMSSA (Lower Island Middle School Sports Association) sport and the season ending tournament played Monday May 15th, was very successful.
from BCRU
Squads have been confirmed for what will be an exciting Game 1 of the BC Rugby Senior Womens Blue vs. Gold Series this Saturday, May 20!