BC Teams Confirmed for U18 Western Championships
BC Rugby – Four teams will represent BC at the tournament in Regina next month
Vancouver, BC – July 17, 2019: BC Rugby is pleased to announce the teams that will be representing the Province at the upcoming U18 Western Championships, taking place in Regina, SK, on August 1-4. A total of four teams will play in BC colours at the tournament, two Girls’ XVs (U17 & U18) and two Boys’ XVs (U17 & U18) and will face off against teams from Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan over three days of competition.
Team selections have been made at the culmination of two highly successful camps, taking place at Shawnigan Lake School for the boys and UBC’s Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre for the girls. Over five days, more than 250 players from across BC took part in an array of drills, skills challenges, team-building exercises and matches to help coaching staff identify the top athletes.
“This year’s BC Rugby Rep XV Team Selection Camps have been a real highlight for both players and coaches,” said Aaron Takel, Growth and Development Manager (Men & Boys). “We engaged players across a multitude of different challenges and development sessions, working to expand their rugby horizons and forge strong bonds between teammates. It will be exciting to see how this culture, attitude and playing style translates on to the field at upcoming tournaments.”
U18 Boys’ XV Head Coach Aaron O’Flaherty commented “With many BC-based players away with national programs, it gave us a chance to have a look at more players in the pool and they have certainly stepped up to the task of being top Provincial players. Every player played with pride, resilience and improved very well in such a short space of time. Overall, we are in a very good place and miles ahead of where we thought we would be leading into the Westerns in Regina.”
The U18 Western Canadian Championships, taking place for the second year, were conceived as a vehicle for athlete development and meaningful competition for top athletes. Last year, boys’ and girls’ teams from BC turned in some excellent performances, winning 9 of their 11 games against other Provinces. The Boys’ U18 Team were undefeated in the competition, while the U17 Boys’ XV lost just a single match against their own Provincial elders. The U17 Girls, playing against older opponents for the most part, gave a strong account of themselves with a 2-1-1 record over the tournament. The BC U18 Girls’ XV was absent last year, taking part in a tour of the South of England.
Action will take place at the Regina Rugby Club on between August 1-4, with more information available at the Rugby Saskatchewan website.
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