The future looks bright for the Rowers

Mini ruggers at VRC Club Day Sept. 22.

Successful summer bolsters club--

By Ian Cooper

This past summer saw some significant representative action from VRC Age Grade Rugby players, with a gold medal performance at the U14 Festival in Oakville, Ontario, gold medal performances in Sherbrooke from the U18 and U16 men, and Academy representation in the U20 IRB Trophy Tournament and U20 fixtures vs the USA.

VRC Academy

Academy players Noah Barker, Gradyn Bowd and Doug Crowe travelled with Canada to the U20 World Trophy this summer while Caleb Hansen trialled for Canada U20 vs USA and played in 2 matches for the BC Tyee Senior Men’s team in the CRC competition. Meanwhile, down in Brisbane, three Academy players are going into action in their respective Colts Divisions to vie for Grand Final titles: Sean Hickson, Connor Leduc and Ryan Chapman.

Gradyn Bowd crashes Richmond's line last year at King George Park.
Bowd travelled with Canada's U20 squad last summer along with Noah
Barker and Doug Crowe (not pictured).

U18

At U18, after a taxing semifinal against bitter rivals Ontario, BC hit their stride during Sunday's championship final as they recorded six tries en route to a 40-16 final victory over Alberta.  Vancouver Rowing Club U18 player Robert Fenton was a standout during all matches.

U16

During the U16 tournament, final play found a tightly contested final between the country's biggest rivals, the BC-1 Gold U16 men's team led from start to finish narrowly defeating Ontario-1 by a score of 15-13. BC took a comfortable 12-0 lead into half time through tries by Theo Sauder (Vancouver Rowing Club) and Jack Nyren (Castaway Wanderers RFC)  with Nyren providing the conversion.  Representing the Rowing club were stalwarts Alexi Bonnis, Marc Levin, Reegan O'Gorman and Theo Sauder.

U14

Mini ruggers at VRC Club Day Sept. 22.

The U14 Boy's National Interprovincial Festival wrapped up Sept. 7 with British Columbia's 'Growl' defeating Ontario 15-0 in the 15-a-side tournament final.  Four of our young stars represented the Rowers: Will Sauder (Theo’s younger brother), Owen Pitblado (James’ younger brother), Sam Turner, and Gavin Humphries. Congratulations to all.

The future looks bright for Rowers Rugby!