Spartans Ready To Put Program To The Test In Coastal Cup

First competitive outing in new men’s tournament that pits universities against regional sides

Trinity Western Spartans Men’s Rugby team is raring to go ahead of its competitive debut in BC.

Spartans’ varsity Rugby program is entering its third year at Trinity Western University, Langley, and will be put to the test against other BC universities and historical regional Rugby teams over the next six weeks in the Coastal Cup.

Spartans face tough competition in the seven-team tournament, which begins on September 25 and runs until November.

A LONG TIME COMING FOR TWU

Two other university programs, UBC Thunderbirds and UVic Vikings, will take part alongside the the Pacific Pride Development Academy and three regional Rugby sides: Vancouver Island Tide, Vancouver Wave and fellow newcomers Vancouver Rugby Union East.

For the Spartans, it has been a long time coming.

Trinity Western’s Director of Rugby Andrew Evans told BC Rugby: “We’ve never participated in a full league, so this is incredibly important for us to gain experience and develop the Rugby players. This competition is the perfect fit for us. It is going to provide us with the pressure we need to develop good Rugby players.”

“We want to play expansive, we want to play fast and put the opposition under a lot of pressure to make the right decisions. We’re young and inexperienced and right away we’re up against the likely favourites in UBC, so there is nothing better than getting thrown into the deep end. We’re up for it and we’ve been building our boat for this moment.”

VARSITY RUGBY OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES AND OPENS DOORS

Development is key when it comes to varsity university programs such as those offered at TWU, UBC or UVic. By pitting athletes against other universities and predominantly older, more senior players in the regional sides, Evans hopes it will further the selection pool for international Rugby down the line.

It takes resilience, patience and desire to train consistently for three years without competitive action. However, that time has allowed Spartans to focus extensively on the technical aspects of the game and broaden its Rugby program to cater for all types of players.

“Rugby is such an inclusive sport. Typically, there is a spot for everyone on the University programs,” Evans added. “It doesn’t matter what your shape is. If you’re short or tall, slim or built – there is a spot for everyone. Men and women, all kinds of backgrounds it doesn’t matter – Rugby is a great sport and I think those values are reflected in the University programs.”

“There are scholarship opportunities, chances to travel and have a really amazing experience. If you’re looking for that community and a fun sport, you can find a home in one of these University programs.”

The Coastal Cup kicks off September 25. Check out all fixtures or learn more about the team’s involved here.

BC RUGBY News