Glenn Butler’s rugby odyssey
Niagara teen makes the most of sport after he finally gets to play
Royal Military College is getting a rugby powerhouse.
Rugby has taught Glenn Butler life lessons about respect and discipline.
“Rugby is not just a sport, but it is part of who I am as person,” he said.
It’s not a popular sport in Grimsby, but it’s given something for him to be proud of in his hometown.
After playing for Canada’s U18 Sevens and 15s squads in Las Vegas and Hong Kong, the
‘‘ “Every time I am on the field, I know I am getting more experience and getting better as a player.”
GLENN BUTLER
Grimsby teenager is setting his sights on playing for RMC in Kingston, and earning a degree in aeronautical engineering.
He started playing the sport in Grade 7, with Grimsby Flag Rugby.
Butler said his stepfather, Jim Graef, has had the biggest influence on his rugby career.
“He introduced me to the sport and taught me a ton about the sport,” said Butler. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support and encouragement.”
Although Butler received good coaching at the local level, he thought the intensity of training with the national team to be extraordinary.
“The coaching at the national level was amazing, as was the intensity level,” he said. “Playing at that level refined my skills and made me much more confident.
“The national level is also all about overall fitness, nutrition and high-level strategy.”
Other coaches who have had an impact on Butler include
Mike Curran, coach of Team Canada, as well as other national coaches such as Sean McDonnaugh, Jack Hanratty, Freddie Asland and Robin McDowell.
Although one of the most memorable coaches is Nayak Dala, who guided Butler during Canada’s U18 Olympic qualifier matches in Las Vegas last March.
Canada won the tourney, and Butler started in that game while scoring a couple of key tries.
“He was amazing, he played for Team Canada,” said Butler. “He taught me about playing forward in sevens, which was new to me as I was always a back, but he saw strengths in my game and helped me to find the position that best suited my future in the game of sevens.”
Butler’s rugby journey has been unique, and he never expected to play for the national team.
He missed parts of his tackle league when he was in Grade 8 because of his commitment to Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Even after his stepfather lobbied Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School to launch a boys rugby team, Butler couldn’t be on the field.
“That winter I broke my collarbone snowboarding and then re-broke it just prior to rugby season, practising for track,” he said. “I helped out, but sat out the season.
“Ironically, the team qualified for OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations championships) in its first year, but we couldn’t go, as the rules required 23 active players over 16 years old, and since our team was quite young we only had 19 players over 16 years.”
A.N. Myer went in their stead, despite Blessed Trinity beating them 50-0 at the Southern Ontario Secondary Schools Association qualifier.
When Butler reached Grade 10 he was completely healthy and chomping at the bit to play for his school team, yet OFSAA changed the rules for senior rugby, which required all players be 16 years old before June.
He wouldn’t turn 16 until September. He had to sit out another high school season.
At the end of the season, he tried out for Team Ontario to gain playing experience and made the squad and played a key role.
Butler finally got to play high school rugby by Grade 11, and the team went 8-2. He was named the team’s most valuable player and was selected as Blessed Trinity’s senior male athlete of the year.
That summer he fell off the provincial and national scouting lists because he earned a flying scholarship through air cadets and secured his glider’s licence.
After playing for a local squad in the fall, Butler was invited to play for an Ontario invitational select team, the Canada Misfits, in Toronto.
Butler continued to be showered with invitations to various Rugby Canada teams.
At the same time, he applied to RMC.
“My March 2018 this year was nuts and the experience of a lifetime,” said Butler. “My marks suffered a bit, but when I got back from a New Zealand rugby trip, the rugby coach at RMC let my stepfather know that I was accepted.”
He received a confirmation letter from RMC the following week.
“I guess, now that I have played at a national level, it just makes me want to play harder every chance I get,” said Butler. “Every time I am on the field, I know I am getting more experience and getting better as a player.”
Butler’s goal is to play for Canada’s senior men’s sevens team at the Olympics.
“I have proven, that if I work hard and stay motivated, that I can reach my goals,” he said. “That motivates me.”