Rugby returns to Corner Brook for the first time in three decades
Rugby Day in Corner Brook is scheduled for June 10
On June 10, Steve Best will do something he hasn’t done for more than 30 years.
That’ll be hitting the pitch up for a rugby game in his hometown of Corner Brook for the first time since he was in high school. The West Coast Wanderers will welcome Swilers Rugby Club for an exhibition game as a part of Rugby Day in Corner Brook.
Best started with Herdman Collegiate in the late 1980s, but that team only lasted briefly and the sport went by the wayside shortly thereafter.
However, it makes its return to the same pitch — Corner Brook Regional High field — where Best played as a younger man.
“I started playing at 15 and it’s something that’s been a huge part of my life for a long time,” said Best, who spearheads the Corner Brook Touch Rugby Club and is a member of the Wanderers. “I played on the east coast and for a number of years with the Dogs Rugby Club.
“It’s full circle for me.”
GROWING THE SPORT
With the support of the Newfoundland and Labrador Rugby Union, the Corner Brook Touch Rugby Club and the Wanderers are hosting a Rugby Day in Canada on June 10.
On top of the men’s 15 match between the Swilers and the West Coast Wanderers, there are plans to host free learn-to-play sessions earlier in the day for all ages and skill levels, as well as a ladies’ 7s exhibition match before the men play.
On top of it being the first time a senior men’s match has been played in Corner Brook for three decades, that will be the first women’s match in the city’s sporting history.
The practice sessions will be led by Morgan Lovell, the provincial rugby union’s technical director.
The Rugby Day was made possible through the Participaction Community Challenge grant.
West Coast Wanderers member Richard Tingskou applied for the grant in January, and it was in March that the group found out that they were being given the full $5,000 to put towards their initiative.
A committee was struck, and they decided it would be fitting to put it off the weekend of June 10, because it would tie into some school initiatives they had planned for earlier that week.
The Wanderers had already had some school coaching sessions with coaches from St. John’s in place, so it made sense to expand on that premise and continue into the weekend.
“It’s a growing sport and something that we are trying to build in Corner Brook,” said Tingskou. “We had a lot of good momentum prior to the pandemic, but like a lot of other recreational activities, everyone is in the state of having to build things back up again.
“This is a really good opportunity to pick up where we left off and go forward with that.”
AN INCLUSIVE SPORT
Rugby isn’t a huge sport in Corner Brook. It likely falls behind hockey, baseball, basketball, golf and others on the pecking order.
However, that doesn’t matter to the group. They want to build it, won’t turn anyone away and they will teach anyone interested in the sport the basics of the game.
“It’s inclusive, there’s something for everyone,” said Best. “We’ve got a dedicated group of volunteers. We’ve got a small, small group, but a very dedicated group.”
If you’re interested, you can visit the Rugby Day in Corner Brook Facebook page or email rugbydayincornerbrook@gmail.com.