Dublin down
Local athletes among team of Nova Scotian rugby players heading to Ireland
Dublin down four local rugby players will head to Ireland this week where they will compete with a provincial team that is touring to take on a number of Irish squads.
A group of Truro athletes will represent Nova Scotia as they head out for a rugby tour in Dublin, Ireland.
Four local players will be joining the U18 Nova Scotia Keltic Rugby team for a 10-day tour of Ireland’s rugby clubs and a chance to take on a few of Ireland’s best in a series of games.
“There are about 25 guys going in total form Nova Scotia,” said Gabe Isenor, one of the athletes heading to Dublin this week.
“While over there, we will be playing three games against their provincial teams, some of the local high school teams in the region.”
The boys, who are all Cobequid Educational Centre students, were drafted to the team after trying out last year and have been practicing for this trip since November.
“Last year I played with the U16 Keltics, so they usually travel around,” said Daniel Castonguay, another of those travelling to Dublin.
“The Keltics are a provincial rugby team, so anyone can try out for it. We have players from Yar- mouth, Digby, all over the province. After we wrap up over there, tryouts will start for a new team in the spring, who will compete in the Eastern tournament.”
This Wednesday, Castonguay and Isenor, along with Kaleb
Johnstone and Tyson Ferguson, will head to Ireland, and all are excited. “Going to Ireland is really one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said Ferguson. “My biggest thing would have to be seeing the Ireland versus the Wales men’s provincial match. I’m pretty sure we’ve got tickets to go see that game, so I’m pretty excited.” “I’ve also never been outside of Canada,” Isenor chimed in, “so I’m pretty excited for that.”