By Leighton Geraghty
Rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen. Fifteen players, eight forwards, seven backs, one ball. Bishop’s rugby history goes back a long way, established in 1888 under early football rules. In 1976, the Men’s Rugby team came to light; a cornerstone of the RSEQ, seeing multiple athletes be promoted to playing professionally post-university. A lot is on the line when representing Bishops on the pitch. The history and brotherhood of the team is a main reason for many to return for their 5th year of eligibility at the school.
Unfortunately for the Gaiters, they have been battling adversity early in their RSEQ campaign. The injury bug Rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen. Fifteen players, eight forwards, seven backs, one ball. Bishop’s rugby history goes back a long way, established in 1888 under early football rules. In 1976, the Men’s Rugby team came to light; a cornerstone of the RSEQ, seeing multiple athletes be promoted to playing professionally post-university.
The Gaiters have started their season off 0-2, losing to the University of Montreal and the Ottawa Gee-Gees. With only 6 games in an RSEQ regular season, the Gaiters will have to have a dominant second half of the year in order to crack the playoffs. Their eyes are set on ETS for a Friday Night Lights game on Coulter Field in front of a has been known to be a powerhouse in the country, the Gaiters always have a fighting chance. Darting back to 2015, the Gaiters hold an edge of a record of 24-6 over ETS. The remaining games in their schedule include an away game at Concordia followed by two home games against Carleton and McGill. Bishops will have to battle adversity against the injury bug as they climb their way back into the rankings.
When I spoke with Senior Forward Jeremy L’Heureux, he stated that “Being 0-2 does not define our team. We’re heavily focused on these next four games and are putting in the preparation and work needed to overcome this period of adversity”. L’Heureux is a cornerstone of this Gaiters squad. The senior forward came back into the lineup against Ottawa and put in significant minutes in the game. In order to bounce back, the Gaiters will have to embrace the contact and take the game into their own hands. Win the rucks, dominate the scrums and be smart with the ball. But if there is any team capable of bouncing back, it’s this one.
The veteran presence mixed in with the speed and talent from the promoted 2’s players is something to watch out for. Keep an eye on the Gaiters as they start off their home stretch of the season.
