A Season to Remember: Senior Boys Rugby Writes a New Chapter
Under cool spring rain, clear evening skies, and the glow of late afternoon lights, the Brentwood Senior Boys Rugby team stepped onto the pitch knowing every match would demand something from them. Grass-stained jerseys, tired legs, and sore bodies quickly became part of the routine as the boys faced the toughest challenge the program had seen in years. This season has not been defined by comfort or easy victories. It has been defined by resilience, brotherhood, and the willingness to stand toe-to-toe with some of the strongest rugby programs in British Columbia.
After moving up from 2A to 3A rugby this season, Brentwood entered the province’s highest level of high school competition, facing powerhouse programs like Shawnigan Lake School and Oak Bay High School in league play. The jump brought faster gameplay, bigger and more experienced opponents, and a level of physicality unlike anything many players had faced before.
The transition came with adversity and a steep learning curve, but through every bruising tackle, muddy ruck, and hard-fought scrum, the group has never backed down. Although the team currently holds a 3-5 record, the numbers alone fail to capture the story of this season. Time and time again, the team has pushed opponents to the limit, proving they belong on the same field as some of the province’s most established rugby programs.
“Even though our season didn’t result in the way we wanted to, we really pushed ourselves this year,” shares Rugby Captain Grady N, Rogers ‘26. “Every tackle, every ruck, every scrum, I couldn’t be more proud of the way we put our all into every game and came just short in many contests.”
Many of Brentwood’s matches have been decided by the narrowest of margins, with the team consistently battling until the final whistle. Despite injuries, setbacks, and the physical demands of competing at the 3A level, the group has continued to show heart and grit throughout the season.
For many players, however, the memories created off the field will last just as long as the games themselves. Long bus rides, post-training laughs, team dinners, and shared struggles have strengthened a bond that extends far beyond rugby.
“I am so grateful to be amongst a group of guys I get to call brothers,” mentions outside centre Rudolph K, Rogers ‘26. “I am proud to have represented Brentwood and will miss these memories playing rugby with my boys next year in uni.”
Head Coach, Mr Thompson reflected positively on the growth shown throughout the year: “The 2026 season came at us quickly, not much preparation time, long break and great competition. If anything, it taught us we can compete in the AAA league, but we need to do more and prepare earlier. We need to play more rugby, work on our skills in the off-season, and get in the weight room to help close the gap on those top teams. In the end, we improved considerably and played a good brand of rugby. Thanks to all the players for their contributions this season, and we wish the Grade 12’s all the best as they move forward, and I hope they all continue to play some rugby down the road.”
This year’s campaign has also highlighted the people who help shape the culture surrounding Brentwood rugby. A heartfelt thank you goes to Mr Thompson for introducing so many players to the beautiful game of rugby and for bringing unmatched passion to the program every day. Thank you to Coach Branchflower for being a pillar of support throughout the season, to Coach De Vries for bringing positivity and creating an environment where players feel comfortable and connected, and to Coach Serge for reminding the boys that rugby, at its core, is meant to be fun.
While the scoreboard may not fully reflect the passion this team has displayed, the legacy of this season already reaches far beyond wins and losses. It lives in the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the pride that comes from standing shoulder to shoulder against the province’s best. Through every afternoon training session, exhausting conditioning run, and hard-fought contest, this group has proven that no challenge is too big to face together.
It has been an honour to wear the red and black all three years of my Brentwood career. I will truly miss the sport, my teammates, coaches, and most of all, the memories. Rugby has truly become a part of me, and I wish the team nothing but the best moving forward.
Come on, boys!
William L, Ellis ‘26