Heart, Grit, and Brotherhood: A Rugby Season to Remember

10 June 2025William L, Ellis ‘26

As the final whistle echoed across the pitch, a wave of emotion swept through the Brentwood Senior Boys Rugby team – relief, pride, and the bittersweet sting of farewell. This season was more than a string of games; it was the result of months spent building relationships, pushing limits, and forging bonds stronger than any tackle.

From long afternoon practices to bruising battles under gray skies, every moment carried the weight of legacy and the fire of brotherhood. For the players, this wasn’t just the end of a season – it was the closing chapter of a journey that shaped who we are, on and off the field.

Head Coach Mr Thompson shared his view on the season: “We had a season of highs and lows, with a mixture of very experienced players all the way to those who never played before. This combination, combined with injuries, in the end, made it hard for us to gather momentum at times. That said, it was a successful season as we had 33 players, we won the 7s tournament and, although we lost a number of close games, we still improved. At the end of the day we challenged ourselves against all opponents and although we did not win the key games, those experiences will be valuable lessons for all of us going forward, especially those returning to play next year”.

Our season ended with a hard-fought sixth-place finish at the BC Provincial Championships – a result that only scratches the surface of our story. A heartbreaking, last minute 34-33 loss to SMUS in the Island Final ranked us fifth heading into provincials, setting the stage for redemption. We opened strong against Sir Charles Tupper, leading 19–10 at halftime, but a tough second-half saw us narrowly fall 39–31. Refusing to back down, we bounced back with a commanding 53–22 win over South Kamloops in our second game, showcasing the resilience that defined our season. In our final match, we faced a gritty Westview side and, despite our efforts, finished with a loss that placed us sixth in the province.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” That spirit defined our journey—from heartbreak to comeback, from underdogs to a brotherhood, that never stopped rising. While the scoreboard didn’t always reflect our grit, the legacy we leave behind speaks louder than any number.

“I’m proud of the way we battled every game, not just in provincials but in all the games prior” explained Will W, Rogers ‘25. “Coming into this season we knew we were undersized and underdogs, but we never gave up”. For Will, this season was about more than wins and losses – it was about growth. Motivated by the leadership of his coaches and the trust of his teammates, he leaves the season with a deeper understanding of accountability and commitment.

Forwards Captain Soren L, Ellis ‘25, echoed this sentiment: “I was really impressed by how resilient the team was this year, despite some injuries and setbacks we had. I am very grateful to be part of a program that is fostering a large interest in future Brentwood rugby and I am so excited to see how far the boys go next year.” For Soren, the season also marked a turning point in his leadership. Tasked with guiding the forward pack, he embraced the challenge with focus and humility.

A huge thank you goes to Mr Thompson, Mr Flynn, Mr Branchflower, Mr Griffiths, and Brentwood for providing us with the opportunity to thrive and grow through sport. Our coaches have inspired us all to stay focused on our goals, trust the process, and believe in ourselves and one another. Rugby fosters friendships and creates memories that last a lifetime, and those values were on full display this season. Their patience, dedication, and belief in each individual built more than a team – they built a family. We will cherish and carry the lessons from this season with us, on and off the field, and return next year with pride, brotherhood, and the determination to leave everything on the field – every time.

William L, Ellis ‘26

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