Ruck and Roll – The Heart of Brentwood Rugby

28 March 2025Cole CC, Rogers ‘25

The Brentwood Rugby season is in full swing, and the team has been hitting the pitch with energy and determination. Every practice has been a grueling battle against our own limits, pushing through fitness drills, tackling exercises, and strategic gameplay training. The coaches, Mr Thompson, Mr Branchflower, and Mr Flynn, demand nothing less than our best, pushing us to work harder and refine our skills. As Youto I, Whittall ‘25 put it, “The coaches make us work hard so we do better in games.” The intensity of training is high, but so is our passion for the game.

Last Tuesday, March 4th the team faced off against Oak Bay, a tough competitor. This game tested the resilience of the team showing how we can perform under pressure. We barely lost, but it was more than just a score, it was a lesson for the team. As Lauchan M, Whittall ‘25 puts it “We didn’t win, but our players got better.” Some of the players were stepping onto the field for the first time, and they played with heart and courage, fighting for every inch of ground. As one of the people on the sideline watching, Tomas ‘28 said “They looked like a well-oiled machine.” Even though the scoreline didn’t swing in our favor, the team walked off the field with their heads high, knowing they had given it everything.

One of the best parts of the Brentwood Rugby program is the camaraderie built through practices. Whether it’s perfecting lineouts or running through offensive plays, every practice moves the team in the direction of improvement. Extra practice on arts days or Sundays has made the team become more cohesive, and work as a unit. Soren L, Ellis ‘25 summed it up well: “The team works well together.” The effort put in will pay off in the coming matches, where our cohesiveness and discipline will push us to better outcomes.

The coaches have been instrumental in shaping the team into better players and teammates. Mr T, the Head Coach and former Canadian National Team player, has passes on his knowledge to the team, instilling a mindset of perseverance. With the guidance and knowledge of Mr T, Mr Flynn and Mr Branchflower the team has a strong base of teaching to improve their skills.

Rugby at Brentwood is more than just a sport; it’s a test of character, a game that demands grit, and a group that strengthens each other every match. With more games on the horizon, the team is excited and ready to take on the challenge.

Every tackle, every sprint and every scrum is a step towards improvement. The season is just beginning, and Brentwood Rugby is only getting stronger.

Our home opener is against Claremont on Thursday, April 10 followed by a match against Calgary’s Rundle College on Sat. April 12.

Cole CC, Rogers ‘25

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