Junior rugby squad off to Bermuda

Ball carrier Max Ambursley, flanked by Ethan Peters to the left and Will Morgan to the right, seen here in action against the Oakville Crusaders, are three of the 28 players travelling with the Balmy Beach Junior Rugby Club Under 16 squad to Bermuda on March 30.
PHOTO: Michelle Quance

The Balmy Beach Rugby Club is set to go on tour with a junior team made up of Grade 9 and 10 students (under 16). The team, comprised of local talent including Malvern students, will be be travelling to sunny Bermuda over the Easter weekend to play local teams.

“We have a very solid group of players,” said Brian Spanton, one the coaches travelling with the team and a former Canadian national rugby player. “Many of them have played five or six years.”

There will also be emphasis on cultural learning with stops at historical sites and a tour of the island.

“It’s a growing event for the boys,” said Spanton. “We will be doing off-field tours … and we hope the boys grow from it.”

This is the first time the junior squad will be travelling abroad and Spanton is hoping to make it an annual event.

With many students across the city missing out on sports this year because of struggles between public school teachers and the government, it is a great opportunity for the boys to participate in a sport they love.

“Malvern has a rich tradition of rugby,” said Spanton.

The group will be holding a fundraiser for the trip on March 23. It will take place at the Balmy Beach Club from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a silent auction as well as a live auction.