Coming off of a perfect season that ended in a Rounsefell Cup victory, the UBC men’s rugby team is currently adjusting to some challenges to begin the new season.
So far, the T-Birds have played a total of four games, winning two and losing two. The latest game ended in a 38-3 win against Meraloma RC.
One of the biggest changes for the team has been the departure of the numerous fifth-year players from last season, including Alex Mascott, Brock Staller, Liam Murphy-Blake and last year’s team captain, Charlie Thorpe.
“We lost veteran players to graduation and a number of those players have ended up on clubs that we have played in the first round, so that contributes,” said Rameses Langston, UBC's head coach.
Langston said that on top of the seniors who graduated, his team has also been battling against injuries to various players.
For returning senior players like fifth-year scrum-half Jorden Sandover-Best, the expectations are especially high to continue the legacy of last year’s seniors.
“[The players that graduated] definitely set the ground work and … we got to keep building what they built,” said Sandover-Best.
Sandover-Best — along with Chris Taylor and Connor Hamilton — are players to likely become the new team captain this season.
“I’ve liked to think that I am kind of like a leader on the team and … just being at practice and being the best I can be. We’ve all got different traits, but we’re all qualified in different ways,” said Sandover-Best.
“We’ve got some very experienced guys and guys that have been in the program for quite a while, so again, we’re quite happy with the leadership that we have,” said Langston.
Just as the ’Birds are adjusting to the departure of last season’s fifth-years, a new group of first-years are stepping in to fill the gaps. Notable recruits this year include Jake Lan, Michael Smith, Tyler Nylander and Chris Stangle.
According to Langston, the perfect season last year only heightens the pressure on the new recruits.
“There’s a lot of outside internet attention, and then that results ultimately into pressure on very young, inexperienced athletes,” said Langston.
Even with the challenges that the team is currently facing, Langston is still expecting his team to maintain a consistently high performance.
“We don’t make excuses. The expectation for us is that no matter who comes on the field, we’re prepared to play … and put it on the line every weekend,” said Langston.
The ’Birds will be facing off against the Vancouver Rowing Club on Saturday, October 29 at 2:45 p.m. on Wolfson Field.
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