Rugby enthusiasts and leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador are excited about the sport’s return to the upcoming Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in August. The event, scheduled for August 8-15 in Corner Brook, is seen as a significant development that could breathe new life into rugby for the next generation of athletes.
Morgan Lovell, the technical director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Rugby Union, expressed enthusiasm about the Games, emphasizing the opportunity they provide for around 100 young male and female athletes to participate in a recognized multi-sport competition in Newfoundland.
Against the backdrop of recent successes in Canadian rugby, including the Canadian national women’s rugby sevens team winning silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024, Lovell highlighted the positive trend in the sport. He also mentioned the return of rugby sevens to the Canada Games last summer, held in St. John’s, and the potential appeal of non-contact rugby to a wider audience.
In preparation for the Newfoundland and Labrador Games, efforts are underway to promote rugby on the west coast of Newfoundland. A coaching clinic and player clinics are being organized by the union and local players from the Corner Brook area this weekend to introduce youth aged 14-16 to the sport and potentially pave the way for their participation in the Summer Games.
Samantha Pomroy, a rugby player from Corner Brook, expressed optimism about the prospect of expanding the player base for rugby sevens in western Newfoundland, especially among children who have not yet found their sporting niche. Meanwhile, Steve Best, a seasoned rugby player since 1986, shared his enduring passion for the sport and the unique camaraderie it offers.
The return of rugby to the Games after its last appearance in 2000 in Mount Pearl has generated excitement among players like Best, who emphasized the special bond and community spirit fostered by rugby. With the Games approaching, anticipation is building for the opportunity to showcase the sport and engage a new generation of rugby enthusiasts.