The Originals, the old boys side of the Abbotsford Rugby Football Club, is preparing to kick-off the spring season with a full slate of games starting Sunday, February 17 at home.
Formed in the summer of 2010 The Originals provide a lifelong continuity of rugby in Abbotsford. “The club has mini starting at age five going all the way through youth age grade sides and men’s and women’s teams to players ultimately in their 60’s and 70’s playing old boys”, said Originals media liaison David D. Hull.
Old boys’ rugby is full on rugby played in the true spirit of the game with the respect due to players in the latter half of their career. Unlimited substitutions and a game divided into four quarters, providing additional breaks, makes the games appropriate for players regardless of age or skills.
The Originals
The Originals draw on players from Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack and are always looking for additional players to come back to playing or even discover rugby for the first time.
Rugby has now become a lifelong sport in Abbotsford with the addition of an old boys’ side to the Abbotsford Rugby Football Club.
“The Originals” play in the Pacific Northwest Over 40 Rugby League this September competing against teams from the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, Vancouver Island and Seattle.
“We are really pleased that The Originals will round out our rugby program in Abbotsford”, said ARFC president Ryan McWhinney. “Our club now offers rugby from age five, with our mini program, right through to age 70-plus making it truly a lifelong pursuit.”
The formation of The Originals was spearheaded by long time club member Todd Di Guistini. “With the club operating very successfully in Abbotsford for over 35 years we have a long storied history and a sizable core of players in the over 37 age group qualifying for the league and looking to continue playing rugby.”
“We are an eastern valley team”, said Di Guistini. “Our friends at the Valley Vintage, based out of Langley, draw from the western valley and we anticipate some good friendly competition in the years to come.”
The old boys’ league plays on Sunday freeing up players to participate, coach, or assist in club rugby on Saturdays.
Old boys’ rugby is full on rugby played in the true spirit of the game. Unlimited substitutions and a game divided into four quarters, providing additional breaks, makes the competition appropriate for players regardless of age or acuity of skills.
“We have had a number of guys come out and give rugby a go for the first time at 40 plus with great success”, said Hull. “It has been a great opportunity for former players to dig their boots out of the back of the closet and get back on the field in addition to guys new to Abbotsford with a rugby history looking to play”.
The Originals practice on Thursdays starting at 6:30 pm at Delair Park with a social component following. Games are played on Sundays with a 1 pm kick off. The schedule is posted on the ARFC website www.abbotsfordrugby.com
If you are 37 or older and are looking to continue or re-start your rugby career contact David Hull at ddhull@shaw.ca or 604 302 7212 or come out to practice Thursday evenings.
