With 16 players in their first or second year, the St. Thomas University men’s rugby program is going through a youth movement.

In the four-team conference the Tommies could only muster up wins against Mount Allison, falling to UPEI and UNB. The latter recently represented the Maritimes at the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship in Victoria, BC, which was November 21st-25th. 

“Recruitment will be our focus in the off-season,” said second year head coach Curtis Lauzon. “The coaching staff believes in the core young group that we have and with the addition of some key players as well as some depth for the program we will be in great shape.”

The Tommies will be losing some key players next year, but Lauzon is confident with the growth of his young players.

“We were lucky to have Lyndon Pugh and Brad Sears back this season. With them graduating this year, we lose two extremely physical presences on the field. Jack Aldridge has been one of the most versatile players that have been in this program and his ability. Lastly, our captain from this year's team, Derek Bailey will be hugely missed. Derek encompasses all traits that are essential in a leader.

“This year we had a large variety of experience levels - from three athletes never touching a rugby ball prior to this season, to Provincial level players. One thing that was successful this season was the ability to develop a skill set and a standard of play in certain areas of the game that surpasses what is currently being done anywhere else at this level. The other success from this year was that we had fantastic buy-in from all of our players on the culture of the team. The group that we had wanted to be successful and was willing to put in the work.”

Lauzon and his staff will take the offseason to recruit, while his players will get into form for the upcoming year.