In an effort to preserve and celebrate the game’s amateur roots, a new rugby side – aptly named the Guardians – has taken root in Surrey and White Rock.
The Guardian XV project was the brainchild of some longtime Bayside Rugby alums, and aims to keep the game fun – on and off the field – for up-and-coming players while also providing top-notch competition.
“The Guardians program is based on all the good reasons why we play rugby. It’s about camaraderie, character, and a game that people have always played for reasons other than money,” said Guardians’ director of rugby Andy Blackburn, who is also a member of the Bayside Sharks.
The ever-changing roster will pay no mind to club affiliations, Blackburn said – in the team’s first game last week, the roster included Bayside and Surrey Beavers players, among others – and will largely consist of young players from B.C. and Washington.
It’s based on the model of the Barbarians FC club, an international team – made up of players from many countries – that travels the world playing other international sides.
Older rugby alums are also key to the program, Blackburn said, and will be recruited as coaches and volunteers.
The Guardians team, Blackburn said, has been in the works for about a year, and is an attempt to bring a sense of fun and a barnstorming attitude back to the sport, which can, he admits, often be over-coached, especially at the younger levels.
“Players today train and play base on a professional model, whether they’re playing professionally or at the club level,” Blackburn said. “If you can make a living doing it, then great, but like any sport, only a small percentage of players ever do that, so we’d like to preserve the sports’ amateur ethos.
“We don’t want players to be afraid to try new things – we want them to play entertaining rugby. Maybe instead of kicking a penalty, just run with (the ball) – even if it ends up as a complete disaster. We want them to throw caution to the wind a little bit, be creative.”
The Guardians, coached by Bayside and Earl Marriott Secondary coach Adam Roberts, played its first game Saturday at South Surrey Athletic Park, losing a tight 8-5 tilt to a touring team from Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Zealand.
Guardians’ lone try came in the first half when fullback Clay Ross, after taking a pass from Liam Beaulieu, raced 50 yards down field, spun out of a tackle, and scored to give the home team a brief 5-3 lead.
On Saturday, the Guardians return to the field – this time at Sullivan Heights Park – for a 4 p.m. game against Westlake Grammar School, also of New Zealand.
Blackburn said plans are in the works for the Guardians to host a few English teams in July, plus a few U18 international squads. As well, the Guardians may hit the road for a tour of their own in the future.
“We want to pit our boys against the best competition we can find, so this is a perfect opportunity for them to play top international teams and see how they stack up,” Blackburn said.