The team may have a new coach, a new captain and 10 new faces in the lineup, but the Banff Bears Men’s Rugby Club is entering the 2016 season with its undying commitment to smash mouth, high tempo rugby intact.
The Division 3 Bears opened the Calgary Rugby Union exhibition season at Millennium Field in Canmore with a 29-17 loss to the Division 2 defending provincial champion Calgary Rams on Saturday (April 23).
It was the first rugby game for many on the Banff side, a squad that looks to have added more size this year. That’s good news for the stalwart warrior core of the club, as leaders such as Mark Hooper, Jeremy Woodcock, Michael McKay, Darrel Cranny and Tyler McLeod are returning.
Despite the loss, new head coach Brad Brewer said the Banff squad showed promise and will challenge for the provincial banner.
“It was completely positive, really – the commitment and positivity going through the entire team is strong. We’ve had very little training time. That’s the nature of the beast in Banff,” Brewer said.
“I have nothing but good things to say about this team. We didn’t come out on the right end of it, but that’s because of a lack of experience and preparation as a team.”
Brewer said the X Factor for Banff this year will be teamwork. If they work together as a unit, they have the talent to go far in the league and Brewer won’t back down on the prediction the provincial title is within reach.
“Everyone is accountable in their own roles. The veteran guys will have to pass their knowledge on,” Brewer said. “This year it’s going to be about accountability and commitment. We will focus on setting a good foundation as a good group of guys.”
Brewer began playing Banff rugby in 2005, where he was an integral member of their forward pack for six years. In 2012, he suffered a neck injury and was forced to retire. The team convinced him to return as coach this season, and he has a passion for the sport.
“I’ve been a forward all my life. I want physical rugby, but high tempo, expansive rugby. Banff never has the biggest guys. We will be moving the ball around as much as possible,” Brewer said.
Cranny has been named team captain for the 2016 season and the Bears know they can improve on last year’s playoff exit.
“After what I say today, there is no reason a provincial championship can’t be a possibility,” Brewer said.
Although the side’s numbers are higher than ever before, the Bears are still looking for new players. Regular training begins on June 1 at the Banff Rec Grounds on Wednesday nights.
