Regardless how the final weeks of the Niagara Rugby Union season play out, it’s been a memorable season for the Kent Havoc, and for rugby in Chatham-Kent.
The Havoc’s Senior Men’s team has sat in first in the Niagara Rugby Union’s B Division for much of this season, while the women’s program, which struggled to put up wins this year, has continued to send players to the University and even international levels.
“The key to the Havoc’s success this season was playing for the crest on our shirts, not the person inside the shirt,” says Men’s captain Dave Buis about the Havoc’s stellar season, which began with a nearly undefeated record through their first ten games. “This meant to do your job, do it well and without hesitation. Do what you have to do for the good of the team and never for yourself.”
While the Men put up wins, the Women’s squad put athletes on to the next level. Blenheim graduate Breanne Nicholas starred this summer for Team Canada’s Under 20 squad that won the Nations Cup in England, while UCC alum Gabby Desbiens will play OUA rugby this season for the Western University Mustangs. Both were also Kent High School All-Stars.
Despite the Havoc’s success both on the field, and in player development, the organization is still looking to find its niche in a Chatham-Kent summer sports market dominated by football, baseball, and soccer.
“Rugby has been here for 11 years and is still, unfortunately, trying to find its niche in Chatham-Kent,” says Kent Havoc Men’s head coach Paul Mooney. “We have some of the most competitive and skilled sportsmen and women in Southern Ontario but it is a mystery to me where they all go after high school.”
Mooney, who believes it is impressive the Havoc remain competitive, and win despite drawing from only a few dozen players compared to the hundreds in other communities, says the club is continuously looking to recruit new players.
“I don’t understand where all the football players go once they have finished high school,” said Mooney. “Nearly all of our team is made up from guys who made the transition from football to rugby. They have all found that rugby offers them the physical competitiveness they enjoyed through football, but they have the added responsibility of being in control of how the game is played.”
Moreover, Havoc Captain Dave Buis believes it is the camaraderie and family atmosphere of rugby that should appeal to potential players.
“Rugby is the closest sports family you will ever encounter. There have been past players travel around the world just to play for our club. We’re on your doorstep, in your gyms, running down your street and in your bars. We are ready to help you learn this awesome sport.”
While the current Havoc are winning on the field, and moving on to represent University’s and Canada, Mooney and Buis are hoping more locals will give rugby a try next season.
“Havoc will be here again next year, ready to welcome any player, new or experienced, young or old, who is looking to challenge themselves and be part of a close-nit team,” said Mooney.
“We’ve had players of all abilities, builds and ages. If you play any other sport, rugby will make you better at it, if you are into working out, give yourself a reason,” said Buis. “If you are just looking to socialize, meet new people and have an awesome summer, we’re right here and we want you because deep down, you want to play, and we don’t blame you.”
