The Nanaimo Hornets rugby side have faced a challenging start to their season, however remain steadfast in their goal of a playoff finish to their 2019/20 campaign. (Dan Marshall/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Dan Marshall

MAKING STRIDES

Nanaimo Hornets keep focus on playoffs despite tough start to season

Oct 3, 2019 | 4:45 PM

NANAIMO – It has been a rough start for the Nanaimo Hornets rugby side in their 2019-20 campaign.

The team is 0-2 in the Men’s Premiere League side after falling 40-15 to Westshore in the season opener, and 31-19 to Burnaby Lake at May Bennett Pioneer Park on Sept. 28.

Coach Simon Fitzgerald said integrating new players is a priority in the early season.

“Guys from other parts of Canada or around the world that are new this year. We’re going to get better week by week as these guys get to know each other. For us it’s just continuing to build the platform and we’re feeling pretty good about it.”

Fitzgerald actively recruits players from around the globe and has had success bringing in talent from all over Canada, New Zealand, and Australia this season.

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The Hornets are now in the third year as a Premier Men’s League team and it has been an adjustment playing at the top level in the province.

Fitzgerald is in his second season with the club and hopes to see Nanaimo become one of the elite squads at that level.

“Last year we feel like we consolidated our position and this year we certainly have one eye on making the playoffs,” Fitzgerald said. “The top six clubs make the playoffs and that’s our goal.”

The team finished 11th last season.

Overall participation in the sport is another goal for Fitzgerald and the organization.

This season there are three men’s teams under the Hornets umbrella and there’s also the women’s squad.

On at least one occasion this season they’ll all be in action at home on the same day.

The Oct. 5 schedule is almost that busy with the women hosting Comox and the top two men’s sides welcoming UBC to May Bennett Pioneer Park.

The Hornets Premier Men played well in a close 25-21 loss to UBC last season and the coaches are expecting to see a tough match again this time around.

Growing the game at all levels is another important aspect of the Hornets program.

According to Fitzgerald the numbers for youth rugby aren’t as high as he’d like, but that’s a similar story in places around the province.

Getting more young talent is something the Hornets are actively targeting.

“We’re right now out in the elementary schools providing coaching. Our coaches go in there and provide non-contact sessions to introduce kids to rugby.”

Fitzgerald points out the equipment costs are very low with players only required to have cleats and a mouthguard.

The fun and competitiveness and culture of respect are other elements that Fitzgerald hopes will draw more people in.

Information about all of the Hornets teams, match times and contact information is available at nanaimohornetsrugby.com or on the team’s facebook page.

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77