The three Nanaimo Hornets men's and women's teams are all back in action in the second half of the BC Rugby season. (Nanaimo Hornets)

By Dan Marshall

Growing the Hive

Hornets rugby looking for growth as season moves into second half

Feb 11, 2022 | 3:28 PM

NANAIMO — The new year is bringing new challenges and expectations for local rugby players.

The Nanaimo Hornets are running three separate teams during the 2021/22 campaign, two men’s and one women’s side.

Hornets president Nick Scott said the focus at all levels is on growth despite having a good membership base of players.

“COVID has put a damper on things and everybody wants to win obviously, but right now we’re just about getting bodies out there and enjoying it. We want our players to have some fun and put on the best competition we can.”

Both men’s teams started off the new year at home on Saturday Feb. 5 against Castaway Wanderers.

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The division one side lost 46-21 and the third division team went down 38-17.

A full slate of games are on tap for May Bennett Pioneer Park on Saturday, Feb. 12 with all three Hornets squads in action.

“All things going well it will most likely be the first division team that will be our shining light,” Scott said. “With our women’s team we’re working on our player base so looking for growth there and our third’s are in a growth division so we’ve got a mix of old and young.”

Eighteen-year-old Ben Martin is an up and coming star in the program.

He’s a Nanaimo player who graduated from Dover Bay High School and is in line for Team Canada tryouts in April.

“He’s a local boy from a local family which is exactly what we want, to provide an avenue to get to that next level.”

To start on the development path, the Hornets will be bring back their Mini Rugby program for ages five to 12 in early March.

Increased participation is also a priority at the youth and junior levels.

“In B.C. and across the Island not enough focus has been put on local and grassroots rugby,” Scott said. “I think in the next ten to fifteen years you’ll see more of a focus on that so Canada is more of a force in the world rugby standings.”

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