When the Canada Summer Games get underway in St. John’s Nfld., in August, the Parkland will be well represented in rugby.
Four players from Dauphin will suit up for the men’s U20 7s squad.
Joseph Lopez, William Miner, Oliver Dandeneau and Matthew Zurba all made Team Manitoba’s 7s rugby team, as did McCreary’s Scott Gower.
Gerald Lopez of Dauphin is the team’s manager and assistant coach.
Tryouts began last August with practices in Winnipeg and Brandon, with about 30 players trying to make the team.
Lopez hopes to gain more experience in his time at the games.
“Learn a lot of good rugby. I haven’t been this high in 7s before, so I’m very excited to see the competition. Just play at that high level in 7s, to see all around good rugby,” he said.
Playing with three teammates from Dauphin will help the provincial team at the games, since they are familiar with each other. And that was evident in the tournaments the team has played.
“We’ve been to a couple of tournaments already and when I’m on the field with them, the chemistry just showed. You could see we’ve played so many years together,” he said.
“I’m just excited to play with the boys again. It feels like high school.”
Dandeneau said the team dynamics would change with every tournament they played in.
“The team was rebuilt every time there was a tournament. There would be practices and then they’d pick who would be in the tournament. And then from there it was a reset and they’d just pick the next guys for the next tournament,” he said.
“And eventually they picked us out, told us we were going to the games.”
Dandeneau was excited to make the team.
“It’s always nice to get an opportunity to play a sport at the higher level. I’m just glad I get to be a part of that,” he said.
Dandeneau hopes to get more experience.
“I just think it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a good time. I’m excited to see the other teams I’ll play against,” he said.
“I think it will make me a better player. Just playing against tougher competition is always going to help.”
Playing with his high school teammates will bring a level of comfort.
Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.
