New generation of rugby talent: Atlantic Rock coach excited by team's prospects

A new era in Newfoundland and Labrador rugby has begun, as the men's Atlantic Rock rugby team sees a new generation take the field.

"There are only three players left from the 2010 team," said Atlantic Rock coach Simon Blanks. "It's a completely new team and it's very young. There are a lot of kids that are under 23."

It's been six years since Atlantic Rock won the Canadian Rugby Championship and during that time the team has been in transition as the older, experienced players that ledtheteam to a national victory slowly retired.

"We bottomed out in 2012," said Blanks.

But hesays the team has turned a corner, as is evidenced by a shocking win against Ontario during the 2016 season's first game in early June.

"Going to Ontario and getting a win has been few and far between even when we had our particularly strong team," said Blanks. "It sets us up nicely for the rest of the season. By winning up there we actually now have a genuine chance at doing something extraordinary this year."

Staying power

Blanks says despite players having few opportunities to develop skills in quality games, the young athletes are showing growth and confidence. He says it bodes well for the future.

"A big advantage we have as a region is we tend to keep about 75 per cent of the core of the squad for up to a decade It looks like we're starting the process over again."

Atlantic Rock is taking on Ontario Blues on home turf July 2. The stakes, said Blanks, are high.

"Even though we are still massive underdogs, we're going to do everything in our power to win this game. If we can scrape just one point out of the game this weekend it means we have a chance at winning the title."

The game gets underway at the Swilers Club in St. John's at 3 p.m. Saturday.