A decades-old tradition returns to southern New Brunswick this weekend for the first time since 2019.
Rothesay Netherwood School will host the 31st edition of RugbyFest from Friday through Sunday.
Jamie Gray, head coach of the men’s rugby team at RNS, said the event was cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic.
“A lot of our students don’t remember what RugbyFest was because this will be the first time in three years that we’ve had it,” Gray said in an interview.
“There’s a lot of excitement building for something that’s unknown for some and exciting for those that remember what RugbyFest is.”
RugbyFest has special meaning for Gray, who played in the tournament with Belleisle back in the early 1990s.
Back then, he said, about six to eight teams took part. Now, the tournament usually attracts close to 50 teams from across Atlantic Canada and Beyond.
But Gray said things will be a bit different this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because of COVID regulations in the NBIAA, during the enrollment process, we were only allowed to have teams from New Brunswick,” he said.
According to this weekend’s schedule, 30 teams from 19 schools are expected to take part.
Gray said men’s and women’s teams will play traditional 15s rugby, along with sevens rugby.
“The games are faster, there’s less people on the field, there’s more space,” Gray said of sevens rugby.
“15s rugby is like that five-on-five in a regular hockey game, and when you play sevens, it’s more like that three-on-three overtime.”
Gray said RugbyFest is more than just a sporting tournament — it is a community atmosphere at the school.
“If you come on campus, you’re going to see most of our student body volunteering to help out. Whether it’s parking, whether it’s scorekeeping, whether it’s helping to direct teams where they’re supposed to go,” he said.
“Our faculty chip in, as well, and you’re going to see alumni come back on campus excited to take part in this event.”
The action begins on Friday afternoon with the finals set for Sunday. The full schedule can be found by clicking here.
