Canada had a rough go at the World Rugby Classic in Bermuda, losing both games and failing to qualify for the finals, despite the best efforts of two players from Sechelt.
The over 30s tournament took place at Bermuda’s National Sports Centre from Nov. 4 to 11 and brought together elite rugby players from around the world. Eight 15-a-side teams participated: Canada, the U.S., Argentina, Italy, France, Britain, New Zealand and South Africa.
John Allen and his cousin Tyrel Brackett, both 35 and originally from Sechelt, were invited by Victoria-based coach Tom Woods to join the Canadian team. Brackett and Allen grew up playing rugby and played for the now-defunct Gibsons Pigs.
“Most of these teams, at least 50 per cent of the team has played pro or is still playing professional,” Allen said. “You see a lot of the players that you typically watch on TV.”
Argentina trounced Canada 55-5 in the opening game, and went on to win the tournament. “It was one of the best teams I have ever seen down there. About 80 per cent was professional and even current professionals,” said Allen, who plays inside centre.
The second game was a nail-biter. Canada managed to hold the British Lions at bay, but injuries, including a shoulder injury suffered by Brackett, left the team vulnerable and the Lions scored two tries to steal the game in the last five minutes.
“It’s pretty upsetting,” said Allen. Despite the losses, the team settled down after a quick team meeting. “You regroup, have a couple dark and stormies, it takes the edge off and you move on.”
Moving on from the losses also meant spending time enjoying the island and getting to know the community. The Canadian team led a coaching clinic at Victor Scott Secondary School, teaching about 100 kids the mechanics of the sport. The team then rounded out their Bermuda trip with a boat cruise and cliff diving.
Allen has been winding down his rugby career, mainly because of the toll it takes on the body.
“It’s definitely a young man’s sport. I’m 35 years old now. You definitely don’t bounce back as fast as you used to.”
Still, if asked to return next year, Allen says he probably will. “There’s always one more year left in you.”
