<![CDATA[As the Sevens season is finally over for another year, its worth reflecting on what a year it has been for Sevens at Nomads.

 

Our U16 and U18 boys, and our U18 girls all competed in the new fall circuit with distinction. Never have so many Nomads played sevens every week. The culmination of this serious was the first ever Junior Provincial championships. Our U16 boys finished 3rd, and our U18 boys were crowned the first ever U18 Boys Provincial champions.

 

A combination squad comprised of these two teams travelled to New York to play in the prestigious sevens tournament there over US Thanksgiving weekend. After a long hard day in which some great sevens was played, Nomads fell at the final hurdle, finishing second in the club competition. (I should point out that 2 Nomads were also there representing the TRU and one was representing Upright Rugby – the eventual winners – in the elite tournament that ran back-to-back.)

 

Following this event, Rugby Ontario announced its 24 player roster for the National Championships in Burnaby, played just last week. Three Nomads made the final roster, and 2 made the 4 player injured reserve list. Five out of 28 – not too shabby. Those 3 Nomads (Henry, Kevin and Mikkel) all made the Ontario A team and subsequently won the National Championship.

 

Also of note were Nomads Ben, Jamie and Asia that travelled to Las Vegas to play with our friends at Upright Rugby in the world renowned Sevens Invitational there in February. Asia, playing with the U18 girls, came home a winner.

 

On a final individual note, Kevin Vertkas had the distinction of being selected for the Canadian Maple Leafs (u23) team to travel to Chile and Uruguay at just 17 years old.

 

Incredible participation and achievement at both a team and individual level.

 

Our thanks to all the coaches that gave their time in helping these players succeed. You know who you are.

 

This upcoming fall will see Nomads expand the sevens program further, with the introduction of a dedicated Head of Nomads Sevens, an extension of the training schedule and an upgrade of the training facilities. Better Never Stops at Nomads.

 

So we put a tremendous sevens season to bed for 2016/2017 and look forward with excitement to the spring and summer 15s season. Nomads have the talent in both players and coaches to be just as successful at 15s this summer as we were this winter in the shortened game. The summer starts now – Lamport is wrapping up and outdoor training at the fantastic facility at De La Salle is about to commence.

 

Lets get out there -and bring your friends. Rugby is the sport to play in 2017 and Nomads is the place to play it. Let Go Nomads !!!

 

Better Never Stops

 

Mark]]>

Posted in Featured, General, Juniors