麻豆社区

Yukon鈥檚 rugby future is brighter, thanks to Hubert Buydens and his Grizzly Adams-like beard.

The hulking front-liner 鈥� who recently represented Canada at the Rugby World Cup 鈥� made quite the impression with the territory鈥檚 rugby faithful last weekend, leading two clinics at the Canada Games Centre.

Former national women鈥檚 coach John Long was also in Whitehorse for a well-received coaching clinic.

鈥淚鈥坱hink he was the surprise 麻豆社区of the whole thing,鈥� Yukon Rugby president Darrin Sinclair said of Long.

鈥淲hen you get someone with that level and experience of coaching ... it was remarkable.鈥�

In addition to the clinics at the Canada Games Centre, Buydens and Long also put a variety of F.H. Collins Secondary School students through the paces on鈥團riday.

Long then put on a skills development clinic for current Yukon rugby players, before Saturday鈥檚 coaching clinic where he helped several players earn their Level 1 certification.

Approximately 30 children and youth were introduced to the game Sunday morning during a Rookie Rugby clinic led by 33-year-old Buydens. Rugby Canada is aiming to introduce the program to every province within the next year.

鈥淚t exceeded expectations to a person on our club,鈥� said Sinclair of the reaction from his Gold Diggers teammates. 鈥淲e had a great showing.鈥�

Following the weekend happenings, a handful of new faces showed up at Yukon Rugby鈥檚 drop-in night Tuesday, which bodes well for the future. Current club membership is hovering around 40 to 50 people, Sinclair said.

鈥淲e definitely want to grow the rugby community,鈥濃�圫inclair said. 鈥淲e just want to get supporters and lovers of rugby together ... there鈥檚 a niche here for similar sports that isn鈥檛 currently being filled, and we鈥檇 like to be that outlet for men, women and kids.鈥�

After opening their tenure at a sevens tournament in Anchorage last summer, the Gold Diggers will take aim at two tournaments across the border next season. A youth program is also being discussed.

Sinclair said much thanks is due to Yukon Rugby鈥檚 early sponsors 鈥� Yukon Brewing, Riverstone Dental Clinic and Back Country Construction.