HALIFAX
Rugby Nova Scotia welcomes the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation’s decision of full reinstatement of rugby in Nova Scotia high school sports.
Representatives from Rugby Nova Scotia, the Department of Education and Early Child Development along with the NSSAF researched and developed a list of recommendations this past summer for high school rugby for the 2020 season.
The recommendations were then presented back by to the board of the governors by the staff of both the NSSAF and Rugby N.S. and a motion was carried to reinstate rugby.
RNS President Geno Carew commented, “We are obviously extremely happy with the decision by the NSSAF. We were pleased to be involved in the creation of the recommendations and we look forward to continuing a positive relationship moving forward”
Along with the reinstatement, junior high flag tugby was accepted into the NSSAF as an official sport.
“We have seen the benefit of rugby in junior high schools for a number of years in specific regions,” said Jack Hanratty, provincial coach for Rugby Nova Scotia. “But having the sport officially recognized by the NSSAF is a great way for student athletes to learn the great fundamental movement and evasion skills, before playing the contact game in high school.”
Last spring, just as the high school rugby season was getting underway, the NSSAF abruptly cancelled season due to what it called safety issues, throwing the future of rugby as an NSSAF sport in doubt.
The situation was quickly reversed after a public outcry, and the season resumed.
The girls’ rugby team at Northumberland Regional High School would go on to win a Division 2 provincial championship in early June.
