Fall Break (Montreal) and Colby

As a great September closed, the team entered October more experienced and excited for the second half of the season. After a better game against a strong Endicott side, practices mainly focused on improving on-field awareness, conditioning, and offensive structure. A focus on conditioning was needed as the beast of Montreal was knocking at the door.

Without a game, 29 members of the team (likely a record) left at around 6 am Saturday, October 10th. Well, we tried to. Some members of the team forgot Canada was as cold as Maine and forgot to bring long sleeves, and some forgot to set their alarm clock. Nevertheless, the 6 cars arrived at staggered times and found each other on the street in time to have lunch. After a few bars, we were able to check-in to our wonderful AirBnb. Made up of 38 bunk beds, it was exactly what the team needed for bonding. We made quick use of the patio out front. On Saturday night, a few of us went to a great Canadians game (0-0 into OT then shoot out). For the others, the author does not know and does not want to ask. Through the late night to morning, groups made their way back to the AirBnb with various levels of noise and coherence.

The boys were ready for Sunday. Many were up and at it by 8:30am and many by 10am. Some by 12pm. Groups were cobbled together in true the spirit of Montreal: who was awake and who wanted to get food. From there some went to Old Montreal, some to Mt Royal, some to the art museum, and all made it to a bar. The reservation for the critical Korean BBQ was made, and the team reunited. Unlike last year, KBBQ was much calmer and less eventful. That did not stop the boys from attempting to eat more of the buffet than they paid for (impossible). The team returned to the Airbnb with full stomachs and ready for justice. Grievances were aired, sentences were served. Our greatest offender, OK ‘28, took his penalties without grace and even tried to question the impartiality of the judge. After the administration of justice, the whole team set out to see more art, a moving kind of art. Despite some hiccups, we prevailed. We will cut this part here.

Monday morning we woke up from our quick naps and got moving. Some cars were moving very slowly. Eventually everyone was out on the road back to Brunswick. In typical fashion, the drive home was slightly rainy and dark. The next morning, many were outside playing rugby in the rain to get the blood pumping again.

Back at practice, the team continued to prepare for Colby. The focus this week was on overlaps for both defense and offense. On defense the goals were to apply pressure, to push the attack outside until there was no room, and get in front for a good tackle. On offense, the goals were to ensure communication and make the right passes. As the week progressed, both the backs and forwards improved their quick defense and offense. 

The game, now that is a story that is difficult for anyone to tell, but it is especially difficult for someone who was forced to watch from the sidelines to tell (what does a spleen even do?). BRFC came out ready. We kicked to them and were able to get the ball back quickly. We scored a try that was the epitome of how to score in rugby. The forwards condensed the defense, and the ball went wide to some nice hands and good speed. The ball was centered, and the conversion was made (thanks GW ‘28).

Colby responded with a try of their own to tie it up, but the boys were ready to answer. A nice, hard run up the middle put us back in front. Then came a long defensive stand. We had chances to stop them, but after plenty of hard work, Colby found a try just before halftime. Luckily for us, they missed the conversion, leaving BRFC up 14–12 at the break.

Unfortunately, the second half was a different story. We moved away from the simple rugby that had gotten us ahead and struggled to hold on to the ball. Our defense continued to battle, but we gave up too many points and could not find an answer on offense. That is not to say the boys stopped fighting, but this was a game we should have won. There were plenty of lessons to take away and room to improve, but this was the best showing of the season.

The team takes on Bates this weekend, looking to keep hold of the Lindbergh Cup.

Written by John Donoghue ‘27, BRFC President

Homecoming Weekend and Middlebury

After an eventful weekend on and off the pitch, the boys had another good week of practice. The main focus was defense across the board. With some good contact sessions, confidence in tackling grew. Despite some rain, Thursday night was our best practice. On Friday, we had a messy but helpful Captains’ Practice. After Captains’ Practice, we met some of the team of 2001 alumni, and Harps attempted to cook burgers and hot dogs. “Attempted” because we could not figure out how to turn on the grill, and once we did, the temperature was too low. In the face of this hardship, we were able to hear some of the incredible stories from the team of 2001 (some things never change). Eventually, we figured out the grill and demolished the food.

Then came Saturday. The game was a tough one. Middlebury is a solid team, and we needed a little more time to mesh. The scoreboard tells a much worse story than what we took from the game. The good thing is that many of our mistakes were clear and fixable. Our play was far from all bad. Our defense was strong again, forcing almost every try they scored into the corners. Our forwards held the line in the middle and consistently brought down their big runners. We just could not value the ball on offense. In all, there is no doubt we all learned from the game and will be better for it this week.

Following the A-Side and B-Side games, the Alumni Game was a good show. Despite heroics by Coach Gareth, the Alumni were able to come back and beat the already battered students, 20–17. Yet, this result is in dispute, as the referee, Giles Kinsella ‘27, is under investigation for throwing the game.

On Saturday night, the students, alumni, and family reunited at the Cram Alumni House for more good times. After some initial mingling and exploring the open bar, Coach Scala and Lesley told stories of Truc Huynh, a Bowdoin Rugby legend who epitomized the leadership, fire, and community this game calls for. Every Homecoming, we are reminded of that spirit, and a current player who best embodies his qualities is given the Truc Huynh Spirit of Rugby Award. A leader on the field already, with the competitive fire rugby needs, Gus Litowitz ‘29 was honored this year. Moments and memories like these remind us that this group is so much more than a team; it is a family. As Coach Scala says, “Look around you, these are the guys who will be at your wedding.” We all ate together and continued to share stories across students and alumni.

Remember the team of 2001? After dinner, they were not ready to be done. First, they brought back the songs of their time. Will we add them to our repertoire? Most likely not, but they were catchy. After clearing out the beer at Cram, we hosted afters at Harps. The team of 2001 joined us and brought the party. Lessons were learned from both the alumni and student sides. We were taught another song. Again, catchy, but adding it to our lineup? We may have to hold off.

It was a great weekend for your BRFC. The game taught us a lot, and the time with the alumni reminded us what this is all about. Up next is Endicott on Friday night. It will be another test, but we know we will put together a more complete showing. 

Also, here is a link for the Team Nike Store that puts the logo on athletic clothing. The user name is Bowdoin, PW is Rugby

Written by John Donoghue ‘27, BRFC President

Coming off a pleasant and informative scrimmage with Bates (only some teeth and toes roughed up), us ruggers had a beautiful week of practice. The team worked mainly on attacking structure and attacking speed. Backs and Forwards would split, and in drills for hands/quick play, the Forwards did better? That is right, the current forwards have better hands than our Backs.

Alongside practice, planning for the big weekend continued. Coach Gareth forbade the E-word at team events, but that did not stop togas from being bought. The selection this year may have been the best ever. With the addition of a Hobby Lobby in Brunswick, there was a plethora of choices for our lovely Rooks. After a rainy practice Thursday night, the team was able to take in the wisdom from the greats of D-Day, Hoover, Otter, and, of course, Bluto.

We found zen and extra stretching with some much needed yoga (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it) on the Friday before our opening game. The team rested well for the big day ahead. Saturday morning came with breakfast at Moulton. Our bus took off for Waterville at 11am. 

The game against Thomas was scrappy, messy, and, at times, gross. Despite questionable play by our adversaries and confusing calls, we adjusted to the gamestyle and found what worked after the second half started. Yet, a second battle emerged, an internal one. With our excitement to smash some Terriers, we forgot how to get low, and for a good chunk of time we had 13 players on the field. After a few yellows, one of our courageous freshmen joined the party, high-tackling a Thomas player, which led to a red card. We held our heads and continued on, only allowing one corner try during the 20 minute span. Finally, the ball was kicked out, and your BRFC won the day 24-17. If one were to consult a dictionary, this match would be found in the definition of grit.

We packed our way on to the bus in haste, to 1) Get the hell out of Waterville, and 2) start our great festivity. When we arrived, rather than taking a much needed shower, a few of us raced across the Brunswick area to make the final touches, including picking up 3 metal cylinders from Topsham. We all reunited outside of Thorne in our exotic togas ready to do what had to be done. Through the packed Thorne, we ran our laps exclaiming “Toga Toga…” Graham was given the honor of our herald, and invited the people to our 69th annual Epicuria.

The party itself, well that is for another time, but I am sure you remember the picture. 

We hope to see many of you this weekend for Homecoming, and if not, we know you wish you were here.

Written by John Donoghue ‘27, BRFC President

Edited by Ben Su ‘27, BRFC Captain 

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Article by Koa Labs