The Prince Albert Whiskey Jacks will have to wait until at least August to play matches again. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Back in the ruck

Whiskey Jacks have to wait but excited for eventual rugby restart

May 28, 2021 | 3:38 PM

The Prince Albert Whiskey Jacks men’s rugby team hasn’t played a match since September 2019, and haven’t been able to have even limited practices like other sports have.

And even while the restrictions are starting to ease off and open the door for sports to play games, and soon tournaments, the wait for the Whiskey Jacks and other rugby clubs around the province will still continue until at least August.

Whiskey Jacks head coach Dominic Elsbury anticipates that rugby will be one of the last summer sports to be able to get back to playing games. That’s largely due to the fact that teams will have to train for at least six weeks to get back into game shape before any competitive matches can be played.

“With rugby being rugby, there’s no equipment, and the chance for injury is there if the guys aren’t conditioned, or the technique isn’t there after a couple years off,” Elsbury said. “So we’ll spend six weeks to get the guys up to speed and then we’re allowed to play games.”

Many sports have been able to have been practicing, as early as March, but rugby teams had issues doing that. In a proper game of rugby union, each team has 15 players on the field—making the eight-player practices as per guidelines difficult.

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Elsbury said a lot of the players have trained by themselves, and have been able to get into gyms to stay in shape in the meantime, but they haven’t been able to gather as a team.

“I can’t wait for it, and I know the boys feel the same way,” Elsbury said. “It’s been a long time. It’s been a long winter, and another long winter, so I think everyone’s very eager to get back to it. It’s only playing the games, but seeing the boys, and the camaraderie as well.”

The hope is to have a season start in August and run into September.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW