Rugby continues expansion at Steinbach Regional

The Steinbach Regional Secondary School Sabres are fast becoming a destination for Rugby.

After dominating the Winnipeg Sevens league for the past few seasons, they’ve added 15s and 10s to their offerings and have immediately found success there as well, all while maintaining that high level in the smaller formats.

“We’re on the rugby pitch most days of the week now which is amazing, but learning a couple different games has been a challenge,” head coach Tahnee Grosskopf said.

“The girls have definately risen to that challenge.”

The program celebrated their growth at their first-ever home match in a larger format, honouring graduating seniors before a game against Sisler May 19 at A.D. Penner Park. The Sabres would dominate in a 69-12 victory on a cold day.

“We have been really fortunate to get some really great kids that are interested in playing rugby,” Grosskopf said, noting ten players will be graduating after four years playing.

“That helps to try and intice some new players to come, once they see how successful the program has been. We’ve been really lucky to be able to travel.”

One of those trips came this spring, as the team travelled to Calgary and won the Clearwater Cup, bouncing back from a 20-5 loss to Lethbridge in their opening match to go undefeated the rest of the way.

“We weren’t really sure what to expect,” Grosskopf said.

“Anytime you go out west, the rugby tends to be a bit stronger… It was a fun tournament, it was a good time for bonding and growth.”

The provincial 15s championship will be in Brandon, with the school’s annual sevens tournament set for May 29. For the second consecutive year, the Sabres tournament will feature a boys division. More than a dozen teams will be in action at A.D. Penner Park throughout the day.

Steinbach Regional dominated the 15s city championship (Colleen Horton Division) May 26, defeating Springfield 103-0 to set up their seeding at provincials.

“We have been so lucky with our school and our admin in how supportive they are,” Grosskopf said.

Included in those graduating players is superstar back row player Elenoa Kaukirewa, who recently committed to Trinity Western University to continue her rugby journey.