3 members of Larne RFC are playing rugby this summer in Bruce County, Ontario, Canada. The three men Angus Nixon, Mark Magill and Gareth Wright, the latter was Larne 1st XV Captain last season were invited to play for The Bruce County Barbarians by former Larne Grammar School colleague and Larne RFC player Steve Bell who is now living and working in Bruce County for the past 4 years. Steve along with fellow Irish men Stephen and Keith Colley and Martin O’Connor started a rugby team named The Bruce County Barbarians.
The main objective of the new founded team is to promote the sportsmanship and solidarity of Rugby both on and off the field. It also aims to try and break down and eradicate the small town rivalry that exists in other team sports in Ontario. As a result the team alternate their practices and home fixtures between Kincardine, Walkerton and Port Elgin to accommodate both the players and spectators. They have recenty increase their number of teams from 2-4. They now have have a 7-12 year old non contact team, Under 18 boys, Senior Mens Team and a Ladies team. The club are trying to formualte a community aspect by being involved in fundraising walks for both MS and Auti SM
At the end of the its second season in existence in August 2009 The Bruce County Barbarians won the NRU-B (Niagra Rugby Union) Champonship and have been promoted to the NRU -A. This was a massive achievement for such a young club who hope to build upon this success for many years to come. With the season well underway the three Larne RFC men have had a tremendous impact on the team helping to increase the intensity and competitiveness of the side in the higher division.
It is hoped that The Bruce County Barbarians will in fact host Larne RFC in 2012 when Larne visit on their proposed anniversary tour.
