With many of Dalhousie University’s winter sport teams just getting underway this semester, Dal men’s rugby is starting this winter term a little bit different.
After the Dalhousie men’s final rugby game in November that capped off their impressive 2024 season, many looked forward to what next semester had to offer. And with classes in full swing and the season officially over, the players have not put down their cleats just yet.
Ending last season with a record setting number of players, and a new set of coaching staff leading to an impressive record on the field, the team’s future is looking bright.
With so much success behind them, and so long until the next home opener at Wickwire Field, what are these student athletes up to in the off season?
Staying fit to stay in the game
No regular season games are set to take place until September 2025, so in the meantime rugby players follow a strict workout routine at the Dalplex.
The importance of off-season training is not lost on the team’s newly elected president, Luke Van Dam.
“The Dal men’s rugby team is staying fit this with in person fitness sessions in the Dalplex High Performance room twice a week,” says Van Dam.
The Dalplex has been reserved for these students on Mondays from 7:30-9:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 a.m.
One challenge the team faces is how much time they get allocated at training facilities. With only two weekly sessions available for the club, other avenues for practice and discipline are in motion. Just two times a week is not enough for some players, who opt to go to greater lengths to stay in the game. So, in addition to group workouts, players use a fitness app to track each other’s gym time, shared with coaches to keep an eye on their progress.
“Athletes also have another workout to complete on their own time and are encouraged to work on their cardio as well,” says Van Dam.
On the city stage
Halifax is home to several club rugby teams, many of which host these Dalhousie rugby players during the summer months. With training paused from May to September, this helps some members stay in the game. But with no winter semester games, these athletes must fill this void with other kinds of field time.
The need for post-season games means weekend city tournaments are the norm for any who wish to sign up.
Despite Dalhousie playing a type of rugby involving 15 players on the field, these tournaments often host sevens games, an alternative, shortened, faster pace match with seven players on each team.
Not only do these games take up less time, but there is less contact, and more running. Keeping fit in the gym is one thing, but cardio is another, an important aspect of the sport echoed by Van Dam.
Because of the gap in the game schedule, the importance of such training is vital to maintaining a strong team, both mentally and physically.
Continuing, Van Dam says he sees the off-season not as a time for rest, rather as valuable practice time to stay on top of the competition.
Upcoming dates for these, off-season sevens games are not yet set, however talks of Dal men’s rugby joining the Sweetheart 7’s tournament at the East Hants Sportsplex is underway. Taking place on Feb. 15, 2025, players and students alike are welcome to come out and support.
To find these games, students and Dalhousie members alike are encouraged to keep an eye on the Dalhousie men’s rugby Instagram for any upcoming dates. Despite the location usually being off campus, Tigers spirit is something anyone can get behind.
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