The Guelph Seniors men’s and women’s rugby teams are back on the field.

The Redcoats are playing a packed game schedule this season after the COVID-19 pandemic kept them off the field for two years.

And although both teams have only played one game each, President Gary Robinson likes what he’s seeing so far.

He praised the performances of both teams, especially the men’s team.

“I think what we’re seeing is solid growth in terms of the guys getting back on the pitch,” Robinson said.

“It’s her first year in the Marshall Division. So I think they’re getting used to the level of gameplay and they know what needs to happen.”

He added that the women’s team currently stands out in the Ontario Women’s League and expects them to fight for the championship. The defending champion is the senior women’s national team.

Players within the development programs will also move to the men’s and women’s senior teams.

Robinson said the Redcoats’ junior programs currently have about 250 players.

“We’re seeing a lot of growth in our U18 and U16 girls and all our U18, U16 and U14 girls have seen increases in numbers this year,” he said.

“And of course we also have kids who are relegated from those under-18 teams to our men’s Marshall Division teams, which is the top division in the province.”

Robinson said they’re really excited to see how far these programs can go.

He added it’s really exciting to see, especially when players from as low as U6 are rising with the organization’s development programs.

Beginning June 17, Robinson said the organization will also start mixed-skill flag rugby. Open to all ages and skill levels, it takes place from 6pm to 8pm at the Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute

If you are interested, you can register at guelph rugby.com.