Canucks run in seven tries on their Rugby Day

It was a day to celebrate the foundation of the Calgary Canucks, established in 1968 and now one of the best rugby clubs in Alberta. As the temperature soared up to 30 (Celsius, American friends, this is our Canadian summer), the big crowd including many old boys, strategically bunched in close to the Calgary Rugby Club house, quenched their thirst with beer and cheered just a little louder than the Irish fans on the other side of the pitch.

The game went the way of the Canucks, with the final score, 45-8. Seven tries were scored by the Canucks: Nathan Pratt (2), Thomas Rayner, Jacob Bentley, Derek Arnold (2) and a forward drive over the line, scored by hooker Robbie Burns. The Irish put in one try and a penalty kick.

Sadly, an ankle injury to centre, Emerson Padley led to him being carried off the pitch. It was later confirmed as a fracture, requiring orthopedic surgery. On a more positive note, scrum-half William Nixon, another product of the Canucks Youth rugby program, made his first ever appearance for the Senior Division 1 team, coming on as a substitute on the left wing in the closing stages of the game.

For more photos, please visit J. Ashley Nixon Photography