Iconic Hawks Men's Rugby Program Returns To Humber For 2019 Season
ETOBICOKE, ON: After a four-year hiatus, the Humber Hawks men's rugby team, winners of five straight OCAA championships and seven of eight titles, will return to the OCAA pitch for the 2019 Fall season. In fact, the Hawks played for OCAA gold in nine consecutive seasons.
In 2014, their last season of full regular season play, Humber was 6-0 and outscored their opponents 528 to 0. They went on to a 29-18 title game win over Trent University. Prior to seeing the program suspend operations in the 2015 season, the Hawks were 3-0, scoring 143 times while surrendering just 17 points. When they re-enter the league for the 2019 season, the Hawks will look to build on a streak of 30 straight OCAA league and playoff victories.
With the addition of the Hawks, the OCAA men's rugby league will grow to eleven teams. The league format will be finalized this week, and the schedule will be announced after the Annual General Meeting in May.
Leadership is in place, as legendary men's rugby head coach Fabian Rayne will return to Hawks. His record as a head coach in the OCAA is second to none, as he has won championships in each year he has been the head man. Rayne amassed a 33-1 (.971 winning %) league and playoff record, capturing four straight OCAA crowns, and was named OCAA West Division Coach of the Year on two occasions.
"We are excited to bring Humber Hawks men's rugby back to the OCAA", said Humber Director of Athletics Ray Chateau. "Having the ability to reach out and bring Fabian back into the head role is an incredible positive for the program, and the entire Athletic Department".
Humber will certainly have many experienced players looking to carry the Hawks mantle moving forward, but the coaching staff will face challenges in recruiting and developing a competitive side in a short period of time.
Should there be any prospective players, currently enrolled at Humber or those with future interest, may contact Humber Varsity Coordinator James DePoe in the Humber Athletic Department at; james.depoe@humber.ca or at 416.675.6622, x4515. As well, potential student-athletes may fill out this form on the Hawks website: http://humberhawks.ca/incoming_students/tryout/tryoutform
