International rugby match coming to Chatham-Kent, see video

By Aaron Hall – Daily Post Editor

For the second year in a row, Chatham-Kent will play host to an international rugby match.

On October 21 the Argentina Jaguars will battle Team Canada ‘A’ on the Chatham-Kent Secondary School field, about one year after the Canada Selects competed against the English Counties team.

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope said he is looking forward to the event, but also to have the Argentinian and Canadian players interacting with the local youth, as the players will be arriving on Sunday, October 18.

“It’s not just about holding an international event… it’s about foundation and building of communities and about rugby in Chatham-Kent that is going to be escalating itself around the community,” Hope said. “On top of their training for the game… on the Monday and Tuesday they will also be doing an outreach program, which I believe is very supportive of the community.”

The event is being held in partnership with the Municipality, Rugby Canada, the Kent Havoc Rugby Football Club and local business Tek Savvy will be act as the major sponsor.

Dan Pletch, a member of the Team Canada ‘A’ team told the Chatham-Kent Daily Post that the Canadian players are excited to come to Chatham-Kent, as they always are when they come to “smaller” communities.

“We usually play our games at York University (in Toronto) or in Vancouver,” he said, following the event announcement. “We love playing in the smaller communities. The crowds tend to be a lot more passionate… as these type of events don’t come around too often.”

Pletch said Team Canada will likely to doing some instructional camps and lessons for local groups and schools leading up to the Oct. 21 event.

“Our focus is obviously on the field and playing… but it is important for us to give back and engage the youth,” he said. “This is how you can help grow the sport nationally.”

Laverne Hanley, a director with the Kent Havoc Rugby Football Club, said it is an honour to bring yet another international rugby event to Chatham-Kent.

“I think what’s important to recognize is that this is a great event for Chatham-Kent and for our community,” Hanley said. “For a small community and a small club… with these people brought together we can do something great.”

Check out the video below, featuring clips from the news conference and even of Mayor Hope getting some pointers on the proper stance for rugby.