It's been another year of momentum-building and memory-making for the Axemen Rugby Club.
Their high-level 1st XV squad moved up to Division 1 after spending 2023-24 in Division 2. Some might view it as familiar territory—who could forget the Axemen's enormous postseason upset of Burnaby Lake two years ago—but BC Rugby has restructured its leagues since then, with several units from the top-flight Premier Reserve level going down into what is currently Division 1.
With that fact in mind, the Axemen fell just shy of a postseason berth in fifth.
"It was a really big challenge playing against some very well-resourced and well-established clubs in British Columbia. It was a real test of our player depth and our player quality," said club chairman Neil Irwin. "What makes us embrace the challenge is probably the ethos of coaching led by Stephen List. We're seeking some adversity in our training sessions. Challenges like this are what bonds the group together … and another key player in driving that desire would be Ian Skuse, the captain.
"The other aspect of the restructuring is that in [Division 1] our travel was more limited, which meant we were able to maximize our participation from our playing group. That was really rewarding."
Meanwhile, the Axemen's 2nd XV roster qualified for a Division 3 playoff semifinal match against Langley. They lost 41-24, but still had a robust campaign at or near the top of league standings with many new faces joining in. Irwin states that the 2nd XV continues to offer a good pathway for competitive but social rugby.
The Axes and Oars women's program made a big leap forward with new head coach Mel Michener taking the reins from Lauren Arthur. They had record-breaking participation levels and a milestone postseason appearance, where they fell 121-0 against the No. 2-seeded Comox Valley Kickers.
"[Our ladies] still play in a combined team with the Vancouver Rowers, but they've absolutely hit critical mass in terms of player membership, attendance at games and practices," Irwin remarked. "It's probably our fastest growing section, a testament to growth and improvement. Women's rugby is here to stay in the Sea to Sky."
'Great showcase, great community'
None of the aforementioned growth would be sustainable without a youth branch, but fortunately the Axemen have that base covered.
The club's nascent U18 squad achieved the improbable last winter: an unbeaten record and a Gold division title. High school programs at Whistler Secondary School (WSS) and Howe Sound Secondary (HSS) are invaluable talent development hotbeds, particularly WSS, which managed to outduel a number of more established North Shore rivals as of late. Irwin lauds both schools for contributing to what he called a "truly remarkable" outcome.
U14 and U16 groups round out the Axemen's age-grade offerings. They've naturally fed off of the U18s' success and will be journeying throughout the Lower Mainland this spring to play various regional games.
Little kids have a place, too, at recurring Axemen jamborees for U6 and U12 participants.
"It's more of a carnival or a fair-type atmosphere with clubs travelling with multiple age groups," explained Irwin. "They're able to compete within their age groups, then socialize and enjoy some food afterwards in traditional rugby style. Those are jamboree days: in the sunshine with several hundred young athletes all participating. It's such a great showcase and a great community."
Irwin is a former Axemen captain and hopes to see that community grow even more. His club is committed to offering more low-cost or no-cost avenues of grassroots rugby in the near future—with dedicated U14, U16 and U18 teams for girls on the to-do list.
Find out more at axemenrugbyclub.com.
