Rock Rugby closed out their XVs season with a narrow 26-20 defeat to the Cypress Warriors in a full-blooded State quarter-final playoff game at the British International School in Houston yesterday. Rock tries were scored by Mason Gracian (2) and Mathew Bruce. Gavin Richards took man of the match.

A close and exciting game, but going down 26-20 to Cy Fair yesterday knocks us out of the playoffs and effectively finishes our XVs season. While the dream of winning the State title was not to be, I told the boys early on in the season that results alone did not define success for us. Rather, I wanted the boys to be able to bump into each other in the street many years from now, smile and nod at each other and know that Rock Rugby 2023 was the best of times.

The captain gave an emotional speech to the boys after the game. It touched on friendships formed and bonds forged that go way beyond the game and last a lifetime. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. By that alone I know we were successful.

This year’s team was a special group of young men who brought skill, courage and passion to everything they did, and more importantly they played for each other.

It was a privilege to be part of Rock Rugby 2023.