St. Francis Xavier University r.F.c. X-Men:

Rugby Football has had a long and distinguished history at Maritime Universities. Until the 1950’s rugby was the principal fall sport, but this changed when Football was adopted as the primary sporting activity in 1958. The myths and rumours of how rugby started again at StFX have been lost in the mists of time and hallways of academia. But what we do know is that in 1967, rising from those mists like the kilted heroes of his homeland, university professor Ed Carty stepped into the role of Head Coach of the StFX Rugby Team. Later joined by another professor, the always eloquent Derek Wood, StFX Rugby developed as a “Club Sport”.

Reveling in the organizational and financial challenges of being a club sport, the team developed a strong camaraderie early, traveling the Maritimes in search of suitable opponents, leaving a trail of poorly sung rugby songs in various watering holes, and hosting incredibility lavish fundraising events at home to support their activities. Always of course overseen and supported by the efforts of Ed and Derek.

As the club grew, a second men’s team was added and the team played in both the NS Senior Men’s A and B Division as well as the University league often resulting in multiple games on the same weekend. Showing incredible foresight, Ed supported the efforts of several X women to create the first X Women’s Club team in 1984, setting the stage for a CIS Women’s Rugby Dynasty. Men and women’s Teams were also entered in to the World In-door 7’s Tournament in Truro. All of these teams would perform extremely well at all levels winning multiple championships and being strong ambassadors for the university.

Off the field the StFX Rugby Club played an active role in the university and Antigonish community with charity fundraising events, socials, and members holding executive positions in student societies and government. It’s fair to say that the Annual Pre-Christmas Ball gathering at Derek and Grazia Woods home rapidly became a “must-attend” social event with many athletes from the varsity teams waiting anxiously for a date call from a female or male player of the rugby club.

The club also experienced international success hosting various teams and travelling to tour Bermuda in 1983, 1987, and the Bahamas in 2012 always proudly waving the StFX flag and doing our best to foster international relations and avoid conflict.

Of course club success did have its ups and down. Under growing pressure (aka jealously) from competing teams and divisions in the early ‘90’s, the Men’s team were forced to focus on only one league. The University League was chosen and StFX continues to ring up successful results to this day, still running 2 teams. Derek Wood gradually reduced his coaching role through the 2000’s with the most capable Lars Hallstrom stepping forward to assist in the coaching and administrative duties. At present, the club is guided by X alumnus Michael McAlduff who shares the stage with the eternal Ed Carty. As for the Women, well their star continues to rise with a move to the august halls of Varsity Sport in 1998 and Mike Cavanagh (formerly Cole Harbour RFC, but that’s forgiven now) joining as their Head Coach in 1999. But they haven’t forgotten their roots maintaining that underdog edge which drives their mental and physical toughness on the field.

Over the 46 years since its rebirth, the StFX Rugby Club has provided a home, friendships, education, fitness, and opportunity to give back for 000’s of StFX students resulting in positive growth for the university and for the individuals who have had the privilege to take part. Here’s to another 50 years!