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By Jackie Finlan (Mike Gingras photo)
An optimist would look at Boston’s 2009 Rugby Super League performance, when the team went 2-5 in the Eastern Conference, and see plenty of room for improvement. And that’s what former captain Brendan Ridge sees, as his team regroups from a disappointing outing in 2009.
Thirty-three-year-old Ridge, who handed the captaincy to Hugh Galligan after five years at the helm, chalked up Boston’s shortcomings to a lack of depth and inability to fill key positions when injuries struck. With that vital lesson in mind, the team aggressively recruited young talent from local colleges and even lucked out with a few overseas players with local family ties.
“We have an established relationship with Boston University; one of our players coaches there,” Ridge explained. “The influx of recent graduates is heavier than usual this year, and we’ve acquired some great talent from the University of Rhode Island, University of Maine and Colgate.”
In particular, second row Will Haydock from Colgate will help shore up the pack, as will Tony Purpura, who played in New Zealand and returned to boot up with Boston. Brian White has also returned to the team to replace South African all-star Christoffel Swanepoel at scrumhalf.
“Three years ago, we had a similarly recruiting class,” Ridge said, “and now they’re the nucleus of the team. The incoming class will complement the base of vets nicely and will give us the depth we’ve been looking for.”
Boston spent the fall playing in NERFU’s division one and got the majority of its rookies working together and accustomed to the higher level of play. Ridge is confident that many will be able to play at the Super League level, especially considering their recent success at Ft. Lauderdale’s Ruggerfest. Boston went undefeated until the final, where it nearly downed 2009 RSL finalist Life University (13-8) for the championship.
Also affecting Boston’s positive results is the coaching restructure. To facilitate more efficient practices, head coach Eugene Mountjoy focuses on attacking strategy; coach Michael Diamantopoulos focuses on defense and set pieces; and coach Mike Rosbottom focuses on strictly skills.
“We’ve been very pleased with our off-season,” Ridge said. “There isn’t an easy game in the East, but we’ve put in the work during and want to make playoffs this year.”
And considering Boston’s recent success and up-and-coming talent, there’s no reason the team shouldn’t view the glass as half full.
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