Local rugby player gains national experience

INNISFAIL - Rugby is a sport that is making a name for itself in Canada.

The same could be said for Innisfail rugby player Thomas Burton.

Burton, 18, has been playing rugby since he was 12 years old. The native of Quebec moved to Alberta five months ago and has been attending Innisfail High School while competing and playing rugby in Red Deer.

He has also played at the provincial level. In August, Burton was chosen to play with the Alberta U-18 team at the Canadian Junior Rugby Championships in Toronto from Aug. 16 to 21.

Later this year Burton was invited to try out at the training camp for the Canadian men's U-19 rugby team in Victoria, B.C. from Nov. 24 to Nov. 27.

He learned in late November that he did not make the team but remains positive about the experience.

“I've played provincially for three years,” said Burton, noting his experience with the U-6 and U-18 men's teams.

“(Rugby Canada) watched me (play rugby) throughout the summer. The nationals were in Ontario this year and I played for Team Alberta,” said Burton. “You go to nationals where you compete against every other province and from there they select you to try out for the U-19 nationals team,” he added.

This was his first time trying out for the U-19 national team and although he was disappointed at the end result, he did learn from the experience.

“It was eye opening. You learn a lot of things which help you develop as a player,” said Burton. “It got me a lot more experience with national level coaches and players that will help me progress as a player and as a person.”

Some of Burton's strengths in the sport include his kicking ability, physical play and speed, he noted, adding rugby players play both ends of the field during an 80-minute game.

“You've got to be a well-rounded player and be able to adapt in a split second (to switch from defence to offence),” explained Burton.

With years of national experience behind him, the Innisfail rugby player will continue to play the sport he loves.

“I don't plan on giving up any time soon. I have many chances to make the actual senior men's national squad in the future,” said Burton. “My plan is to work towards that.”