Laurier rugby player Matt Fish and alumnus Andrew Quattrin represented Rugby Canada on Canadian All-Stars team

Two Laurier rugby players were given the chance to perform on a national stage as they represented Rugby Canada on the Canadian All-Stars team in Glendale, Colorado.

“I think it’s outstanding, I think it’s great for the program. Full credit goes to those individuals: sure we help them with strength and condition but I’m very proud of them,” said men’s rugby head coach Ian McLeod.

8-man Matt Fish, last year’s Luke Fusco Academic Athletic Achievement Award winner as well as an OUA first-team all-star was named to the team as a reserve, hoping to get a chance to be selected to the team again next year as this year’s roster is bursting with talent.

“Matt Fish was already appointed our captain for next year, but something like this gives him even more confidence and that much more faith in his abilities. He’s a guy who can do whatever he wants, he’s a tremendous athlete and when he puts his mind to something, he can accomplish it,” McLeod said.

“If Matt wants to carry on in the footsteps of Andrew and continue to a professional career, or on an international stage, I don’t see anyone stopping that.”

The other player representing Laurier is now-alumnus, Andrew Quattrin. Named both captain and MVP in his final season at Laurier, Quattrin received his first international cap in the match and will continue his rugby career with the Toronto Arrows.

Quattrin finishes a stellar career at Laurier with this achievement, also receiving the Fred Nichols Community Service Leadership Award as well as the Golden Hawk Award of Excellence in his final year. He also was named OUA MVP in 2017.

“Andrew was a huge asset to our team, not just on the field but he showed tremendous leadership and got everyone primed in the right spot we needed them to be. We’re hoping to see Matt step up in a similar role – he’s a different type of leader than Andrew but he’s certainly capable of that. It will be more leadership by committee this year than it has in the past,” McLeod said.

“These guys have been around Andrew and learned from him to lead in their own way and they’ve gained a lot from him, it won’t be the same as just one guy taking the bull by the horns but rather two or three guys in that leadership role. It’ll be interesting because this will be my first year coaching without Andrew there.”

The Canadian All-Stars were defeated by the Collegiate All-Americans by one point due to a last-minute try, falling 23-22 in the match. Both players were more than happy to represent their school and country and, despite the loss, will take the experience home to improve not just for next year with Rugby Canada but also where their careers lead in the next year.

The men’s rugby team had their highest finish in program history with an OUA bronze medal last year, and will continue to push for an even higher finish next year under McLeod and Fish’s leadership.