Left to right, Oak Bay High’s Jack Carson, Zach Monckton and Max Abercrombie represented Rugby Canada at the U18 level to start 2019. (Submitted photo)

Three Oak Bay High students kicked off the new year wearing maple leafs on the rugby pitch.

Jack Carson, Zach Monckton and Max Abercrombie were selected for the Canada U18 rugby team. The Canadian team competed against the USA team Dec. 26, 2018 to Jan. 4, 2019 at the North American 4 Tournament in San Diego, California. Canada and the US each two squads competing, with each nation’s teams playing the other’s twice.

“It was pretty incredible,” said Abercrombie, 16.

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It was tough competition for the Canadians. Neither Canadian side managed to win a game against the physical American squads, although the Canada ‘Red’ team did tie the U.S. ‘Red’ team. Monckton and Abercrombie were both in that group, while Carson played with the ‘Whites’.

“It’s a pretty intimidating feat, but there’s no better way to test your skill level than having that level competition,” Abercrombie said. “It was incredible experience to be able to represent my country and Oak Bay.”

The boys look to build on that experience in the coming high school season, as the Barbs defend their provincial Quad A title.

jesse.laufer@oakbaynews.com