SHERBROOKE, Que. – The Bishop's Gaiters men's and women's rugby squads will open their 2013 regular season campaigns on Friday night on Coulter Field.  The double-header against the Montreal Carabins will kick off with the women starting at 6 p.m.
 
The women's rugby team finished the 2012 season 0-9. For the 2013 season they have new leadership.  Their head coach Adam Spirk has had great success across the country at the high school level and will look to lean on his experience to turn the Gaiters program around.  The Lady Gaiters are returning 11 players and have added eight rookies that will help add depth in a competitive conference.   A year ago the Carabins topped the Gaiters 36-0 in Montreal.  Montreal opened their 2013 season on Labour Day Monday with a 32-0 loss at the hands of the Laval Rouge et Or.
 
The men's rugby team will open their regular season this Friday night against Montreal.  The game will start at 8 p.m. on Coulter Field.  The Gaiters are coming off an exhibition 39-12 road win against Norwich University this past weekend. Last season the Gaiters were 5-3 in the regular season, a record that put them second in the league.  They eventually fell to the McGill Redmen in the RSEQ semi-final.  Bill Robson will return for his 30th season on the sidelines as their head coach.  He is joined by Charles Goode who is entering his eighth as a coach after a six year playing career. In 2012 Bishop's topped the Carabins on both occasions they met, outscoring them 73-5 in those two contests.
 
Join the men's and women's rugby squads as they get their seasons underway on Friday, September 6 on Coulter Field.  Game time is set for 6 p.m. for the women and 8 p.m. for the men.  Both teams will face the Montreal Carabins.  Admission is free.  You can also follow along on twitter (@BishopsGaiters) or on the new-look Gaiters website at www.gaiters.ca.
 
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Clare Webb
Sports Information Assistant