THIS WEEK: The Bishop's Gaiters men's rugby team (0-0) opens the 2017 season on Sunday afternoon as they host the ETS Pirhanas (0-0). Kickoff at Coulter Field is set for 4 p.m.
THE RECORDS: This is the opening game for both teams. Last year, the Gaiters finished second in the "2-3-6" division with a 3-3-1 record, while ETS was second in the "1-4-5" division with a 1-5-1 mark. Both teams made the Quebec university rugby union semi-finals, with the Gaiters falling to McGill and ETS being defeated by Montreal.
NET GAINS: Sunday's game will be webcast at
www.gaiters.ca/webcast. Score updates will also be available on Twitter, by following
@BishopsGaiters.
JOY DIVISIONS: For 2017, the Gaiters remain in the "2-3-6" Division of the Quebec university rugby union. This year, they are joined by the McGill Redmen and the Concordia Stingers. The Gaiters will play a home-and-home against both divisional foes and single games against ETS, Sherbrooke and Montreal.
LAST TIME OUT: The Gaiters travelled to Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., for their annual preseason match with the Cadets. Bishop's cruised to a 39-7 win over their traditional rivals.
WHEN LAST WE MET: The Gaiters scored a 24-12 victory over ETS in Montreal on Oct. 2, 2016. In that game,
Patrick Lawton (Halifax, England/Queen Ethelburga's College),
Robert McGovern (Brigham, Que./Champlain-Lennoxville) and
Shayne Crawford (Lennoxville, Que./Champlain-Lennoxville) all scored tries for Bishop's, with
Long Tim Nixon (Hong Kong/West Island School) adding three conversions and a penalty goal.
THE SERIES: All-time, the Gaiters are 17-0 against ETS, who have played in the RSEQ circuit from 2001-07 and rejoined it in 2015.
SOCIAL CORNER: Want to be in the know? Follow @BishopsGaiters and the hashtag #GaiterNation on social media for all the latest news and information on the purple and silver. Also be sure to check out the new-look
www.gaiters.ca.
UP NEXT: After Sunday's game, the Gaiters' homestead continues on Friday, Sept. 15, as they host the McGill Redmen at 8 p.m.
