The Gnats are back on the pitch.
That is, Prince George's men's rugby side that's lacing up for another season competing in the 15-aside B.C. Rugby Union Central Interior Division.
The three-team division includes sides from Terrace and Williams Lake.
"We have between 20 to 30 guys coming out right now," said Gnats player Per Dodenberg. "We've been training twice per week and we have a mix of younger and older guys."
The Gnats split their team into two and competed in the 15-team Jasper 7s tournament recently.
"It was a good experience for us and a good way to kick off our season," said Dodenberg.
Before their regular season starts on June 6, the Gnats will host a friendly exhibition match this Saturday against Vernon on the field at Kelly Road secondary. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.
They'll also travel east to Alberta from May 15-17 to compete in the Edmonton Rugby Fest.
The Gnats host Terrace on June 6 and Williams Lake on June 13. (Times and fields have yet to be determined.) They'll then travel to Williams Lake on June 20 and Terrace on July 11 to wrap up their regular season.
Anyone is welcome to attend practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the former John McInnis junior secondary school fields.
Dodenberg said a few more friendlies and tournaments are being planned for the summer, as well as a youth rugby camp. The Gnats will also possibly help out with a wheelchair rugby event.
"We're hoping to grow the sport," said Dodenberg.
On the high school rugby front, PGSS is hosting a junior girls seven-aside tournament Friday beginning at 12:30 p.m. Besides PGSS, teams include Duchess Park and Williams Lake.
