On 1 P.M. on June 20th, the Ormstown Saracens Rugby Football Club hosted their first memorial game in honour of the late David Brunette.
The fair-weathered Saturday included two games, which were played on a field with the number four spray-painted across the middle of the pitch, in honour of Brunette’s rugby number. This was followed by a moment of silence in the presence of both family and friends.
Remembered by his wife Marie and his children, Reilly and Dara, David Brunette passed away in January 2015 at the young age of 57. Crowned “Super Dave” by his teammates, Brunette was an avid rugby player and all around athlete, known for his leadership and sportsmanship. His daughter, Dara Brunette, donned her father’s #4 jersey for the day, making for a touching moment when she scored the first try of the women’s game for the Lady Saracens. David Brunette’s family, both close and extended, were present on game day, making for a true celebration in honour of his life.
The Ormstown Saracens Rugby Club, founded in 1972 by Rod Beattie and Dave Hardy, is presently composed of four teams, including a senior men’s team, a senior women’s team, and two junior teams. Most recently, the club incorporated a mini rugby academy for children aged 8 to 14. The team, which is a member of the Quebec Rugby Federation, hopes to host more memorial games in the future in honour of former players.
The rugby club will host the U-14 Quebec 7s Championship on July 26th, where the Ormstown Saracens U-14 Boys team will defend their title.
