​Our All-Scholastic teams for the high school spring season are in the works, and we’re counting on your input before they’re published. As in fall and winter, readers will get to weigh in on who deserves player of the year honors in each sport. The South Shore rugby talent pool has been narrowed to a premium slate of top performers—All-Americans, record-holders, and state champions—representing the best of the best.
Vote below for the Patriot Ledger/Brockton Enterprise High School Rugby Player of the Year. The list showcases the top boys and girls players in the region. Reader votes will account for 20% of the final tally, with the remaining 80% coming from our four staff reporters—Chris McDaniel, Eric McHugh, Ryan Vermette, and Jason Snow. Voting closes on Thursday, July 16.
Community moments from the season highlighted players who stood out. For example, BC High celebrated after clinching their MIAA Division 1 final, as sophomore fullback/fly-half helped guide the Hawks to a second consecutive Division 2 state title. He kicked three conversions in the 26-17 victory over Brookline in the state final and became a central leader for the team, both on and off the field, according to Hanover coach Andrew McLean.
Milton’s senior center was a two-year captain and the team’s leading scorer for the past two seasons, also topping the charts in yards gained and tackles in the back line. His competitive drive energized his squad as they earned a 7-2 record and earned a Division 1 state championship appearance. “His fierce level of competition was infectious from the start to the final whistle,” Milton coach Joe Dolan said.
At BC High, a senior outside back led the Eagles in tries and scored twice in the Division 1 state championship as the program repeated as champions. He also led the forwards in meters gained and was second in defenders beaten. In the fall, he’ll join Fordham after showcasing elite athleticism and consistent ability to beat first defenders with the ball in hand, according to BC High coach Paul Carty.
A junior captain made a significant impact with 10 tries and one conversion in the spring. Standing 6-1 and 260 pounds, this three-year varsity veteran dominated lineouts with a 90% success rate and earned Patriot League All-Star status on the wrestling mat while set to captain the football team in the fall. His rare combination of size and speed made him a constant scoring threat, Marshfield coach Matt Pomella noted.
From Norwell, a flankered forward led the team in tries and finished second in tackles, helping the Hingham/Norwell squad win the CRC Small title and maintain an undefeated regular season. A senior scrum-half and two-year captain was also a CRC All-Star who helped the Warriors claim their first-ever state-tournament victory. “Cole was a great leader on the field, always making the correct decision with the ball in his hands,” one observer said.
We’ll continue to refine the list ahead of publication, ensuring it captures the standout performances across the region. We invite readers to vote and share in celebrating the rugby stars who defined the season.