Bulls’ Scott Simmonds claims LOSSA rugby gold for a fifth time

He’s a physical presence on the ice, but he’s quite the bull on the pitch too. An accomplished rugby player, Scott Simmonds is now five for five in his high school rugby career, clinching LOSSA gold with the Uxbridge Secondary School Tigers once again this past week with a victory over Pineridge Secondary School (Pickering). 

Simmonds, who’s physical game matured rapidly with the Bulls as the season progressed this past season, is a leader with the Tigers this season as one of the few overaged players on the club who spent an extra year in high school. “There’s a couple other guys back from last year,” said Simmonds. “We’re not quite as experienced this time around but we have a lot of confidence in our club and we believe we can repeat as OFSAA champs. 

The OFSAA tournament, which begins on Tuesday in Hamilton, will see the Tigers defend their provincial crown. Simmonds also won silver at OFSAA two years ago. “We’ve had ourselves a little dynasty in Uxbridge,” Simmonds laughed. It looks as if the dynasty could be in good shape to continue, as Simmonds’ younger brother Jayson also won LOSSA gold with the Uxbridge Secondary junior team.

As grueling a physical sport as it is, Simmonds adds that he doesn’t get too concerned about his physical well-being on the pitch. “I’m one of the bigger guys out there now,” he said. “I think you’re more apt to get hurt playing in the OHL than you are out here. I just deal with the bumps and bruises, need an ice pack here and there.”

Simmonds, who leaves for a vacation in China on June 10th, is just starting a new job this week at a cafe in Uxbridge. “I’m just picking up a few hours here and there while I finish school this month. I’m still training a lot for the upcoming season and I’m counting the days until training camp. I think we’re in for an exciting year.”