Belmont Rugby enters the spring season with both its girls and boys programs building off strong 2025 campaigns, balancing high expectations with the reality of new faces and evolving roles.
The girls team returns as the reigning state champions after securing their seventh consecutive title last spring,. They capped an unbeaten season with a dominant 69-21 victory over Lincoln-Sudbury in the finals. In addition to current senior Farrah Harris and junior Rebecca Christensen, the roster looks entirely different after graduating 13 of 15 starters, with more than 30 new players joining the program. Christensen is expected to bring offensive firepower, after being the highest scoring non-senior last season.
Senior captain Capucine Detheux emphasized the internal standards driving the team.
“We all have high expectations for each other, everyone is going to have to work hard every week to earn their jersey and play in that week’s game,” she said.
That competition, she noted, has helped keep practices focused and competitive early in the season.
Fellow senior leader Madeleine Kenneally echoed that mindset, pointing to effort and development as early priorities.
“The expectation is simply to bring our best every single day, trusting the process and building something strong together over time,” she said.
With such a large incoming group, both leaders highlighted a focus on fundamentals. The team has focused heavily on passing, tackling, and decision-making early on in the season, ensuring that new and returning players alike are building from the same foundation. Still, the challenge of replacing last year’s enormous senior class extends beyond on-field production. “Last year’s seniors set the standard through their work and dedication, and we’re trying to carry that forward,” Kenneally said.
Even so, the program’s culture remains its defining feature. “It feels like a family,” Detheux said. “Anyone can come in, no matter their experience, and feel like they belong.” That sense of connection has already been evident in the first weeks of practice, where players have shown motivation and positivity while beginning to grow into a cohesive unit.
On April 10, the girls hope to see their hard work pay off, when they visit Needham for their season opener. One week later, they will face Lincoln-Sudbury, a rematch of last year’s state championship. The home opener is April 30, against Algonquin.
On the boys side, Belmont is coming off a 6-2-1 season that ended in a semifinal loss to Xaverian Brothers. Despite the departure of key seniors, head coach Gregory Bruce remains focused on maintaining the program’s identity, while adapting to new personnel.
A key emphasis this offseason has been physical development. “Other teams have sheer size and stature against us. Rugby is a game about physicality,” Bruce said, pointing to the team’s commitment in the weight room this winter as a necessary adjustment.
Leadership will also play a central role in the team’s success. Rather than relying on a single voice, Bruce described a more flexible model. “It doesn’t need to be the loudest guy or the best player. Doing little things will show later on,” he said.
Senior captain Ignacio de la Fuente reinforced the team’s balanced outlook entering the season.
“Everyone needs to play their hearts out, and keep improving as the season progresses and ultimately put our blood, sweat, and tears into the playoff run,” he said.
Vice captains Enzo Passos and Xavier Ceja pointed to cohesion and pace as early focal points. From “keeping the ball alive” to “building a web on and off the field,” the message from them was clear: team connection will drive performance.
The boys’ preseason work will be put to an early test on April 2, when they visit Xaverian Brothers, in a rematch of last year’s tournament loss. Their home opener will be April 10 against Milton.
