Holy Spirit’s Goodyear makes National team

Ryan Goodyear has been playing rugby since Grade Nine. Late last month his dedication was rewarded when he was named to the Canada U18 Men’s Rugby Team.
Goodyear along with five other local boys – Braedon Ford, Devon Ford, Jack Furneaux, Mitchell Hatcher, and Kai Manuel- recently attended a Canadian U18 Selection Camp, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
All six were scouted at the U18/U16 National Rugby Championships.
“Goodyear has been on our radar for the last few years,” said Morgan Lovell, one of the Canadian U18 coaches. “He was in camp last year and unlucky not to make the team then. He came into camp firing on all cylinders and has been rewarded with the selection this year. The other boys had strong camps as well and will certainly be on everyone’s radar next year … In fact the majority of the group were first year U18s and it is difficult to make a national team as an underager.”
Goodyear started as wing, moved to centre and just last year into the forwards lineup. It was the move to the forwards when he really took off. While playing locally for the Baymen Rugby Club and Holy Spirit Boys Rugby Team, Goodyear plays in the backrow. He will likely be seeing time as a hooker at the national level.
“Moving him to hooker likely gives Ryan the best opportunity to succeed,” said his club coach Andrew Squires. “ “The idea has been toyed with by both the provincial and club level, but from a local view point we are not ready to tie him in to the scrum.”
Baymen Club President Bas Crosbie echoed Squires comments. “Ryan is an exceptional athlete and young man,” said Crosbie. “We are very proud of his achievements. Ryan has worked had to make it this far, and now has to find another gear again to continue his ascent.”
Crosbie added the fact the club had six players guys at the tryout camp speaks well for the future of the organization. “Those guys just got a taste of the next level and if they want it they now have a better idea of what it takes to succeed,” he said.
Goodyear heads off on Boxing Day to San Diego, California to compete in the NA4 tournament. He will be attending the tournament with four other Newfoundlanders – Lucas Shortall, Max Tavenor and Alex Hickman.