Bristol Harlequin’s U18 Colts have turned the tide over the past few months, as they faced a near-collapse of the team in a period of uncertainty.
Now, they sit top of the league, transforming their bleakest period into their biggest triumph.
Quins coach David Priddy has trained the players for over a decade, watching them grow from boys to men, and explained how their change in lifestyle into adulthood resulted in the rocky start to the season.
“They all leave school at the same time, and they all go in different directions. Some go to college and get told they’re going to be the greatest rugby player in the world.
“Some go and find work and haven’t got time for rugby anymore, and some found the pub and couldn’t get out of it.”
The team numbers dwindled, leaving them the option of merging and risk losing the identity of a team they have worked so hard to build.
“When we had to hold a meeting at the rugby club, they said we had to try a merger first before we could fold, the players systematically said no,” he clarified.
It was down to the player’s commitment and reconciliation that sparked the Colt’s resurgence.
The pitch at Vahalla saw the return of 21 players coming back to their roots, wearing blue black and white under the Brislington skies.
“The players got the team back together when the coaches and management couldn’t.
“They got enough players to turn up one Sunday when we were all away, and it made us change our minds,” David told proudly.
Colt’s player Takoda Priddy expressed that the turnaround has brought the team even closer, allowing them to dig deeper as a team, and put in a stronger performance than previous seasons.
“It means a lot because I’ve spent a long time with these boys, so we’re all very close. I think that’s why we’re top of the league.
“The boys that show up on Sundays actually want to play rugby.”
The standard of rugby played at U18s is rapid, intense and relentless, as the athlete’s training intensifies whilst their physicality peaks.
The Quins currently stand at the top of the Gloucester league, yet to contest the unbeaten Dings Crusaders, who David believes are capable of knocking them from being number one.
“I think we might find our ceiling when we come up against them, only because they’ve got twice the players to choose from,” he said.
The two sides clash on the 29th November, away in Frenchay, where the Harlequins will push to come out ahead in a test of strength.
Despite all the odds, the team have made the club proud as they continue their campaign to victory.
“I can’t knock them, they’ve been fantastic and it is nice for them to be winning games as a team that weren’t supposed to be together.”
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