The high school rugby game seems a little slow to Jarvis Dashkewytch for good reason.
When the Grade 11 standout isn't on the field with his classmates, he is training regularly with some of the best young talent in the country as part of the U17 national development program. Dashkewytch is in store for another busy summer - making regular trips to the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence in Langford for training and playing for B.C. Rugby's provincial team program.
"It's a pretty big difference," he smiled. At school, there is a lot more space and time where with the provincial or national teams even one mistake is vital. It's a good opportunity to slow down and have more space to try some things.
"It's great just being out there (with my friends and classmates). We have fun on and off the field. There's lots of camaraderie."
Dashkewytch typically plays 8-man at the elite level but is suiting up at inside centre for the Devils. He also has experience in Rugby Sevens, aging up to play for the B.C. U18 team that travelled to an international tournament in Las Vegas earlier this year.
"With 15s, it's just great having so many guys on the field but Sevens'popularity is definitely growing, with the tournament in Vancouver too. I love to play both but 15s is the focus right now."
Even with his heavy rugby commitment, Dashkewytch is continuing his promising box lacrosse career, playing in goal for the Delta Intermediate "A" Islanders. He could even see some action this season as a junior "A" call-up.
"Whatever is most important takes first priority," he said of his workload. "Of course, Playing for my country is at the top."
