By Aaron Wilson
It’s an exciting time for the Houston SaberCats, both on and off the field.
There will be pyrotechnics with a firework show Saturday night following their season-opening match against the Utah Warriors.
There is the fun presence of the newly-launched iHeart Party Zone presented by iHeart Radio/Media.
There will be multiple inflatables, a photo area and poster-making station with the Cats Crew, the Imagine Rugby Field for children behind the Cats Den, new merchandise from league partner Kappa at the SaberCats team shop, a new replica jersey and other SaberCats gear available.
The SaberCats hope to put on a show Saturday, including a fireworks program, Grammy Award winner Rick Trevino performing from 5 p.m. to 6: 15 p.m. before the match kicks off at 7 pm. With Playtypus Brewing as a new title sponsor, the SaberCats are giving out magnet schedules to 2,500 fans. The magnets are provided by Pepsi, a new fountain drink partner.
Instead of establishing a goal of just qualifying for the playoffs, the SaberCats are chasing a championship.
Instead of being satisfied with a franchise-record 10 victories and two consecutive trips to the postseason, the SaberCats have greater ambitions this season in Major League Rugby competition.
As the SaberCats open the season at home, they’re thinking big.
“Definitely, because we’ve got a really good team,” Drew Wild said. “We’re a better squad than last year with more depth.”
Between the second leading scorer in the league in Davy Coetzer, Gideon van Wyk, Christian Dyer, Rob Cobb, Wild, Gerrie Labuschagne’, C.C. Mahoni, Dominic Akina, Marno Redelinghuys, Louritz van der Schyff, Pono Davis, Carlo de Nyschenn, Nathan den Hoedt and several newcomers, the SaberCats have assembled a strong roster under the leadership of director Heyneke Meyer and coach Pote Human. Team captain Dean Muir retired after last season.
“A lot of new players,” Meyer said. “Obviously, we lost some leadership. A lot of these young guys need to step up. It’s a long season. I know we do need to improve. Utah is a good side. Obviously, the first thing is we want to get to the playoffs and go on further. “Every season has its ups and downs. We need to improve every single game. We have been in the playoffs. We haven’t played well enough in the playoffs.”
The SaberCats have built a lot of confidence, but they’re aware of the challenges ahead.
“It’s a new team, it’s a new culture,” van Wyk said. “I’m looking forward to the season. We have a great team and a great culture. We’ve worked really hard.”
The Warriors are a talented outfit. This first game represents a good test.
“I’m excited,” Wild said. “They play a New Zealand style that’s different than us. It’s going to challenge us.”Added Dyer: “We’re gunning for the season. We’re excited. As a collective, we’re a hell of a lot more fit going in than last season. That’s a credit to each individual boy putting the work in and Jon Hood, our strength and conditioning coach. We’re really, really excited. We have big goals as a team this year.
While the season was successful overall, including continuing to build the program the SaberCats want, they’re aiming even higher now.
“Obviously, you want to win the trophy,” Meyer said. “That’s our standard, taking into consideration where we started last year. Competing in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the SaberCats were the only team to defeat a 15-1 San Diego Legion squad.”
“I think we had an amazing season as a group,” Labuschagne’ said. “The future is looking bright. Two years ago when we came here, we had one goal and we still have that one goal, which is to win it all.”
Pono can’t wait. “It’s the start of the season and it’s a big game against Utah,” he said. “We’re excited for a good battle. Utah has a good side for sure. We’re definitely looking forward to showing out.”
