In the 1980s, the Merritt Barbarians men's rugby team went through several seasons before folding. This year, a new group of men are banding together to revive the tradition of rugby here in Merritt. They've chosen to honour the previous club by adopting the same name.

Their first step was to attend a tournament in Penticton in June, where they placed third in a field of 6 teams—a placement that Ryan Reid, one of the organizers, is very proud of.

The team was encouraged by their success, and since then, have formed a nonprofit society and are fundraising to help cover the costs of operating a team. Their goal is to support and field a team in the Interior Third Division of the B.C. Men's Rugby League. The team has around 25 to 30 players who are showing up at the regular practices now being held at Voght Park.

Reid organised Saturday's exhibition match against the "world-famous" Penticton Harlequins, and about 40 spectators and supporters showed up for the game.

"The Harlequins have been very helpful," says organiser Ryan Reid, who played for the Harlequins while attending university classes. Merritt won the match 12 - 5.

Reid says that the Barbarians need to raise funds to pay for their membership in the league, player insurance, and a set of jerseys. They are holding barbecues and beer gardens at their games and are planning to promote memberships for supporters, as well as active players.

Their Facebook group already has over 200 members and a number of corporate supporters. They use the Facebook page to post videos and pictures as well as notices of practices for all of their members and supporters to enjoy. Reid says that Tracker Sports has offered them a great price on the jerseys, and the Merritt News has provided a great deal of support as well.

Reid himself is a longtime rugby player. He has coached boys rugby at Coquihalla Middle School, as well as the MSS Panthers last school year.