WATERLOO, Ont. - Following the Laurier men's rugby team's first undefeated season in program history, the Golden Hawks have been rewarded with four players named to the OUA first and second all-star teams, and one major award winner.
Laurier's 6-0 regular season record was tied for first in the OUA alongside Guelph, and were second in points-for with 346 while having the second least points-against with 80.
The Golden Hawks were rewarded with the OUA Rookie of the Year honour. Jack Gore, a first-year communications studies major from Mississauga, Ont., became the first Golden Hawk to win the award since Nathan Jutronich in 2018.
"This is well deserved. He came into our squad and earned the number 10 jersey. His ability to learn and adapt his play is second to none. We are very excited to see the heights of his young man's career."
The fly half was tied for second in the OUA in tries with six, and was first in both conversions (29) and points (86).
A trio of Hawks were named OUA first-team all-stars.
Scrum half Sam Reimer, a first-year arts major from Pickering, Ont., earned his first all-star award. Head coach Phil Murphy said Reimer always wanted to push himself and others, and his willingness to pass on his knowledge made him an important part of the team.
Centres Wyatt Brown and Ben Foote were also named first-team all-stars. Brown, a fifth-year from Cobourg, Ont., was promoted from the OUA's second team, which he was awarded in 2022 and 2023, to the first team this year.
"He's our leader, voice of reason, and calm," Murphy said. "He was the first one into battle and last to leave, and he brought the boys with him every day."
Foote, a fifth-year business major from Uxbridge, Ont., earned his first career all-star recognition. He had five tries this season and was tied for 14th in points with 25.
"Footie is a consummate player. He has been growing as a player over the last five years, and he never misses an opportunity to grow on and off the field," Murphy said.
Finn Hughes rounded out the class with a second team all-star award. The second-year business major from Peterborough, Ont., won the team's Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in 2024-25. He was tied for first in the OUA in tries with seven and was tied for seventh in points with 35.
"What an upswing this young man has," Murphy said. "He has the determination and work ethic to push for national team honours. He leads by example and does things in a professional manner in the game."
