LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield’s Colin Doyle, a senior at St. John’s Prep, has a lot to be excited about these days.
While he graduated last Saturday, there is much to be completed at St. John’s before heading to Siena University, where he becomes a member of the Saints’ rugby team.
Siena competes in the Liberty Conference (Div. 1) under the National Collegiate Rugby. It’s played in the fall (15-player team) and spring (7).
But first, he wants to finish his high school career on a high note, hoping to lead the Eagles to their first MIAA state championship since the organization accepted the sport in 2016-2017.
The Eagles (3-1) are off to a flying start. Ranked third in Div. 1, they conclude the regular season Wednesday against Xaverian Brothers.
Doyle’s role on the team is as fly half, which some say is the most difficult position in rugby as it’s a two-way position requiring offensive playmaking and tactical decision-making.
“The position is similar to a football quarterback in that I make all the calls on where the ball goes, but defensively, it’s more like a free safety,” Doyle said. “My job is to put other people in the best spot, so I just try to assist teammates in getting to where they need to be.”
Doyle started his college search while a sophomore at Lynnfield High. Looking for an academic and athletic challenge, he transferred his junior year to St. John’s and attended a college recruitment day. That’s where he discovered Siena. (He was also considering UConn and Fordham University.)
“There were so many coaches and representatives there, but the one that I really fell in love with on the spot was Siena,” Doyle said. “I love their coaches and love the program. I also loved the Albany area and just knew that’s where I wanted to be.”
Doyle started playing rugby in the second grade after telling his parents he wanted to take up the sport.
“They looked around for a program and they found Mystic River Rugby,” said Doyle, who also plays for the Freejacks’ Junior Jacks program. “I’ve played there every summer to this day.”
Truthfully, Doyle said he has no idea what his role will be at Siena.
“I’m really not sure and have no expectations about where I’ll go. I just want to make the biggest impact I can to contribute to the team.”
Doyle said he hopes to major in political science and history. There’s a chance he could go into law “like my Dad (Tim Doyle).”
Doyle said his biggest takeaway from his two years in Danvers is “brotherhood.
“I feel I’ve come a long way since last year and have really connected with the players, so there is an incredible bond among all of us. I believe that the way this team has impacted me has been really positive for all who are involved.”
Doyle’s high school coach is Thomas Clark, who played college rugby at Bowling Green State University and the University of Michigan. He said Doyle’s most impactful attributes are his work ethic and humility.
“He sells himself a little short at times and doesn’t take any credit for the team’s successes,” Clark said. “He works hard when no one is looking and is very supportive of his teammates. Colin came to St. John’s looking for a challenge — both athletically and academically. The big takeaway for me is how hard he’s worked. … Colin is the type of player who a coach can build a team around, owning outstanding self-taught skills, dedication, and an understanding of the game well beyond his years.”
