Volume 1 - Issue 3 Winter 2013

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ConTEnTs

holiday 2013 issue 03

in THiS ISSUE

the Goods

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15 18

fAll ToUr recAp

How Canada performed in Romania, Georgia and Portugal. BY DouG Crosse

AmericAs rUGBY chAmpionship

Langford hosts 2nd straight great event.

BY DouG Crosse

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ToronTo BreAKs AnoTher record

Maori All Blacks + Canada = Great Fans

BY CHris PerroTTe

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sevens previeW for 2013 - 2014

BY Jeff HuLL

cover

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KierAn croWleY

Crowley leads Canadian Rugby to a brighter future. BY euGeN CioNGA

29 30 34 36 44

GreAT rUGBY memories

The Men of Old Christians Club in Uruguay. BY iAN KeNNeDY

movinG forWArd

Canadian Women on Track for 2014 World Cup. BY DouG Crosse

lAnGArA fishinG lodGe

Pristine, untouched and the best fishing period. BY DouG Crosse

BlUes reiGn

Blues win the Candian Rugby Championship. BY BroCK sMiTH

20 YeArs on - The GreAT TrY in cArdiff

How Canada beat Wales. BY AL CHArroN

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the reGular stuFF 4 FReeZe FRAMe

The best rugby images from the past months.

10 MeSSAGe FRoM RuGBY CANADA & tHe eDItoR 12 tHe eNGINe RooM

Not all rugby news happens on the pitch.

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36

44

14 SoCIAllY SPeAKING

Who is sayin’ what on the web and the twitterverse.

32 It’S YouR CAll

Referee Insights by Nathan Abdelnour.

33 SPotlIGHt

Hubert Buydens biding his time.

40 tHe vAult

We unlock the Rugby Canada archives. This issue features Ro Hindson. BY ANDreW sMiTH

45 FuNDRAISING

PARTNERS IN THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Support your rugby community.

46 tHe lASt woRD

Steve lancaster Charts Canadian Progress since his arrival.

COVER: KIERAN CROWLEY. PHOTO BY PIx 3

FREEZE FRAME

presented by

toP fLoor!

It was a record 22, 596 fans at BMO Field in Toronto as the New Zealand Maori beat Canada 40-15 on November 3, 2013.

Photo

JosĂŠ lagman 4

5

FREEZE FRAME

presented by

NAME THAT TUNE! The Ontario Blues are joined on the field by the Mini-rugby team from Lindsay RFC. The Blues captured a third straight Canadian Rugby Championship title with a 50-27 win over the BC Bears on September 14th.

Photo

JosĂŠ lagman 6

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FREEZE FRAME

presented by

CLEARED FOR LANDING Conor Trainor goes horizontal as he scores a try vs Argentina Jaguars at the 2013 Americas Rugby Championship in Langford, BC on October 19th.

Photo

lorne Collicutt 8

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FiRsT woRds HOLIDAY 2013 / NUMBER 03

MessaGe FroM the ceo

Publisher Rugby Canada

Editor Doug Crosse

Fantastic year for rugby in Canada

Design & Layout PIX

Dear Rugby Canada Fan, Martin Seras Lima Lissy Tomlinson Bryan Kelly JAG

Contributing Writers Jeff Hull Ian Kennedy Andrew Smith Bryan Ray Doug Crosse

Al Charron Penny Kroll Chris Perrotte Bryan Kelly Eugen Cionga

2013 has been a banner year for Canadian rugby. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the sport across the country as well as all those who support Rugby Canada around the world. This has been a watershed year for our game in Canada and we have a lot to be proud of in what has been accomplished both at home and abroad.

Our women’s 7s team made it to the World Cup Final. Our women’s 15s at the Senior and U20 levels won the Nations Cup. Our men’s 15s nearly won the Pacific Nations Cup and qualified for the 2015 World Cup with a convincing second win over the USA on our home turf at BMO Field.

A fantastic year on the field was boosted by the strength of our club and provincial partners, which we credit for giving us another big win for the year.

Working with our high performance teams, we have seen many provinces embrace the challenge of developing regional academies as an opportunity to improve both 7s and 15s. This effort will produce higher quality athletes to represent Canada at all levels.

JAG

Photography José Lagman Judy Teasdale Colin Watson Ian Muir

Advertising Sales Sion Ishmael 30 East Beaver Creek Unit 110, Richmond Hill, ON (905) 707-8998 x 231 sishmael@rugbycanada.ca Printer Transcontinental RUGBYca magazine is home-delivered to member households (1 per household) three times a year (May, August, October). Delivery addresses are based on the registration information submitted to Rugby Canada. Rugby Canada Provincial Unions are strongly encouraged to provide all Union Executive Member and program participants’ current mailing information in order to receive the subscription.

Any address changes should be notified to both the local rugby union and Rugby Canada through the registration system.

RC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAT ALDOUS KEITH GILLAM GORDON SNEDDON JAY JOHNSTON TROY MYERS LARRY JONES DOUG CAMPBELL TIM POWERS JAMIE LOCKWOOD PEARSE HIGGINS KATHY HENDERSON JOHN SEAMAN BRIAN BURKE CHRIS LE FEVRE DAWN DAUPHINEE MARK LAWSON RICK POWERS ARABA CHINTOH RICK BOURNE CHRIS LEFEVRE

Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Female Athlete Rep. Male Athlete Rep. COC Representative Acting Female Athlete Rep. Past Chairman/NACRA Rep. IRB Council Rep

CANADA PoSt CoRPoRAtIoN agreement no.

42619013 10

Sincerely,

GrahaM brown Rugby Canada CEO

MessaGe FroM the editor

2013 seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye, at least in terms of creating the RUGBYca magazine. Our third and final issue of the year was a lot of fun to put together, mostly because it gave me a chance to look back at all the great things that have happened around the country and abroad for the development of the sport.

As Graham Brown mentioned above, having two huge sell-out crowds in Toronto really became a defining moment for the sport. It also has caught the eye of television in this country, showing that rugby is worthy of being shown on a major sports network.

The one common thread I have seen throughout the year is that wherever rugby has taken me in Canada in 2013 the vibe is very positive. People are excited about how our teams are doing. The prospect of both our men’s and women’s teams vying for Olympic Gold in just two years time is causing reactions from fans, the media and the athletes hoping to represent Canada in Rio.

JAG

RUGBYca magazine is published three times a year by the Rugby Canada , 30 East Beaver Creek, Unit 110, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 1J2. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, in whole or in part, by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Manuscripts, artwork and photographs are submitted at the sender’s risk.

All materials submitted will remain property of Rugby Canada.

Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of this magazine, Rugby Canada or its sponsors. No article herein shall constitute endorsement by this magazine or the persons and organizations associated with it. RUGBYca magazine will not knowingly accept fraudulent or misleading advertising.

Subscriptions are available at a cost of $13.95 per annum, payable to Rugby Canada care of RUGBYca magazine. All Rugby Canada and Rugby Canada member union logos and marks depicted in this magazine are the property of the Rugby Canada and their respective member unions and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Rugby Canada Marketing Committee. PRINTED IN CANADA.

I would especially like to thank all those fans who came out in massive numbers to our events across the country this year. Two record crowds at BMO Field, as well as the World Cup Qualifier, saw nearly 60,000 fans through the turnstiles in Toronto alone! Add in the great crowds at the Pacific Nations Cup events in Edmonton, Ottawa and Kingston and it is clear that the sport is growing a huge and enthusiastic fan base in Canada.

I would also like to give a shout out to all the fans that made the October 2013 Americas Rugby Championship such a success again in Langford, British Columbia.

On behalf of the Rugby Canada Board, the players, the coaches, and all of the support staff, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

I hope that you are as excited as I am to see what Canadian rugby will achieve in 2014.

If rugby were a commodity on the Toronto Stock Exchange, investors would be issuing a buy order these days. I think all fans would agree that being a part of rugby is fast becoming the cool thing to talk about the office, school or social gathering.

In closing, I want to say a big thanks to everyone involved in making RUGBYca such a success. From the office staff in Richmond Hill to the coaches and players who have gladly participated in everything we have asked them to do, it is all about showcasing this great game.

For those of you in the off-season, enjoy some quality couch time but remember the season is just around the corner. For players in British Columbia, enjoy being on the field while the rest of us freeze.

And we will see you again in the spring of 2014 with Volume 2 Issue 1 of RUGBYca magazine!

douG crosse RUGBYca Editor RUGBY ONTARIO - Provincial Logo FOR PRINT USE ONLY

THANKS TO THE PROVINCIAL UNIONS

PIX

04-10-

-08

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THE ENGINE ROOM Not all rugby news happens on The PITCH

01 Dream team

PRESENTED BY

PHIL MACK

Phil Mack was named to the Dubai 7s Dream Team by the announcers covering the tournament for the world wide feed. It has been a huge year for Mack, who has become the heir apparent as Canada’s starting 15s scrumhalf as well.

José Lagman

Canada’s women finish in 4th spot at the Dubai tournament, losing 19-5 to New Zealand in the Cup semi-finals before dropping a decision to Russia in the play-off for third.

02 New Caps in 2013 04 DALA DAZE 05 Also, D’Justice Sears Duru, who has played for Canada from the U17 level through to the U20s and also spent time at the Leicester Tigers Academy in England, got three appearances in Georgia, Romania and Portugal.

Jake Ilnicki

Iron man award has to go to Nanyak Dala who featured in all Canada matches this season, including all ten test matches and also the non-cap match vs the New Zealand Maori.

Ciaran Hearn, Ray Barkwill and Phil Mack were right there with him, each starting or playing in 10 matches this season.

Aaron Flagg

Congrats to flanker/lock Aaron Flagg with replacement appearances earlier in the year against Japan and the USA as well as a non cap appearance against the Maori.

Finally Calgary’s Kyle Gilmour got on the field vs Portugal following an appearance against the Maori on November 3rd.

03 Pritch Perfect

James Pritchard finished with his second highest points total in his Canada career, getting 90 points in seven test matches.

That included four tries, sixteen penalty kicks and eleven conversions.

Pritchard also set the new Canadian

725 12

scoring record previously held by Gareth Rees, finishing with 581 points in 54 test match appearances.

Second highest points total this season went to Harry Jones who scored three tries, three penalty kicks and two conversions, good for 28 points.

between the 22’s Heading into the South Africa tournament Phil Mack has 725 points in the IRB World Series from 37 Events, scoring 69 tries and 189 conversions. He is Canada’s current top scorer on the IRB circuit.

Ghislaine Landry recognized Congratulations to Montreal’s Ghislaine Landry for being recognized as a Canadian Olympic team Athlete of the Week.

She won the honours for her performance at the World Cup of Sevens in June that saw her as the second highest in points scoring with 37 and tries scored with 7.

The Canadian Olympic Committee named her the Athlete of the Week as Sevens rugby readies to make its debut at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

iPad Edition

Download a digital version (French or English) of RUGBYca Magazine at rugby.ca

Zimbio.com

Welcome to the Rugby Canada senior men’s family to a few new faces. Prop Jake Ilnicki of the Williams Lake Rustlers and BC Bears earned three cap appearances on the recent trip to Europe. Benoit Piffero earned three caps as a replacement hooker backing up Ray Barkwill.

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sOcIally spEakING wHo Is sayIN’ wHat oN tHe web anD The TwITTerVerse

MATCH THE MO’ STACHE CHALLENGE

twItterVerse foLLow uS @rugByCanaDa

Rugby Canada’s men’s team has been a big supporter for Movember over the past few years and the Canadian men have been known to grow some BIG Staches. How well do you know the nether regions of the noses of our Canadian team heroes. Match the number stache to the letter headshot and some Rugby Canada swag shall be yours! visit rugby.ca to enter!

Mo’ staches

Mo’ players

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2

a

b

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4

c

d

SUMMER ISSUE CONTEST WINNER! Brad Pieterse of Edmonton, Alberta guessed correctly it was the 1903 Canadian team getting ready for a tour to Wales to play Cardiff. Impressive pic and impressive win for Brad who will receive a prize pack from the Rugby Canada store including a hat and Rugby Canada jersey!

foLLow rugby cAnADA

Get the latest news and happenings in the Rugby Canada community.

CONTEST

WINNER! ISSUE 2

/ruGbycanada

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men’s FALL TOUR

FALL SCOREBOARD JP-RUGBY.com

November European Tour ends on high note

Welcome back The Fall Tour marked the return of Adam Kleeberger to men’s 15s action!

GAME 1

GAME 2

Canada opened its autumn tour traveling to the always tough Tbilisi in former Soviet republic of Georgia. Canada lost in its previous encounter with the Georgians in Tbilisi, but has managed two nice wins in recent seasons when hosting the Lelos in North America.

As advertised it was a tense atmosphere as Canada traded penalties with Georgia in the early going. The game never achieved a viable flow about it as the physicalness of the Georgian forwards manifested itself at the set piece and breakdowns. These confrontations saw things come to a boil in the 36th minute when flanker Viktor Kolelishvili clothes line tackled fly-half Liam Underwood, putting the 20 year old down hard and clutching at his throat.

Canadian Captain Tyler Ardron came flying in to defend his teammate, and a melee erupted with Kolelishvilli releasing a barrage of punches onto Ardron, prompting an all hands in brawl. When the dust had settled it was a pair of red cards handed out to Ardron and Kolelishvilli but the damage was done.

Harry Jones hit for a go ahead penalty and a 12-9 score at half time, but any hope of getting momentum back for Canada was hindered by being short handed in the forwards.

Tedore Zibzibadze touched down for a try in the left corner at the 51-minute mark for Georgia. The try, which would be the only score of the game, gave Georgia a 16-12 lead. The teams hit for one more penalty each for the final 19-15 win for the Lelos.

It was a much improved outing for Canada vs the Oaks on November 16th, and with less than two minutes to go in the game it appeared that a late James Pritchard penalty would hold up for a 20-18 win. But it was the calculated consistency of centre Florin Vlaicu, who went 7 for 7 on the day, that put hopes of Canadian victory to bed, as he hit from 40 metres out with no time left to hand Romania the improbable 21-20 win.

It is very much a statement made by rugby pundits, but on the day Canada played more rugby than the home side, as Tyler Ardron and Harry Jones both crossed the line for tries, while Jones and Pritchard provided further points through to Jones conversions and a penalty and a lone two pointer from Pritchard.

With Romania leading 6-0 in the first half it was sustained Canadian pressure that finally saw Canadian Captain Ardron make amends for his early dismissal the week before in Georgia, sliding under the posts from five metres out. Jones hit the extras and Canada led 7-6, its first lead of the match.

Romania responded with two more penalties before half and an 11-7 buffer at the break.

In the second frame Canada pressure was netting results, keeping the Oaks pinned inside its own half for long passages.

Jones hit for a penalty to cut the gap to two at 11-9.

The Canadian onslaught continued, with Romania absorbing the pressure well, but ten minutes later it was Jones with a well considered running line that put Canada back in the lead 17-12.

Two more Vlaicu penalties saw Romania take a slender 18-17 lead with less than five minutes to go. Cue the kicking heroics as Pritchard, coming on as a replacement slotted an effort from 35 metres out and the 20-18 lead.

Canada just needed to recover the ball and kick it into touch, but instead a penalty at the break down gave Romania its final chance with no time left on the clock. Vlaicu made no mistake and proved why they are one of Europe’s most improved teams going undefeated to that point in 2013 with an 8-0-1 record.

Canada 14 Georgia 19 Canada 20 Romania 21

Scoring Canada Penalties: Underwood (x3), Jones (x2)

Georgia Try: Tedore zibzibadze Conversion: Merab Kvirikashvili Penalty: Merab Kvirikashvili (x4)

Scoring Canada Try: Ardron, Jones Conversion: Jones 2 Penalty: Jones, Pritchard

Romania Penalty: Vlaicu 7

GAME 3

Canada 52 Portugal 8

Canada closed out their November European Tour in a big way with a 52–8 rout of Portugal in Lisbon on Saturday.

Canada was led by fullback James Pritchard who played the role of hero on Saturday, making 7 of the 9 kicks he attempted throughout the game while scoring two tries to lead both teams with 27 points on the day.

From the opening kickoff, Canada dictated the pace of play. After 10 minutes of battling, the persistence paid off as Ciaran Hearn broke through Portugal’s line, easily scoring Canada’s first try of the game just over 10 minutes into the game.

Almost exactly 10 minutes later, Canada’s leading international points record holder, Pritchard got in on the fun as he chipped the ball downfield before picking up his own ball, carrying it unopposed into the try zone.

After Pritchard added six more points for Canada via two penalty kicks, Portugal responded in kind with their first points of the game coming from fullback Pedro Leal.

With the half in its closing moments, Canada struck again with Pritchard claiming his second try of the game. After dishing the ball to Taylor Paris out of the ruck, the speedy winger did all the legwork, carrying the ball downfield before dishing it off to Pritchard at the last possible moment.

Despite missing the following conversion, Canada headed into the halftime break with a 25-3 lead.

Following an early second half penalty kick from Pritchard, Paris was feeling generous again.

After breaking through the line, he dished the ball off to an open Nick Blevins who carried it the rest of the way to the try zone.

The substitution of Connor Braid early in the second half paid off as Kieran Crowley had hoped it would.

Braid made an immediate impact as he got in on the giving spirit, dishing the ball to Hearn who scored his second try of the game off the feed from Trainor.

Braid then got in on the action himself as the Victoria, B.C. native ran right through the Portgual defence en route to Canada’s sixth try of the game.

Braid then used his foot, showing it was better to give than to receive as he chipped the ball to a wideopen Paris on the wing. The Barrie, Ont. native took care of the rest, tacking on Canada’s seventh try of the game.

A late try from Portugal’s outside-centre Pedro Bettencourt would give Portugese fans something to cheer about but it was not enough as Canada claimed the 52-8 victory just moments later.

Scoring Canada Tries: Hearn 2, Pritchard 2, Blevins, Braid, Paris Conversions: Pritchard 4 Penalty: Pritchard 3

Portugal Tries: Bettencourt Penalty: Leal 15

16

advertiseMent

postMatch

aMericas ruGby chaMpionship

presented by

arGenTina TakeS ToP SPoT

By Doug croSSE photoS By LornE coLLicutt

h

osting the Americas Rugby Championship for the second straight year, Langford, British Columbia, home to the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence, did another stellar job in introducing new fans to the sport in 2013.

With three double header nights and a newly expanded facility at Westhills Stadium, the table was set for some tasty match-ups this past October.

The opening night saw victories for 2012 finalists Argentina and Canada, though a much improved Uruguay showed that no contest against Los Teros would be an easy outing in 2013.

On a cold Tuesday night nearly 3,000 fans packed in to see rivals night play out. Uruguay had no answers for a clinical Argentina, while the USA took the lead against Canada and never relinquished it, notching its first ARC victory since a 20-15 win over Tonga in 2010.

As a result of the Jaguars two big victories, the Cup was already in Argentine possession, but it was still all to play for on finals day, as 2nd place through 4th was still to be decided.

The USA continued to show its mettle, making it two wins in a row with a 20-8 decision over Uruguay, locking up a best ever 2nd place finish.

The form book would have suggested that Argentina would run away with the game against Canada, but that is why they play the games. The final match was an intense affair with Canada trailing 17-7 headed into half time.

In the 66th minute Conor Trainor did what he has done best over the years, anticipating long passes from the opposition. He made no mistake stepping into an Argentinean cut-out offering, and taking it the other way under the posts to pull Canada within a penalty at 17-14.

Argentina continued to convert penalties against Canada into points however, taking the final score to 23-14 and keeping Argentina as the only holders of the Americas Rugby Championship since the competition’s inception in 2009. debut Joe Dolesau (Burnaby Lake RFC) was impressive in his ARC debut.

1 2 3

aMericas ruGby chaMpionship results oCtoBeR 11, 2013 USA 9 Argentina 27 Canada 17

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Uruguay 10

oCtoBeR 15, 2013 Argentina 34 Uruguay 0 USA 30

4

ready, set...

Canada’s Jamie Mackenzie (Oakville Crusaders) gets ready to put the ball in against the Argentina Jaguars on October 19th.

Canada 10

oCtoBeR 19, 2013 Uruguay 8 USA 20 Argentina 23 Canada 14

croWded A newly expanded Westhills Stadium in Langford was enthusiastically filled with fans every game night.

POSTMATCH

repeat champions The Jaguars kept their ARC record perfect, winning it all yet again in 2013.

hold on!

It was a tight affair between the USA Selects and Uruguay, the Americans winning 20-8.

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POSTMATCH

PRESENTED BY

quick release Phil Mack gets the ball out with the New Zealand Maori in hot pursuit on a cold day in Toronto.

Canada and New Zealand created an atmosphere of excitement

By Chris Perrotte IN TORONTO

photo By JosÉ LaGMAN

The buzz was in the air as the much anticipated match between Canada and New Zealand took place on November 3rd at BMO Field In front of a sold out crowd of 22,566, fans cheered their support as both teams entered the stadium to await the singing of their national anthems.

Ataahua Papa, a native of New Zealand, donned in a black dress, sang beautifully the song of her country (black being the colour of her team’s jersey) “It was great. I was watching all the New Zealanders. They were right in front of me. All singing along and they were just getting right into it. You could feel the energy that was flowing through them. Fantastic,” Papa. “And a great Canadian crowd too.”

That energy carried over when 2nd lieutenant Scottie Newlands began to sing the Canadian national anthem.

The crowd became electric as they sang along with Newlands and roared enthusiastically their approval of the rendition performed even before the last note of the song was completed.

A cold November day (5 degrees) couldn’t stop the momentum of the excitement and energy in the stadium. The Red nation faithful came from near and far and bought their tickets months in advance to see the New Zealand Maori All Blacks face their Canadian squad. For fans like Patrice De Broucker and his son Gatien it was well worth it be a part the event.

“Oh ya, definitely! Bought our tickets in early July,” said De Broucker. “We travelled yesterday from Ottawa and we’re really excited to see the game.”

“We don’t know which team to cheer for,” he said jokingly. As he wore the Canadian jersey and son donned the All Blacks Jersey.

No matter where you looked in the BMO Field Stadium you could almost feel the excitement in the air as fans came out to support either side. This is the atmosphere that people came to be a part of.

“It’s been absolutely what I expected,” said Chad Routliffe who came from Kitchener, Ontario with his friends. “Since I’ve been playing rugby from high school, the excitement for rugby I’ve been able to notice.

“It’s been really amazing seeing how many people love the game as much as I do.”

Craig Cochrane who works as an usher for MLSE could

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also feel the excitement in the air prior to the opening kick-off.

“This is only my first rugby shift and it’s absolutely amazing. Love it,” said Cochrane who has worked during some of the soccer, basketball and hockey games. “I’m a big rugby fan so this is the pinnacle for me!”

Having been able to be a part of those events such as soccer, the question was asked how he would compare the excitement of that event to this special occasion.

“Depending on the crowd. The weather for the soccer this year hasn’t been the best but I still get very passionate about it. But I imagine once kick-off comes it will be epic,” said Cochrane who has been with MLSE for almost a year.

From cultural chant of the All Blacks squad to the opening kick-off, both teams gave it their all. Left it all on the field as they battle for every inch of the pitch. And the crowd loved every moment of it.

Even from the press box, one could almost feel the stadium vibrate as Red Nation stomped their feet shouting “Let’s go Canada!”

Their enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed from either team.

“This crowd was outstanding. It really was,” said Tim Bateman, captain of the Maori All Blacks. “It was loud, it was vocal. Made it really tough for our calls. We muffed up quite a few times because of the crowd. They did well in that sense.”

“Right through the game, there was so much support, so much noise and I think the crowd really enjoyed the game from what I saw. I hope they did. I think both teams played with a lot of vigor to try and use the ball which was great. I hope they were entertained because they definitely us a bit of a lift too.”

For Canada’s Tyler Ardron, one word best described what the support of Red Nation meant for his team.

“Proud, I think is the best word,” said Ardron who played the Lock position. “Rugby is really building in Canada. It’s unreal to have these kind of crowds and hopefully we gave them a game that they’re going to enjoy and they’re going want to come back to.” fan-tastic Rugby fans arrive at BMO field ready to cheer Canada

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Mens sevens

Mens sevens presented by

c

anada’s national senior men’s sevens team kicked off the 2013/14 IRB Sevens series with a Bowl Final appearance at the Gold Coast Sevens in Australia.

The accomplishment proved all the more remarkable because of the young and inexperienced group of players Head Coach Geraint John took with him to Australia.

Relative newcomers Pat Parfrey, Patrick Kay, Mike Fualiefau and Connor Braid made the trip to the Antipodes, while more experienced hands such as Adam Kleeberger and Conor Trainor both returned from prolonged injury absences, as well as Sean White and Mike Scholz bolstered Canada’s fifteens contingent at the Americas Rugby Championship.

In addition, the Sevens program continues to see many of its star players recruited to top European professional clubs, as evidenced by the signings of Jeff Hassler and Tyler Ardron by the Ospreys and Taylor Paris by FC Agen.

Canada’s heart-breaking extra-time defeat to France in the Bowl Final at the Gold Coast event in October saw them finish in 10th position; two ranking spots higher than their overall 12th place finish at the close of last season.

If Coach John and his players are to maintain or improve the team’s placement they will have to consistently win two of their opening three pool matches at the remaining eight tournaments, as they were able to do in Australia.

dubai sevens

nOVembeR 29-30 2012/13 FINISH: LOsT pLaTe finaL - 12 pTs The bulk of the Canadian men’s sevens team had to make the quick transition from a one month assembly with the 15s squad to the rabbit pace of the short game, following the 52-8 win over Portugal on November 23rd.

The opening two games saw a big loss to England 47-7 before a solid effort against Fiji saw Canada fall 26-19.

Against the USA Canada controlled

22

high stepping Harry Jones (Capilano) has done well in both 7s and 15s this season.

from start to finish in a 41-7 demolition of its neighbours to finish 1-2 in Pool C. On Day two Canada defeated Spain to advance to the Bowl semi-final against Portugal but their day would end there 33-24. Canada came away with 5 series points and 12 overall after two rounds, good for 11th spot heading into South Africa.

south aFrica sevens

decembeR 7-8 2012/13 FINISH: LOsT shieLd semi - 1 pT A December trip to South Africa is always a nice way to stay warm in the winter months, and Canada will look to improve on its low finish in the 2012 edition of the African event.

As the South African event comes at the second-half of a long two-tournament road

cAnADiAn 7s fASt fActS touRNAMeNtS: 107th Debut (WSI - Dubai) Played 575 games Won 250 Lost 319 Drawn 6 Points Scored 9683 Conceded 10914 BeSt StReAK: 6 Wins from Feb 7, 2003 to March 29th, 2003 woRSt RuN: 8 Losses from May 27, 2007 to November 30th, 2007 HIGHeSt SCoRe: 78-7 vs Mexico 2006 Los Angeles - Pool D wIDeSt MARGIN: 73-0 vs Paraguay 2002 Santiago - Pool A HeAvIeSt DeFeAt: 0 - 60 vs Fiji 2007 Wellington - Cup Quarter Final

Mens sevens

preview in front of the many fans who will, no doubt, make the trip. As the first part of a two-leg series tour, Geraint John’s side will arrive fresh for their Las Vegas experience; a tournament where they were Plate winners only a year ago. With luck, the Canadian celebrations in “sin” city will be bigger than ever this season.

new zealand sevens

febRUaRY 7-8 2012/13 FINISH:WOn bOWL finaL - 8 pTs Swapping places with the USA Sevens and moving into February is one of the most exciting, colorful and well-attended tournaments on the IRB schedule. Canada were able to claim a Bowl title in Wellington last season, winning tournament points which were hugely valuable in keeping Canada from a relegation fight on the season’s final weekend. When heading into the second-half of a long tour, Canada’s coaches will be able to call upon a pool of talent previously unavailable to them. By 2014 the Canadian Maple Leafs Sevens development program will be in high gear, creating a tier of elite Sevens talent just below that of the national senior side.

Should one of Canada’s starting Sevens stars suffer injury, Canada’s Sevens’ coaches will be able to turn to a stronger field of replacements than ever before.

Japan sevens

maRch 22-23 2012/13 FINISH:WOn shieLd finaL - 3 pTs trip, Canada will have to dig deep if they are to achieve the performances they want. Canada can improve on its previous year’s performance in South Africa by collecting two or more Series points; however, it’s a safe bet that expectations will be much higher in the Canada camp.

the usa sevens

JanUaRY 24-26 2012/13 FINISH: WOn pLaTe finaL - 13 pTs For years, Canadians have flocked to this continent’s biggest rugby party in Las Vegas for the annual USA Sevens. Aside from Canada’s national teams, hundreds of Canadian players also make the trip to compete in tournaments over the course of the weekend. In 2014, the massive party has been moved up the calendar and Canada will be looking to put on a great show

The newest of the IRB’s nine Sevens tournaments also moves forward on the calendar this year, as teams arrive in Tokyo on the 22nd of March.

Last season Canada made the Plate final in Hong Kong, but were only able to manage a meager three Series points in Japan a week later. This season, teams will arrive fresh in Tokyo for the first leg of the road trip. By this stage of the series, the Canadians should have a clear picture of where they rank within the 15 team Series table, and what they need to accomplish in order to crack the table’s top-ten.

honG KonG sevens

maRch 28-30 2012/13 FINISH:LOsT pLaTe finaL - 12 pTs Aside from Las Vegas, this is unquestionably the tour stop at which Canada is likely to feel the most support. The Canadian ex-pat community

WhAT does 2014 hold for The mens sevens AT RWC 7s?

By JEff huLL phoTo By iAn muir

in Hong Kong usually turns out in droves to support Canada’s Sevens team, at one of the most popular stops on the World Series. Last season, fans were treated to a fantastic run by Nathan Hirayama and company, when they collected 12 Series points on their way to a sixth place finish.

Canada will need to produce more performances like that one if they want to fill their trophy case this season. Hong Kong has traditionally been among the very happiest of hunting grounds for this country.

scotland sevens

maY 3-4 2012/13 FINISH:LOsT pLaTe semi - 10 pTs By the time the IRB Sevens World Series stops in Scotland in early May, it will be a dangerous time for a number of countries. Last season, it was Canada’s 7th place finish at the Scotland event, and the 10 Series points that went with it, that secured it a place on the World Sevens Series this season. By contrast, Scotland’s poor finish at that same tournament ensured that they would join Spain and Portugal in the relegation competition in London, the following weekend.

london sevens

maY 10-11 2012/13 FINISH:LOsT bOWL semi - 5pTs By the time Canada arrived at the London Sevens last season, its stated mission had already been accomplished. Geraint John’s side had avoided a relegation fight and had ensured their continued place on the IRB Sevens Series.

Yet, had Canada managed another run to the Plate Finals, something they had already done twice last season, a top-ten finish was still within their reach. Every point is crucial on the IRB Sevens Circuit and Canada will be eager to lift its expectations this season. A topten finish in 2014 would send a message that Canada continues to be a team on the rise, and a legitimate contender for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

by the nuMbers

12

The final ranking that Canada finished in the IRB Sevens World Series in 2013. Canada earned 69 pts.

23

FEATURE PRESENTED BY

coaching intuition Not known as a chatty coach, he has plenty to say when the time is right.

24

kieran crowley

kieran crowley

FEATURE

Kieran Crowley The portrait of a rugby coach

By Eugen Cionga from toronto photos by josé lagman

K

ieran Crowley was named the coach of Canada’s senior men’s team in March 2008. It was a surprise, (a very pleasant one, indeed!) for the Canadian rugby community, because no one really expected the emergence, during the selection process, of a candidate who was the product of the New Zealand rugby system.

No one really expected that the advertising of this rugby coaching position - even if it was for a National team - in a country where hockey was the “king” of all sports, would attract the interest of a former All Black. But indeed, it did!

Moreover, it attracted the interest of a former full back who had played 35 times for the All Blacks, including two World Cups, and who started, in 1994-1995, by cutting his teeth coaching the local team in his native Kaponga, a small town with a population of 200 people; then, he moved up to coach the Taranaki provincial side; later, between 2002 and 2003, he became selector for the All Blacks (“it was a great honour”), under John Mitchell’s reign; and, finally, he led the New Zealand Under-19 team (with the then teenagers and now All Blacks, Sam Whitelock, Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Ben Afeaki) to the IRB World Championship, in Ireland, in 2007!

continued next page >

25

FEATURE

kieran crowley

my uPbringing EStAbLiShED thE vALuES AnD chArActEriSticS i thinK i now bring to coAching. it tAught mE thE vALuE of honESty, hArD worK AnD fLExibiLity.

players respond It is the honesty he has exuded in the locker room that resonates with the players after five years.

26

kIeran Crowley Is a new ZealanDer who knows Very well one of The funDamenTal rules of ThIs BeauTIful game: you are TaCkleD, you are Down, you gEt uP AnD KEEP going forwArD…you ArE tAcKLED, you ArE Down, you gEt uP AnD KEEP going forwArD…

sporting-heroes.com

None of the five members of the Canadian search committee that was tasked, after the 2007 Rugby World Cup, to find the new coach could have ever guaranteed then how successful the appointment would be; none of them could have ever predicted then that the coach coming from Taranaki was the answer to Canada’s National Team needs.

The time that has gone by since has proved that the hiring of Kieran Crowley, as the coach of the Canadian National Team, was one of Rugby Canada’s best ever decisions.

Since his arrival, in March 2008, he is one of the main reasons for the steady progress of the National Team by instilling, slowly and patiently, the spirit and mentality of the New Zealand rugby culture into Canadian rugby.

Canada will not become the New Zealand of the North, but this is not the goal. The goal is to use the fundamentals of the great rugby culture from Aotearoa in order to help create and nurture a Canadian rugby culture.

It has not been an easy task; it is a complex and complicated process because it requires building, rebuilding, adjusting, re-adjusting and strengthening a system, which is still amateur and must adapt to the new realities of professionalism.

When you try to reinforce an existing foundation, you have to carefully inject new cement through the fine gaps and cracks to ensure the solidity of the structure. The task becomes more difficult, when, at the same time, you are trying to build a new structure and integrate the old in the new one.

It is a challenging process; sometimes there are setbacks and the pieces do not properly bond together or new, unexpected cracks appear. All these are evidence of the work in progress and act as a reminder that the structure might still be fragile.

It is not easy to be the coach of a Tier 2 nation in this new era of professionalism.

On one hand, it is rewarding to be part of (re)building structures, having the feeling that you can make a difference and witness a progress in a country where rugby is far from being the most popular sport.

On the other hand, it is also a tedious and frustrating process. Since its very start in August 1995, professionalism has created a huge gap between rugby’s nations, between the powerhouses and the minnows. For a while, during this quick and brutal transition from the amateur era to the professional era, professionalism has, in fact, strengthened the strong and weakened the weak. The situation has improved since 1995, as there is much tighter competition within the Tier 2 teams, and the gap between Tier 1 and Tier 2 nations has started to narrow to a certain extent.

The statistics and the results on the scoreboard have been the common criteria in assessing the performance of both Tier 1 and Tier 2 nations. Meanwhile, the structures, infrastructure, means and tools for each Tier are considerably different. These aspects do not always show the intensity of the human drama occurring, beyond the press conferences, the interviews and media exposure, inthe intimacy of a Tier 2 group… the ups and downs, the moments of doubt, the disappointments, the hopes…the hopes of the coach, the hopes of the players…the hardship and the drops of sweat spilled by the farmer’s work in the fields of the Tier 2 nation’s rugby.

Any coach knows – and Kieran Crowley is no exception - that the statistics and the results on the international scene represent, nowadays, the tough reality of professional rugby. It is only the results and statistics that establish the hierarchies, the fixtures and the standings and, consequently, the financing and the funding, all of which have become the governing factors in this rather pragmatic than” brave new world” of rugby.

Ultimately, the performance of a coach is assessed based on the results of his team. Right or wrong, fair or unfair, this is

kieran crowley

the nature of the coaching profession.

There have been and still are massive challenges in front of a Tier 2 nation’s coach, but Kieran Crowley is a New Zealander who knows very well one of the fundamental rules of this beautiful game: you are tackled, you are down, you get up and keep going forward…you are tackled, you are down, you get up and keep going forward…

Like most of the other coaches of a Tier 2 nation, Kieran Crowley does not have the luxury of welcoming to training camp players that started rugby when they were 4-5 years old, learned well the basics of the game while growing up and then polished their skills through the Academy systems. Neither does he find himself in a position to welcome players who have played week-in and week-out in high level professional competitions - Super 15, Heineken Cup, Top 14 or the Premiership - alongside influential players such as Richie McCaw, Will Genia, Jean de Villiers, Brian O’Driscoll or Thierry Dusautoir. This is not to say that Canada lacks leaders, they do exist, but they might not be recognized as such since they do not play on a regular basis in the limelight of the top competitions.

His players are youngsters, most of whom started playing when they were 13, 14 or 15 years old and are coming to the National Team as simple soldiers to fight in the trenches. These are the situations when the quality of a coach comes into play; when he, the coach, makes the difference by not only being a trainer, but also a teacher.

A good coach, regardless of Tier 1or Tier 2 nations, has to get the best out of his players. Kieran Crowley knows how to instill the motivation, the passion, the drive, the will, the confidence and the dream to make the anonymous soldiers believe that one day they could become generals on the battlefields of the Oval Planet.

There have been and still are massive challenges in front of the native son of the small village of Kaponga and one of them is the cultural aspect, which also has an impact on the development of rugby in Canada.

It is not easy to preach and teach rugby in a continent dominated by four major professional sports, which hold the monopoly of the public interest, as well as of the money invested in sports, in North America: football, baseball, basketball and hockey. Even more so in a country where a young entry level hockey player who makes it to the National Hockey League can earn, in the first four years of his contract, a salary between $850,000 and $1,100,000 per year!

It is not easy to preach and teach rugby in ˝the True North˝ where on the list of the “Ten Great Canadians”, you will find that Wayne Gretzky – The Great One – is number 10 and Don Cherry, the colourful hockey analyst,

FEATURE

His players are youngsters, most of whom started playing when they were 13, 14 or 15 years old and are coming to the National Team as simple soldiers to fight in the trenches.

attention to details His sleeves aren’t rolled up but he is a coach that does the little things to get his team ready.

is number 7, ahead of Sir John MacDonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada!

Also, let’s not forget that in Canada, there are no domestic professional competitions and rugby is a 100% amateur sport.

But Crowley, who grew up on a dairy farm in Taranaki and still remembers the frosty mornings when as a 5 year old he was playing, bare footed, rugby for the local club, has a very clear understanding of the meaning of hard work.

He established a professional environment and together with it, he brought rigour and structure; consistency and coherence; vision and strategy; and the determination to make and implement changes.

In the past, Canada’s National Team was recognized, first and foremost, as a very physical side; when the team played in France, the Canadians

27

FEATURE

kieran crowley

were known as “les bûcherons” (lumberjacks). Canada is still a physical side, but the former All Black fullback put the emphasis on the development of skills, a major requirement for progress in modern rugby.

He has been essential to the building of a more solid foundation, which can now allow the National Team to withstand the pressure of the Tier 2 international level.

By enlarging the pool of players, Kieran Crowley and his staff have brought the necessary depth, which is mandatory in order to meet the physicality and pressure of the professional era. The depth has added a different type of pressure – the pressure of competition - forcing the players to perform, because if they don’t, there is somebody else ready to take their place.

In the first three games of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup, Canada played USA, in Edmonton, Fiji, in Ottawa, and Tonga in Kingston. They won all three matches, but not the victories, which, of course, are very important, are the aspects that I would like to point out. What was interesting to note was the fact that Crowley and his staff were able to change 7 players between the USA and Fiji games and 10 players between the Fiji and Tonga games.

Never before has Canada been able to make 10 changes between two games, at the international level, and win them all! This is one significant achievement for Canadian rugby. It shows that there is a certain depth with respect to the quality of players able to play at this level. And this kind of depth could lead, in the future, to the much sought after consistency required at the test level.

One of the most important tasks for a coach of a Tier 2 nation is to contribute to the overall improvement of a system as a whole and not only to the individual improvement of a

Proud supporter of Rugby Canada

28

6

The number of years that Kieran has been coaching Canada

Kieran’s coaching record

2008 1-4 2009 3-5 2010 4-1 2011 4-2-1 2012 3-2 2013 6-4

player. Obviously, it is important that a player progresses under the guidance of a coach – that is one of a good coach’s main roles – but more important is when the players’ improvement is the result of the improvement of the system as a whole. And this is what Kieran Crowley and his staff are to be commended for: leading and making possible a collective progress and not only an individual progress. His philosophy pertaining to the game truly reflects the simple truth stated, years ago, by the great Sir Fred Allen, the legendary coach of the All Blacks: ˝You don’t build team-play on individualism. It’s the other way round – you build individualism on team play, and that’s a totally different thing˝.

Ethics and values? They were taught long, long time ago, at the other end of the world, on the family’s dairy farm, in Kaponga, the small town on the North Island of New Zealand. “My upbringing established the values and characteristics I think I now bring to coaching. It taught me the value of honesty, hard work and flexibility.”

The honesty, the hard work, the flexibility combined with his deep and solid knowledge of rugby are the attributes that have commanded the respect of his players. And, as it is well known, respect is never a given, it has to be earned; and this is one of the things that Kieran Crowley has fully achieved since becoming the coach of the Canadian National Team.

Not any coach can successfully lead a Tier 2 nation into improvement and progress, as it demands a certain individual with specific qualities. Even the most successful Tier 1coach might not function efficiently in a Tier 2 environment.

Watching Kieran Crowley at the helm of Canada’s National Team makes one feel that he belongs to that rare category of coaches, which generates a rhetorical question: Is he a coach who is teaching rugby or a teacher who is coaching rugby?

VIEW POINT

By IAN KENNEDY

three amigos Dr. Gustavo Zerbino, Ian Kennedy and Dr. Roberta Canessa, 2002 in Montevideo.

The most memorable I have met and interviewed many of rugby’s greatest

S

omeone recently asked me: “Kennedy, in all your twelve years traveling the world as Rugby Canada’s Press Officer and covering scores of international matches and three Rugby World Cups, what memory sticks out the most?” Without hesitation, though I have met and interviewed many of rugby’s greatest international ranging from the incomparable Gareth Edwards, to Sir Brian Lochore, to John Eales, to Phillipe Sella, to Bobby Skinstad, to Martin Johnston, to the late Gordon Brown, to the legendary Willie John McBride, I offer that meeting two noninternational players, Drs. Roberto Canessa and Gustavo Zerbino, in Montevideo in 2002 ranks as the most memorable of all of these encounters.

In 2002 Canada had to play home-andaway fixtures against the USA, Chile and Uruguay in order to qualify for the RWC in Australia in 2003 and, after beating the USA in Markham 26-9 and 36-13 in Chicago; Uruguay 51-16 in Edmonton and Chile 27-6 in Calgary, the unbeaten Canada squad flew to Montevideo to play Uruguay. After losing to Uruguay 25-23, at perhaps one of the worst international venues Canada has ever played on, and following a night of celebration -- or should that read “commiseration” – the Canadian party was not slated to fly to Santiago, Chile for its final match against the Condors until the late afternoon of Sunday August 25. Canada’s management held a meeting attempting to come up with

Dr. Canessa then took a seat on the hearth in front of the fireplace and for the next fortyfive minutes told us the traumatic tale of how he and sixteen of his teammates survived for 72 days at the 11, 500 foot level in the Andes.

how best to fill in the interval between the time we had to vacate the hotel at 11 am, to when we had to fly to Chile at 6 p.m. In the course of the deliberations someone asked our Uruguayan liaison man if it would be possible to meet some of Andes survivors. A quick phone call and he reported that two of the survivors would meet the Canada group at the Old Christian Clubhouse at 2 p.m.

Few rugby related stories are as poignant, more earnest or inspiring as the story of the Old Christian rugby club’s harrowing tale of death and survival in the Andes in 1972. The gut-wrenching story, told in the book Alive by Piers Paul Read and in Nando Parrado’s Miracle in the Andes is widely know and is even taught in school classes world-wide. The story was later made into a movie –filmed partly in Canada.

So on Sunday afternoon, August 25, 2002 the Canada team bus drove us to the Old Christian clubhouse set the rolling Uruguayan countryside near the airport. As the Canadians wandered into the low onestoreyed, whitewashed, stone clubhouse little evidence of shrines or memorabilia to the events of 1972 manifested themselves.

We later learned that a fire in the clubhouse had destroyed a memorial that had once graced the clubhouse to those who had lost their lives in the Andes.

Drs. Gustavo Zerbino and Roberto Canessa, two of the survivors, soon appeared and made us feel very welcome.

Dr. Canessa then took a seat on the

PRESENTED BY

hearth in front of the fireplace and for the next forty-five minutes told us the traumatic tale of how he and sixteen of his teammates survived for 72 days at the 11, 500 foot level in the Andes.

In October 1972 forty-five Old Christian players and supporters, and the plane’s crew of five, left Montevideo to fly over the 22,000 foot Andes to play in Chile on a rugby tour. The Fairchild F-227 hit the mountains and crashed killing all but thirty-two of its passengers. Canessa and Zerbino, both 19 year-old medical students at the time, tended the injured and when the group’s meager food rations ran out, cut and dried the flesh of their dead comrades so that the survivors could eat. Some of the survivors died of injuries, others later succumbed in a second tragedy when an avalanche rumbled down the side of the mountain smothering the planes’ fuselage where the survivors slept. Eventually Canessa, along with another player, Nando Parrado, chosen because they were fittest, struggled for ten days up and over, and then down, the mountains to Chile to organize rescue for the others. Sixteen survived.

Canessa, who spoke better English than Zerbino, and as a pediatric cardiologist had worked for a time at Sick Kids in Toronto and had also run for President of Uruguay, spared no details of the team’s ordeal high in the Andes. He told us how the survivors, all staunch Roman Catholics, arrived at and resolved, the decision to eat the flesh of their teammates. He talked of how they coped with the 30-below temperatures, sewing sleeping bags and snow boots from material taken from the plane for warmth, and of his and Parrado’s horrendous journey to find help for his companions. He talked about the mental and physical battles they all fought and related them to the decision making we all encounter in our daily lives. He also talked of how the survivors dealt with the flood of media attention that followed their rescue. Despite having told their story many times, everyone could see how affected both men still were as Canessa’s voice broke once or twice, and Zerbino wiped tears from his eyes as his friend told us their story.

Afterwards Canessa and Zerbino, two of the most gracious, poised, humble, courageous and inspiring men I have ever met, answered questions and posed for innumerable photographs with the Canadian team and with individuals players.

It is a very special meeting, one I and I’m sure the others in the Canadian touring party who were there that day, will not soon forget.

29

WOmen’s Fall TOUR

presented by

MovinG

Forwar Women Cap great year with tough tour to France and England. By Doug croSSE

h

ot on the heels of a successful summer campaign that saw the Canadian senior women win the Nations Cup for the first time ever, the prospect of a fall tour to France and England seemed an excellent next step in preparing the team for the 2014 Women’s World Cup. Canada opened its tour in France with a 27-19 loss in Pontarlier.

Bianca Farella scored the first of her two tries on the night in the first half to bring her team just five points adrift at 12-7.

A nice bit of Canadian kicking saw fly-half Ghislaine Landry chip cross field kick over the French wing into the hands of Magali Harvey, who finished the move off under the posts.

Farella’s second try would conclude Canada’s scoring for the night, which coach Francois Ratier described as disappointing.

“We are frustrated because we could have won today. Our start was not great and sometimes we had a lack of connection between each other, but I am 30

not worried about the capacity of this group to fix it and come back stronger on Tuesday against France again in Amneville,” said the first year women’s coach.

His words were prescient as the second match of the tour in ultimately did go Canada’s way, as the women scored a gritty 11-6.

Jackie Tittley hit for a pair of penalties for Canada in the first half to give the visitors a slim 6-3 lead.

Just five minutes into the second half France struck back with a penalty to tie the match at 6-6 and set the table for an epic struggle.

Struggling through muddy conditions neither side could find a way to score until there was almost no time on the clock. Then it was Julianne Zussman, playing on the wing in place of Magali Harvey, who found her footing for a stunning fifty metre run to win the game for Canada. The conversion would not be needed as Canada broke the deadlock for the 11-6 win.

“We never stopped playing, we created a great volume of play and we were rewarded at the end after multiple phases of play,” said Ratier.

Forwards coach Gary Dukelow was pleased with how his charges

WOmen’s Fall TOUR

on tour Tours are great places to find out about a team as you head towards a World Cup.

rd

team effort There is a great mix of veterans and new faces.

Julia Sugawara was a big contributor to the team’s success in 2013.

FALL RESULTS canada 19 France 27 Pontarlier, France tries: Bianca Farella (x2), Magali Harvey Conversions: Adnrea Burk (x2) canada 11 France 6 Amneville, France try: Julianne Zussman Penalties: Jackie Tittley canada 3 enGland 32 london, england Penalty: Jackie Tittley

success The Canadian Women have enjoyed a lot of success in 2013, including winning the Nations Cup in Colorado.

responded after a frustrating previous game.

“We recognized from the first game that we had to win at the breakdown and we focused on that while preparing for this game,” said Dukelow. “To beat the French you must at least match them in the scrum and we dominated.”

The tour wrapped on a cold night in the shadow of rugby’s holy ground Twickenham, with the women playing their English counterparts at The Stoop, home to the Harlequins.

Playing a third game in ten days, the effects were obvious as a fired up England stormed out to a 21-3 half time lead, adding eleven points in the second frame for a 32-3 win.

There were some high points in the

performance as Latoya Blackwood showed her pace with a 50 metre run in the first half, but such was the night, the resulting spilled ball and penalty at the break down saw England skipper Katy Mclean hit for three points.

The England forwards frustrated Canadian possession all night at the set piece and it was perhaps asking too much that Canada defeat England three times on the trot in 2013.

Canada finished the year with a 4-2 record including a pair of inspirational first ever victories over England at the Nations Cup in Colorado, as well as a resounding 53-15 win over South Africa. The second win over England ended up being the winning match of the 2013 Nations Cup. 31

iT’s yoUR CAll

ONLY A FEW ARE CHOSEN

Many young referees aspire to officiate internationally

Sherry Trumbull, a member of the IRB Women’s 7s and 15s Panels, to referee the Rugby Sevens World Cup, the Women’s Six Nations, the Women’s Nations Cup, and several appointments in the Women’s Sevens World Series. Bryan Arciero was appointed to matches in the Wellington and Las Vegas legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series and participated in the Junior World Trophy in Chile.

Just as younG players dreaM of wearing Canada’s colours on the world stage, young referees aspire to officiate internationally. After reaching the level of provincial premiership club games, a small We also had Chris Assmus further percentage of referees are appointed his development with appointments to National Panel. From there, the IRB to the FISU 7s in Russia and selects the most talented individuals the IRB’s Talent Optimization to work in international test rugby.

Programme in South Africa. Karen Over recent years a number Lozada, Derek Stoltz, and Andrew of Canadian officials have been McMaster officiated in the NACRA privileged to receive international 15s Championships, while David appointments. 2013 has been no Smortchevsky gained experience in 1 13-07-31 12:51 exception, RUGBY_Magazine_Adup_Ad_(7-5x4-5)_2013.pdf seeing the IRB call on Japan’s SANIX tournament.

Finally,

By nAthAn AbDELnour Chris Assmus, David Smortchevsky, and Bryan Arciero were also called to Assistant Referee in several internationals.

Rugby Canada’s inaugural Match Official of the Year award – which recognizes the incredible amount of hard work and dedication it requires to achieve international levels of success – was presented to Andrew McMaster, but a hearty congratulations goes out to all of Rugby Canada’s referees!

At the local level we have also seen some great initiatives to develop new referees. Rugby Ontario’s Referee Focus Group (FG), headed by Andrew McMaster, has been identifying young referees with potential for development and providing them with a program to improve all facets of their refereeing.

Recently, 11 members of the FG took part in Ottawa’s National Capital Youth Rugby Festival (NCYRF). Steve MacNeil, President of the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union, had this to say about the involvement of the FG: “The Rugby Ontario Referee PM Focus Group at the NCYRF was a

huge success once again. We feel the festival environment gives a perfect opportunity to develop young or new referees; and while it was a development opportunity we did received many positive comments from coaches, parents and players on the quality of the refereeing.”

Andrew was also very pleased with the progress shown by the FG since their initial camp in April, and also gave us his thoughts on the tournament: “The festival allowed these young referees to focus their development on specific areas of refereeing and law application, including scrum management, positioning and communication, in a positive environment. More importantly, the festival provides the opportunity for them to act as ambassadors for the sport, interacting positively with players, coaches, parents and spectators. This develops a deeper appreciation for the role which referees play and helps strengthen the feeling of camaraderie and teamwork between referees.”

Rugby Canada wishes them all the best as the season continues!

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sPoTlighT

BREAKOUT YEAR FOR BUYDENS

By Doug croSSE

phoTo By JoSÉ LAgmAn

neW territory It was the second busiest year of Hubert Buyden’s Test career, but also included a pro contract in New Zealand.

buyDeNs Fast FaCts

h

e has become the go to player in the canadian front row and earned the respect from teammates and opponents alike as a warrior both in the scrum and with the ball in hand hitting for the hard yards in tight. it is said rugby props come into their own in their 30s and at 31 it appears Buydens is fitting that description exactly.

You can’t coach big. This famous if not anonymous saying in sport does not downplay in anyway the rugby career of Hubert Buydens, because big is not the only thing this Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native brings to the table.

How about smart. He holds a sociology degree from the ≥ If you were grading your self on the

2013 season how do you think it went?

I think it has been a pretty great year. I improved pretty consistently throughout. Playing in New Zealand definitely helped out. I wish I had gotten to play a few more games, but that is the nature of the beast of pro rugby. You can’t get picked every week.

≥ what was the adjustment like going

University of Saskatchewan.

Fit. He routinely plays the whole 80 minutes of a game or if he does come out, it is with a few minutes to spare.

And professional. At one time he considered a career in the Canadian Football League as an offensive lineman, but once those options petered out, he chose rugby and his attitude and preparation rivals that of players in either code, drawing a pay cheque, or in Hubert’s case, when you do it for the love of country.

Hubert Buydens has gone from a solid bench performer in his early days to being the man to anchor Canada’s front row. His rise in form in the dark arts has also netted him a pro-contract in New Zealand with the Manawatu Turbos of the ITM Cup (National Provincial Championship).

We caught up with Hubert after a tough European tour that saw Canada lose close matches to Georgia and Romania followed by a big win over Portugal.

≥ what do you think was the missing piece of the puzzle on the tour?

I think we had a team that was easily good enough to win all those games.

What it came down to is the (home teams) wanted it more. It was their home game and the home fans and I think the hostile environment kind of got to us.

to the Manawatu turbos?

There wasn’t actually too big of an adjustment. The program we run at Rugby Canada is pretty similar to a pro setup. It’s just we don’t get the high quality game at the end of every week. Rugby guys are rugby guys so it was a real easy adjustment.

≥ would you say losing a forward against Georgia didn’t seem to affect things too much?

I think we coped pretty well. Georgia is one of the better scrummaging nations in the world by reputation so I think we did a pretty good job of neutralizing that aspect of the game.

Canada did well against physically larger teams in the Pacific Nations Cup like tonga and Fiji. It must have helped boost the team’s confidence this year?

I think definitely we got our confidence up there but then on this November tour we lost to Romania by a point and Georgia by four. I know those are tough countries to play in but you have to finish those teams off as well.

≥ the brawl that followed the underwood high tackle seemed to be a pivotal moment in that game. would you agree?

It almost reminded me of an old time hockey fight the way that went down.

They needed a boost and they got it there from the fight. They were more interested in fighting then we were and that really showed I think.

≥

presented by

≥ what was the conversation in the locker room following that game?

It came down to how we were going to respond (the following week). I think we responded fairly well against Romania but came up just short with some missed kicks and too many penalties. But it was all about how we were going to respond the next week to that loss. ≥ You got to wear the Captain’s C against Portugal. what was that like?

It was a tremendous honour to Captain your country. I never really expected it.

There are a bunch of guys that could have been in there to Captain including James Pritchard so it was a pleasant surprise and a great honour.

this tour featured a trio of young props in Jake Ilnicki, Ryan March and D’Justice Sears Duru. was it was fun having some young guns around to show the ropes?

I hope they took something out of it.

Marchy didn’t get to play but D’justice got his first cap and Jake got a couple of caps as well.

Age: 31 Height: 191 cm (6’ 2”) Weight: 120 KG (264 lbs) Debut vs England A 2006 won loss Record for Canada: 12 - 9 -1 Most Appearances in a Single Year: 10 games in 2011 - 7 tests and three non tests 2013: Scored his first try

what is in the personal reading library this year?

I’ve been reading a lot of Jack Reacher because they are easy and mindless to read.

It’s a little bit strange just because the stature of the man in the book compared to the reality of Tom Cruise doesn’t quite match up.

Reacher is six-foot-four and 250 lbs and the stature of Tom Cruise doesn’t really match that, but other than that I thought he did a good job.

≥

what are we listening on the iPod ?

I am in the middle of reading Neil Young’s book so I downloaded the album Harvest.

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travel adventures

pristine, untouched and the best fishing period.

Langara fishing lodge

By DOUG CROSSE Photos By paul morrison, robert kwong and robert leon

Sean White and Andrew Tiedemann show veteran form with their ample salmon catches

Langara Island lies just south of Alaska, off the northern tip of Canada’s majestic Haida Gwaii ~ Queen Charlotte Islands. This remote island is the centrepiece to one of the richest marine environments on earth.

Avid anglers and first-timers are equally welcome at Langara. Our expert guides ensure that everyone, regardless of their fishing experience, will enjoy their time on the water. And our island’s many protected bays and inlets offer plenty of shelter from the wind and waves.

One of the great aspects of Langara Lodge co-owner and former Rugby Canada Chairman (and current North American Caribbean Rugby Association VP ) Rick Bourne having such a great facility is his ability to host the players that work so hard on the field.

2013 was no different with a variety of players getting to spend some time at the beautiful lodge and also rub shoulders with the angling mad guests, many of whom also have a passion for rugby.

As Rick notes, while there was the ability to keep the players in top game shape while up at the lodge, the work of getting huge salmon and halibut into the boat was plenty of action for most of them.

“We have a small gym but (the players) did not go near it,” said Bourne with a laugh. “Fighting fish was enough exercise and lots of fun!” before adding, “The guests enjoyed and respected the level of athlete on the visits and it was good public relations for rugby and the Lodge.”

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Arrive in stlye to langara lodge by helicopter

travel adventures

Humpback whales are a common sight dining in style in a remote corner of the world

Ryan Hamilton looks confident that his catch will net him tops for the day

Time to head back and total our catch

Langara Island’s protected waters are welcoming to anglers of all abilities

Come enjoy Canada’s other great test match

Langara.com Proud sponsors of Rugby Canada & home to Canada’s best sport fishing and wildlife adventures.

Print Ad_20130503_RugbyCanada-program.indd 1

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2013-05-03 12:02 PM

CANADIAN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Blues Reig An explosive offence defeated the BC Bears in the championship

By Brock Smith PRESENTED BY

Three-Peat The Ontario Blues were in top form as the took a third straight CRC title with a win over the BC Bears in Lindsay, Ontario on September 14th. John Moonlight shows his aerial abilities in the lineout.

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photos By josĂŠ lagman

gn

CANADIAN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

W

hen the Ontario Blues defeated the Atlantic Rock in St. John’s, Newfoundland on Sept. 21st, the team achieved a feat that was unprecedented in Canadian rugby history: the Blues became the first team in the Canadian Rugby Championship’s five-year existence to complete a perfect season.

As consecutive winners of the MacTier Cup, Ontario began its 2013 CRC season by hosting a plucky Atlantic Rock side that brought the Blues to the brink of defeat; Ontario required a late penalty from team captain Derek Daypuck (London St. George’s RFC) to secure a 27-25 nailbiting victory.

After snapping victory from the jaws of defeat, Ontario would then embark on their annual west coast road trip.

The Blues earned two crucial away wins over the Labour Day Weekend, defeating British Columbia Bears 11-7 and the Prairie Wolf Pack 53-23, and in doing so, proved they would be the team to beat in 2013. Over the two victories on their west coast swing, the Blues began to etch their names in the CRC record book, becoming the first team in competition history to win both ends of the annual national road trip, as well as the first team to score 50 points in an away fixture. Coming home with a 3-0 record, the Blues dethroned the Wolf Pack as CRC leaders, and showed no signs of slowing down.

Sept. 14th marked the most crucial date of the season for the Blues, as the club renewed their bitter rivalry with British Columbia by hosting the Bears in Lindsay, ON. The match had major implications for both sides: the Blues could clinch the MacTier Cup with a win, while British Columbia had a chance remain in the championship hunt with a victory over their hosts.

With the CRC title on the line, Ontario clinched the Canadian Rugby Championship in a dominant fashion, defeating the Bears 50-27 in front of packed stands of over 1,000 fans. Despite holding the Blues to only one try just two weeks earlier, British Columbia could not contain Ontario’s explosive display of offence, allowing the Blues to cross their try line on eight occasions throughout the match.

Having already clinched their third consecutive Canadian Rugby Championship title, the Blues travelled to Newfoundland in late September in search of a perfect season, and would not leave disappointed. The Sept. 21st affair saw Ontario eke out another nervy win over the east coast side, with the Blues requiring another late scoring play – in this case, a last-minute try from Mike Sheppard (Stoney Creek RFC) – in order to ensure the win, and ultimately, a perfect 5-0 record.

“We came to Newfoundland with one goal in mind – to get the perfect season,” said Blues head coach Chris Silverthorn after their victory in St. John’s. “Although it was a very close match, we came back home as the undefeated champions of the CRC, something no other team in CRC

history has ever been able to say.”

On top of their CRC season, the Blues also won exhibition matches against two top USA Rugby Elite Cup club teams during their 2013 campaign: a 38-23 away victory over New York Athletic Club in May, and a 36-20 home win against Life University Running Eagles in August.

Over the course of the 2013 season, forty different players dressed for the Ontario Blues, featuring mix of wily veterans boasting international experience and young up-and-coming players with bright rugby careers ahead of them. The result was a team that wielded scoring options from anywhere on the pitch: the potent combination of a deep and talented roster with a solid system of player rotation saw eighteen different Blues players score points in the 2013 season.

“Throughout the season, we had a lot of banged-up guys who couldn’t feature in every match, but having the option of using forty skilled players showed just how talented our roster could be on any given matchday,” said Blues manager Mark Winokur, “Everyone stepped up like we knew they could, and we showed why Ontario has the best rugby program in the country.”

Five members of Canada’s National Men’s Team – Ray Barkwill (Niagara Wasps RFC), Tom Dolezel (London St. George’s RFC), John Moonlight (Ajax Wanderers RFC), Liam Underwood (Balmy Beach RFC), and Doug Wooldridge (Lindsay RFC) – suited up for Ontario throughout the season, providing the Blues with hardnosed international experience.

With Ontario’s coaching staff having numerous young talented rugby players at their disposal, several Ontarians received their first senior provincial caps in 2013. Canadian U20 standouts Djustice Sears-Duru (Oakville Crusaders RFC), Lucas Hammond (Toronto Nomads RFC), Matt Mullins (Belleville Bulldogs RFC), and Jake Webster (Lindsay RFC) all got their first taste of CRC action, along with Blues U19 graduate Kainoa Lloyd (Mississauga Blues RFC).

The CRC served as a very effective platform to showcase provincial talent, as shortly after the season concluded, seven members of the MacTier Cup-winning Blues were named to Canada’s roster at October’s Americas Rugby Championship in Langford, BC: Barkwill, Alistair Clark (Bay Street RFC), Jamie Mackenzie (Oakville Crusaders RFC), Hank McQueen (Balmy Beach RFC), Mike Scholz (Oakville Crusaders RFC), and Jordan Wilson-Ross (Barrie RFC).

“The CRC provides athletes across this country with a great opportunity to show their abilities at the national stage,” said Winokur. “The 2013 Blues team has set the benchmark as the strongest provincial program that Ontario, and Canada, has produced, and we are looking forward to building on this program next year.”

FINAL STANDINGS 2013 Canadian Rugby Championship Standings

1

Ontario Blues 5-0, 23 pts (3 BPs)

2

BC Bears 2-3, 12 pts (4 BPs)

3

Prairie Wolf Pack 2-3, 10 pts (2 BPs)

4

Atlantic Rock 1-4, 6 pts (2 BPs) 37

VINTAGE CREWNECK SWEATER HARRY JONES

SCRIPT FULL ZIP HOODED SWEATER

LADIES BURNOUT V NECK JULIA GREENSHIELDS

MIKE SCHOLZ

KIWI WINTER JACKET 38

SEAN DUKE

CLASSIC T SHIRT JEFF HASSLER

CLASSIC LEAF HOODED MIKE SCHOLZ

VINTAGE T SHIRT NANYAK DALA

NATIONAL 1/4 ZIP HARRY JONES

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ThE VAUlT

inDuctED into bc SPortS hALL of fAmE

By AnDrEw Smith phoTos from rugby cAnADA ArchivES presented by

vertical leap Hindson at 6’ 5” gave him an advantage in the line-outs

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ThE VAUlT

T

he Vancouver Convention Centre recently hosted the 2013 BC Sports Hall of Fame ‘Banquet of Champions’, honouring the achievements of the province’s great athletes, builders and teams. Of the 11 induction ceremonies that took place on the evening, none were able to match the crowd’s enthusiasm for rugby player Robert ‘Ro’ Hindson.

With the banquet hall nearly one-third jammed with rugby supporters, the induction received a rapturous standing ovation as towering 6-foot-5 Ro Hindson of Naramata, BC, received his official scroll.

The imposing figure that once terrorized his opponents with his speed and grit on the rugby pitch struggled to express his gratitude and through faint tears thanked those that had helped him along the way. His achievements of a then-record 31 international caps over an 18-year international career spoke for themselves and the crowd responded in kind, once again raising to their feet in applause.

Hindson was joining an elite class of the province’s sporting community as only the 10th member from rugby to join the Hall and just the fifth rugby player. A previous inductee and former teammate of Ro’s was in the audience that evening and was proud to see him earning the recognition.

“He never blows his own horn and is a very humble guy,” said Spence McTavish, induction class of 2010 and now the Director of Rugby at the University of British Columbia where the two first played alongside each other. “It’s great that he finally got recognized with the induction for his achievements.

For a big man he is one of the most athletic guys I have ever seen. You don’t see big guys that agile very often.”

An imposing figure in the lineouts, Hindsonkept pace with the backs and was able to boom conversions with his token toe-punt. Hindson was a rare find for national team coaches and most would be surprised to hear he also excelled at the 7-a-side version of the game and was often called upon to kick drop goals and conversions. His athletic prowess could have been put to use in any sport, according to McTavish and rugby was fortunate to have him.

“He probably could have made the national team in any sport that he chose,” McTavish added. “The guy could jump off a diving board and make the perfect splash. He was great at rowing, hand-gliding andeven used to go ice-sailing, one of the most dangerous sports in the world.”

ro hindson

The guy (ro) CoulD Jump off a DIVIng BoarD anD make The perfeCT splash. hE wAS grEAt At rowing, hAnD-gLiDing AnD EvEn uSED to go icE-SAiLing, onE of thE moSt DAngErouS SPortS in thE worLD. SPENCE McTAVISH

international honours

Born in Durban, South Africa, Hindson firstplayed rugby at age 11 in Australia. He went on to excel in rugby and rowing at the prestigious Brentwood College on Vancouver Island before attending postsecondary at both UVic and later UBC. His family was based in Naramata where Ro later built his family home and vineyard business.

By the 1972-73 season, Hindson was regularly playing rep rugby in BC and went on to feature for both the BC provincial and Canadian national teams.

Fellow inductee and long-time friend Hans de Goede (induction class of 2007) played all of his 24 caps alongside Hindson in the second row. Hindson always preferred the number four jersey with de Goede suiting up at five.

“They were the one-two punch in the back row for most of the time I was playing,” McTavish added, who also played club rugby alongside Hindson with the UBC Old Boy Ravens in Vancouver. “They both started playing with the national team together and played in some top level games.”

The pair played alongside each other in the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup and their work in the engine room exhausted opponents and drove back quality international

sides including Wales and Ireland.

“Ro had a fantastic lineout ability and a vertical jump that volleyball players would have died for,” de Geode added. “He was very fast for a big man and was in the engine room in the scrums that pushed around some of the greatest teams in the World.”

Prior to his World Cup achievements, Hindson was well known in the international community. His frock of hair was distinguishable from across the field and his all-round abilities caught the eyes of international selectors.

In 1974 Hindson was selected to play for the Irish Wolfhounds in two matches as part of the celebrations for the Irish Rugby Football Union’s centenary year.

Few Canadians had ever been recognized at that level previously. 13 years later, Hindson was selected to play for the South Pacific Barbarians on a tour of South Africa.

on tour

Suiting up for both the 15s and 7s national teams had its perks and Hindson’s passport had its fair share of stamps.

While rugby was always the main priority, team mates enjoyed Hindson’s company on tour.

Although he was often a quiet player off the field, he had a sense of humour and curiosity about him. De Goede still remembers a tour of Japan with the national team where Hindson lept off a bridge mid-way through a tour of a historic monument, diving into the moat and sending the tour guide into a frenzy.

In Hong Kong with the sevens team, McTavish remembers Hindson and one of his team mates scaling the Bank of Hong Kong building, the city’s highest structure at the time while it was under construction.

“They somehow made it to the top climbing the scaffolding and were able to watch the sunrise,” McTavish said with a laugh.

De Goede also had several trips with Hindson as the two were often roommates on international tours.

On tour in South Africa, the pair once cabbed through Bloemfontein to investigate a rail yard once they discovered the city still operated a number of steam engines.

“We both enjoyed wandering whenever we were on tour,” de Geode added. “Ro said he thought he saw a steam engine in the distance so we took a cab and along the way were told that there wasn’t much oil in the area and just coal. We took a taxi where you could see all the old locomotives. We always enjoyed those parts of the trips.”

a lasting legacy

top photo Hindson’s physical style was something to behold bottom photo Hindson serves up some dessert to teammate Spence McTavish.

In August of 2011, Hindson was inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame in aceremony in Kelowna. Still based in Naramata, Hindson has left a lasting legacy in the Okanagan region.

This past October, four university sides came together to contest for the third annual ‘Ro Hindson Cup,’ a 15-a-side competition featuring teams from the Prairies and British Columbia. The tournament hosts UBCO Heat took the title for the second time in three years and tournament coordinator Rob O’Brien spoke of the importance of lifting a trophy bearing the name of one of the Okanagan’s greats.

“Ro is arguably one of the best tight five players this country has ever produced,” O’Brien said. “He is an inspiration to young players from more remote regions who aspire to make it to the next level of the sport.”

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the pros GaMe-tyinG try in the Final Minutes oF canada’s historic victory over wales in cardiFF in 1993

Four ruGby world cup appearances

canadian player oF the year in 2001 and 2003

played For the FaMous british barbarians side on Five occasions

First cap in 1990 in an all-iMportant 1991 world cup QualiFier

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how do yoU MEAsURE UP? compare your hand against canada’s legend Al charron.

This photo is actual size.

BY The nUmBers Al chArron

height: 6’ 5“ Weight: 270 lbs postion: Flanker/Lock years played: 13 years scoring: 9 tries 76 Caps for Canada

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Support your rugby community

20 Years After Canada’s Biggest Try How Canada beat Wales

N

By AL CHARRON

ovember 10th 1993, Cardiff, Wales pretty wide open as the Welsh had overcommitted versus Canada at the National Ground to the breakdown.

Cardiff Arms Park, 7:30 pm kick off-- Stuart passed off to me and all I had to do was and I was there! Fortunate and proud touch it down. It was a great moment and I am to be on the field as a member of the forever linked with this try but the truth of the Canadian team but if I and a good many of my matter is that it was in every sense of the word teammates had a dollar for every time we heard a real team try and executed to perfection with from someone claiming to have also been there on everyone on the field having a role in seeing it the night- well we would have quite a come to it’s victorious conclusion. few shekels in our pockets!

Any oaf could have caught It was a As it was there was but 27,000 the ball and fallen over the line like I pressure rugby fans at the rugby holy ground did but I was proud to have been the kick, with the instead of the ‘millions’ who claimed one who turned the Welsh player to have been there but in truth felt in the tackle that led to us having difference like they were there! possession of the ball. But sport being a Wales were not firing on all tends to celebrate the scorer when fabulous cylinders heading into the match in reality it should celebrate all those famous win but nor were they short of stars who very much had a hand in a try or a well done that created a famous Canadian on the day with the likes of Scott Gibbs, Ieuan Evans, Neil Jenkins and effort with a victory. debutant Scott Quinnell in the line The funny part was that I 24-24 tie. up. thought the try put us ahead for the Canada was not in fact at full win and if you look at the video of force and certainly deprived due to the try as I am jogging back past the injuries and unavailability of many Irish referee Owen Doyle after the of our regular starters as well as try and I overhear him being asked some players playing out of position how much time was left by one of for instance Scott Stewart and Ron my teammates and he say that it was Toews on the wings. That said many full time. And I raise up my arms up of the players who filled in, stepped knowing we had won....but in truth up big time and many would go on to cement their we had not yet because the game was actually tied, places on the team . so Gareth’s conversion was to be the difference. It While it was not a the best played game, was a pressure kick, with the difference being a certainly the final moments more than made up fabulous famous win or a well done effort with a for it from a Canadian perspective.

On the strength of a then record tying eight penalty goals from Neil Jenkins, we were still in proud moment Al Charron thought the game the game late, trailing 24-19. was won, but Gareth Rees In the final stages we won the ball back in the had to hit a conversion for the tackle and Colin Mackenzie our fine #8 made a 26-24 win. great break up the field supported by Toews , Stewart and John Hutchinson. We made inroads into the Welsh 22 and all Welsh hands were on deck by then to scramble back to preserve the win.

We won the ball back and Steve Gray did a fabulous job of keeping the drive alive by flipping a reverse pass from a dangerously bouncing ball near the touchline. Quick hands then by Chris Tynan, followed by Gareth Rees found the ball in Ian Gordon’s hands and his key miss pass to Ian Stuart our captain spread the field which frankly was

24-24 tie. It was not a tough one for a kicker with the world class status of Gareth and if I had owned a house at the time I would have bet it on him making it. Of course he did!

Prior to the game, all I was looking forward to was heading to bed, as I was not feeling 100 per cent. Once the conversion went through, all plans of a warm pillow went out the window!

Column space prevents me from all details but it was glorious night that carried into the wee hours of the morning. Our early morning bus pick up saw many of us still singing and rejoicing in the lobby of our hotel, with a piano that we had somehow transported from a higher floor to the lobby. The celebrations continued at 40,000 feet over the Atlantic.

We ‘awoke’ to newspaper headlines in the UK, Canada and around the world on Thursday that screamed headlines stemming from match, but the one that sticks out in my mind and many others came from the Western Mail ‘Sad Wales in night of Woe’.

A little bit of humorous brevity on the 1993 match as often is the case with rugby and is illustrated by what John Billingsley the ex Canadian international and past COO of Rugby Canada recalled from a conversation that he had at the time with Edward Jones the secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union as they walked together in the corridor of the Arms Park after our Canadian historic victory. ‘You know John this is a sad day for Welsh rugby but if there was a silver lining in the loss tonight ........it was that at least it wasn’t to England!”

I certainly have great memories from the game, with lasting bonds to this day with all involved in the touring party. At the 1991 Rugby World Cup, the media reported it was a coming out party for Canadian rugby to the world so I guess the Wales victory was our way of saying the party was still on as France would come to learn the following year in Ottawa!

Great memories from a historic upset win. To hopefully produce similar results in this day and age, requires support from members of the rugby community.

Please contact Al at acharron@rugbycanada.ca or 613 986 2994 to discuss how you can help today’s players be the best they can be when playing for Canada.

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Rugby Canada

fundraising

FUndRAising

support your rugby Community

new traininG Facility will have corporate GivinG as part oF structure Rugby Canada and the City of Langford are excited and proud to be breaking ground on a new High Performance Facility at the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence and Westhills Stadium in Langford, BC. A corporate giving campaign is also in the works that will help support the construction of this important addition to the Langford training facility. A program where companies and individual donors alike can buy bricks that will be incorporated into the construction of the building, will be revealed in early 2014!

HIGH PeRFoRMANCe FACIlItY to INCluDe: 1. High performance gym for training and testing 2. Medical facility 3. Video analysis suite 4. Players lounge/cafeteria and kitchen 5. Players study lounge

DINNER

nominAtionS nominations are now open in the following categories: hall of fame

• Athlete • Builder (Including but not limited to Referee, Coach, Team Manager, Volunteer and Administrator) • Pioneer (Individual or Team) • Media • Team

annual awards • • • • •

Player of the Year Young Player of the Year Coach of the Year Match Official of the Year Volunteer of the Year

Visit awards.rugbycanada.ca

6.

7.

8.

9.

Professional locker rooms Hydro therapy suite Additional office space for our HP Support Staff Six residential apartment units to support short terms athlete accommodations needs 10. Additional storage for equipment

npsp raises over $110,000 The National Player Support Program is excited to have some great supporters come on board in 2013. Their donations will help provide players with things like medical support, nutritional support, video analysis, education & career guidance, and other things like sending extra players on tours.

2013 NPSP Ambassadors: Murray Bryant Ottawa Irish Brian Burke Rugby Old Boys Al Charron Pat Parfrey Shane Duff Tim Powers Rob Forbrigger Kevin Reed Marcus Gillam Shop.CA John Jerome Ross Waters Tim Lorimer Bill Webb 10.1 Inc. Stephanie White Become an Ambassador or make a donation today. Contact Al Charron at acharron@rugbycanada.ca or 613-986-2994.

donate aeroplan Miles today!

Are you a frequent traveller collecting Aeroplan Mikes? Or are you the occasional traveler that has some miles but not enough saved for a full flight? If either of these applies, you can turn your miles into opportunities for players through Rugby Canada’s 2013 Aeroplan Charitable Pooling Program Campaign.

The 2013 Aeroplan Campaign will run for the month of December, giving you the opportunity to support our players and organization with your Aeroplan Miles donation. Over the last three years we have collected 2,348,611 miles – our goal for 2013 is 1,000,000 miles. We’re also excited that Aeroplan has moved the donation process online – a quick and easy method so it will take less than 60 seconds to donate!

A rED nAtion in hong Kong

The biggest tournament of the year on the rugby 7s circuit is Hong Kong, which is also the biggest sporting event in Hong Kong. It is so popular that devoted fans must enter a lottery for the opportunity to buy a ticket.

Various national teams host parties around town, and taking into account that over 300,000 Canadian passport holders live in Hong Kong, the Canadian fan base is impressive. In fact, two Canadian expats, John Woodward and Randy Heward, were so passionate about supporting the Canadian 7s team, they founded the Canadian Rugby 7s fund in 2005 and began hosting the annual “Great Canadian Luncheon”.

Last year the fund raised an impressive $208,375.

The goal is to have a $1-million endowment fund by 2015 and so far $350,000 has been raised. “Now it’s not just about the Hong Kong 7s, which is what we started it out to be, we’re looking towards the Olympics,” said Heward.

To join the Great Canadian luncheon and the 2014 HK 7s, please go to www.canada7sfund. com or email the fund’s Executive Director, Stephanie Crozier at info@canada7sfund. Follow on Twitter: @CanRugby7 Like our Facebook Page: Canadian7sfund

Access to these miles has allowed us to bring in talented and skilled professionals to work with the teams, including Neil Barnes from New Zealand.

Men’s Team Manager, Gareth Rees, noted that “having Aeroplan Mikes available to our team allowed us to bring in Neil Barnes from Taranaki in New Zealand to work to prepare our national athletes. New Zealand rugby is leading the world at the moment. These flights are imperative for our Canadian player to benefit from the relationships and expertise we are growing down there.”

Miles have also been used to send players overseas for special training, sending extra players on tours and unique opportunities like flying in consultants to help improve programs and operations. Help us to continue providing these services – donate your Aeroplan Miles online today at beyondmiles.aeroplan.com and search for the Canadian Rugby Unions donation site.

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views of RUGBY IN CANADA

STEVE LANCASTER Director, High Performance Rugby Canada

Good things are happening We must continue moving forward

W

hat a year it has been for Canadian rugby teams. Our women’s sevens finished second at the RWC7s in Moscow and our men were winners of the Plate at that event, their best ever RWC7s result. Our senior men’s 15s finished second in the Pacific Nations Cup and then qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup by beating USA twice in the home and away qualifiers in July. The senior women won the Nations Cup and their U20 counterparts were undefeated U20 Nations Cup champions.

Canada’s U20 men were also finalists at the Junior World Rugby Trophy in May. Our high performance function is also going from strength to strength due in large part to Own The Podium’s recognition of our sevens teams’ potential to win Olympic medals, and the resulting financial support Rugby Canada receives. The past year has seen the addition of strength and conditioning personnel, therapists, nutritionists, performance analysts, mental skills support and the introduction of sophisticated technology such as GPS, player tracking databases, recovery and rehabilitation equipment, etc to support our teams’ pursuit of success.

The Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence (COE) in Langford, BC has not only provided our national teams with somewhere to prepare for competition, but has also brought all of our key rugby coaching, management and team support staff together along with key staff responsible for functions such as coach and referee development. The COE has also created a camaraderie between players from all teams, helping to build Rugby Canada’s As One culture.

Personally I am really excited about the recent announcement of a new high performance centre to be built at the COE which will further assist Rugby Canada’s progression towards improved international competitiveness on the world stage. The new facility will compliment existing administrative and training facilities and enable our athletes and teams to prepare in an environment comparable to what professional rugby players in established rugby markets enjoy. It will include a 6000 sqft weight

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training and gym area, medical clinic, dedicated So there player locker rooms, is a lot to be hydrotherapy area, proud of in performance analysis Canadian Rugby suite, recovery room, team meeting rooms, at present, but kitchen and dining it would be area plus temporary a mistake to accommodation.

I be satisfied believe this facility will actually provide a with our competitive point of efforts. difference for our teams in their preparation for key international events.

So there is a lot to be proud of in Canadian Rugby at present, but it would be a mistake to be satisfied with our efforts. Our competitors are all planning and investing in their international competitiveness, just as Rugby Canada is and if we stop moving forward we will very quickly slide backwards.

Sevens has certainly garnered increased attention in recent times, and that is a good thing, however Rugby Canada’s strong focus on both fifteens and sevens is essential. Players in

making it happen Players like Conor Trainer have grown in both Sevens and Fifteens in recent years.

this country often come to the game later than in other leading nations, and even those that start at a young age will play less rugby over the course of their career due to limited domestic competition structures. Meaningful domestic competitions plus selective use of overseas competitions and rugby environments for the development of our players is essential to our continued improvement.

Recent analysis by Rugby Canada demonstrates that our national team representatives play significantly less minutes of rugby, across both sevens and fifteens, in the course of a year than equivalent players from our leading competitors. And over a playing career this amounts to thousands of minutes less playing time spent developing the vital abilities to function at the highest level under pressure and when it counts most.

With the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence we now have the ability to physically develop great athletes with good rugby skills.

In order to compete with the world’s best we have to develop world-class rugby players, not just world-class athletes. That will be achieved by ensuring our world-class facilities are complimented by access to the best possible coaching and learning resources available. We must also, ensure our players have as many playing and training opportunities as possible through strong and competitive domestic competitions and targeted overseas playing and development activities. As players advance through the ranks these activities need to be increasingly purposeful, mindful and structured.

It’s a great time to be involved in Canadian Rugby. Good things are happening. The future is bright. And I’m excited to be a part of it.

Ian Muir

The Last Word

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liFEsTylE

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