We are pleased to announce the following winners of the Thomas Family Awards and the George Jones Awards. These two Foundation Awards are managed by the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s Awards Committee, chaired by Hans de Goede. Assisting each of these award winners with their post-secondary education, while they continue to build their rugby careers is an important focus of the Foundation’s objectives. More information on each award, and their application process are posted here.
2025 THOMAS FAMILY AWARDS
The Canadian Rugby Foundation has a number of awards which have been named after deserving people in the rugby community who have made significant contributions to our game. There is no family more deserving of this honour than the Thomas family. Their contributions to Canadian Rugby have been more significant than any other in the past. The Thomas Family’s initial pledge has also encouraged others to give back to the sport they love.
The Thomas family originates from Morriston, a small town in Wales. As a young engineer, Mr. Thomas decided to emigrate to Canada. He is, and always has been, very passionate about rugby. It is for this reason that the family decided to make this significant pledge to support the Foundation as a way of saying thank you to a country and sport that has given so much joy to the entire family. As a way of thanking the Thomas family for their extreme generosity to the Foundation and all of the various rugby projects they have supported over the years, the Foundation presents the Thomas Family Scholarship to be distributed annually to one or Canadian student playing the great game of rugby.
Lanae Davenport – University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia • Abbotsford RFC / BC Bears
Lanae Davenport, from Abbotsford, BC, has emerged as one of the province’s most promising young rugby athletes. Growing through Abbotsford RFC and BC Bears age-grade programs, she has excelled in both 7s and 15s while consistently pushing her technical and physical development. Now a student at the University of British Columbia, Lanae has earned a place on the UBC Thunderbirds varsity rugby team, where her coaches highlight her work ethic, competitive edge, and rapid progression at the USPORTS level.
Beyond her on-field achievements, Lanae is known for her impactful community involvement, especially her work coaching multi-sport and rugby camps for children aged 6–12. Her ability to motivate young athletes, foster confidence, and create inclusive environments reflects her leadership and character. With goals that include joining the U20 Canada travel team and ultimately competing for Team Canada at the Olympics, Lanae exemplifies the ambition and dedication recognized by the Thomas Family Scholarship.
Lucas Deguara – University of Guelph
Toronto, Ontario • Toronto Nomads RFC
Toronto’s Lucas Deguara is a driven student-athlete with a deep commitment to rugby and a clear vision for his future. A proud member of the Toronto Nomads RFC, Lucas has grown within the club system and plans to remain involved through coaching and volunteering whenever he returns home from university. His leadership, strong character, and team-first mentality have earned him admiration throughout his rugby community.
Lucas is beginning his studies in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph, with the goal of completing veterinary school and becoming a veterinarian. Passionate about animal welfare, he is committed to excelling academically while continuing to participate in rugby through university intramurals and ongoing contributions to the Nomads. His dedication to sport, science, and community service embodies the values of the Thomas Family Award.
Thomas Salverda – Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Calgary, Alberta • SAIT Trojans
A lifelong rugby player from Calgary, Alberta, Thomas Salverda has been immersed in the sport since the age of six, rising through provincial and rep teams while building a reputation for hard work, humility, and leadership. Now a key member of the SAIT Trojans men’s program, Thomas is recognized by his coaches for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to elevate the players around him. His selection for provincial and rep teams highlights his commitment to reaching the highest possible level in the sport.
Thomas is pursuing Cabinetmaking at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where he aims to become a master craftsman and eventually operate his own business. His passion for rugby remains central—he intends to keep competing at the highest level available and contribute positively to the rugby community for years to come.
2025 GEORGE JONES AWARDS
George Jones Q.C. was well-known in both athletic and legal circles. His resume was lengthy and legendary and included appearances and successes at virtually every court level, fundraising, coaching, refereeing in many sports and at many levels.
George was born in Victoria. His father was an admiral and knew the value of discipline and hence George was sent to Brentwood College School at that time located in Mill Bay, he spent 1 year at Brentwood, the rest at Lakefield in Ontario.
From there George attended law school at UBC and married early and had 5 children. Graduation was achieved and a short career with Revenue Canada followed. Either or both Revenue Canada or George came to their senses and George then spent the next 50 years defending individuals in Tax Court and bailing out rugby players from various situations and occasionally and sporadically billing clients strictly on Robin Hood principles. Two more children followed together with countless loyal and loving friends. George’s roast in 2012 was attended by 300 people at the Empress and raised 50,000 for the George Jones scholarship.
One of George’s most ardent passions was for the sport of rugby and he was a co-founder and the first director of the Canadian Rugby Foundation.
Haitham Alhariri – Pacific Rim Aviation Academy
Port Coquitlam, British Columbia • Riverside Secondary / United Rugby Club / Fraser Valley West
Haitham Alhariri brings extraordinary resilience, courage, and heart to the rugby community. Originally from Syria, Haitham and his family fled the civil war and rebuilt their lives in Canada, an experience that deeply shaped his leadership and compassion. On the rugby field, Haitham has emerged as a powerful player and mentor, serving as team captain for Riverside Rugby and coaching younger athletes with the United Rugby Club. His accomplishments include the Kindness and Bravery Award, induction into the Port Coquitlam Hall of Fame, All-Star recognition, and a provincial bronze medal with Fraser Valley West.
Haitham’s determination extends beyond athletics. Currently training toward his Private Pilot License through Pacific Rim Aviation Academy, he aspires to become a professional pilot while continuing to support and inspire those around him. His story reflects the transformative power of rugby and the profound impact of perseverance, making him a truly deserving award recipient.
Amelia Albert – St. Thomas University
Saint John, New Brunswick • Trojans Rugby Club / Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School / Team New Brunswick
Amelia Albert, from Saint John, New Brunswick, is a standout young leader whose commitment to rugby, education, and community service embodies the spirit of the George F. Jones Award. A dedicated member of the Trojans Rugby Club and Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School team, Amelia has also represented New Brunswick at the U16 and U17 provincial levels, showcasing her skill, determination, and steady growth as a player. Her leadership extends well beyond competition—she has volunteered for three years with Rookie Rugby, helping introduce young athletes to the sport she loves and contributing meaningfully to grassroots development across her region.
Amelia will pursue Criminology at St. Thomas University, where she plans to continue her rugby journey at the varsity level while working toward a future career in policing. With aspirations that include continued provincial play and representing Canada internationally, Amelia brings discipline, resilience, and a team-first mentality to every environment she joins.
Claire Bennett – University of Ottawa
Hantsport, Nova Scotia • Horton High School / Valley Rugby Union / Nova Scotia Keltics
From Hantsport, Nova Scotia, Claire Bennett stands out as one of Atlantic Canada’s brightest young rugby talents and a deeply respected community leader. A decorated fly-half and two-year captain at Horton High School, Claire has played at multiple provincial levels with the NS Keltics and represented Nova Scotia at the 2025 Canada Summer Games. Known for her precision kicking, tactical intelligence, and maturity well beyond her years, she has earned numerous accolades including Rookie of the Year, MVP, Atlantic championships, and a leadership role with Team NS 7s.
Claire’s volunteerism is equally impressive. She has contributed extensively to youth development programs, coaching and refereeing at local middle schools and supporting grassroots growth in rural and marginalized communities. Claire now joins the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, where she will study Human Kinetics and compete in varsity rugby under coach Jack Hanratty. Her long-term goals include athletic therapy and competing at the highest levels of the sport.
Charlie Cooper – University of British Columbia
Beaumont, Alberta • Beaumont Composite High School / Beaumont Rugby Club
Charlie Cooper is an emerging leader in Alberta’s rugby community, known for her exemplary character, athletic excellence, and deep commitment to service. Originating from Beaumont, Alberta, Charlie has captained her high school team, earned “Top Back,” and been named “Rookie of the Year” at the club level—achievements reflecting her discipline, empathy, and competitive spirit. Off the field, she is widely admired for her extensive volunteer work, including serving meals at Hope Mission, supporting individuals with disabilities through Catholic Social Services, and contributing to environmental initiatives.
Charlie will study Natural Resources Conservation at the University of British Columbia, where she aims to build a career focused on sustainability and planetary stewardship. She plans to continue coaching youth and nurturing inclusive rugby environments, carrying forward the values that have made her a role model in her community.
Lexis De Meyer – University of the Fraser Valley
Abbotsford, British Columbia • Abbotsford RFC (Div. 1 Women)
Lexis De Meyer is a committed student-athlete and emerging young leader from Abbotsford, BC. A standout player with Abbotsford RFC’s Division 1 women’s side, Lexis has earned recognition for her rapid development, leadership as team captain, and competitive success at both the school and club levels. She hopes to represent the BC Bears U19 and ultimately earn a place on Canada’s U20 national team—goals supported by her relentless work ethic and dedication.
Beyond rugby, Lexis excels academically, participates in drumline, leads her school yearbook team, volunteers extensively, and consistently maintains honour roll standing. She is pursuing a Bachelor of General Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley with the long-term goal of becoming a human rights lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, she plans to work with victim services, law firms, and community groups as she advances toward a legal career defending human rights across Canada.
Ruby Lastiwka – University of Victoria
Calgary, Alberta • Calgary Saints Rugby Club / Calgary Mavericks / Alberta Wolfpack / Ernest Manning High School
Calgary’s own Ruby Lastiwka is one of Alberta’s most dynamic multi-sport athletes, known for her exceptional versatility, competitiveness, and leadership. A prominent member of the Calgary Saints Rugby Club, the Calgary Mavericks, and the Alberta Wolfpack, Ruby has become a force in both 7s and 15s rugby. Her return from ACL reconstruction in 2023 demonstrates remarkable resilience—she worked tirelessly to surpass her previous performance level and rejoined competition with renewed strength and determination.
Off the field, Ruby’s achievements span art, football, wrestling, outdoor education, and community service. Coaches consistently praise her humility, coachability, and fierce commitment to team culture. Ruby will join the University of Victoria Vikes in Fall 2025 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, aiming for a future career focused on sustainable forest management and worker safety. She is eager to continue competing at the highest level and represent Alberta on the national stage.
Ainsley Munro – University of Waterloo
Milton, Ontario
Hailing from Milton, Ontario, Ainsley Munro is a passionate student-athlete whose drive, curiosity, and leadership make her an exceptional recipient of the George F. Jones Award. Ainsley will join the University of Waterloo’s varsity rugby program in Fall 2025, bringing with her years of dedication to club rugby and a strong reputation for work ethic and positivity. Her coaching references highlight her coachability, determination, and commitment to supporting her teammates both on and off the pitch.
Academically, Ainsley is pursuing Honours Geography and Environmental Management with Co-op, with aspirations of either further graduate study or a career working as a naturalist or guide in environmental tourism. She plans to continue competing with the Warriors, maintain involvement with her home club, and use her university experience to grow as both an athlete and environmental steward.
Keegan Neary – University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia • Vancouver Highlanders / BC Grassroots Rugby / UNB Reds (formerly)
Keegan Neary is a distinguished leader in Canadian rugby whose impact extends far beyond his performance on the pitch. Originally from Victoria, Keegan has played at elite levels—including a professional stint with the Vancouver Highlanders—and is now a key contributor to the University of Victoria Vikes. Known for his intelligence, discipline, and fierce competitiveness, he has also earned praise for his mentorship of younger athletes, both at UVic and during his years with the UNB Reds.
Keegan’s coaching résumé is remarkable: he has coached middle school and high school rugby across BC and Alberta, and spent two full summers with BC Grassroots Rugby delivering free camps to the community. His long-term goal is to practise law with a focus on helping disadvantaged populations, building on his academic interests in criminal, Indigenous, and environmental law. Keegan represents the highest standard of rugby excellence and community engagement.
