2026 CRF University Coaches Awards Announced

Posted on March 3, 2026March 6, 2026 by Jeff

Five men’s and women’s Canadian university rugby head and assistant coaches comprised the 2026 cadre attending the Crusaders Global Academy Accelerator Coaching program from May 20 through May 31, 2026, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Each had their program fees plus room and board paid, and travel costs and meals subsidised.

2026 Coaches Awardees

Selected by the Canadian Rugby Foundation and funded by its Unrestricted Fund and For the Love of the Game Fund are:

Matthew Bouchard – Head Coach, Carleton MRugby
Keegan Brantner – Ass’t Coach, Lethbridge WRugby
Janice Cougle – Head Coach, Saint Mary’s WRugby
Sean Tindall – Ass’t Coach, Calgary MRugby
Meaghan Wilson – Ass’t Coach, McMaster WRugby

NOTE:

The Canadian Rugby Foundation University Coaching Awards are an initiative of the Foundation’s University Rugby Supporters Fund to further develop university-level coaches’ program leadership, coaching expertise and technical ability. The focus of this initiative is on university coaches as we believe the men’s and women’s university rugby pathway is critical to the success of our senior teams and programs. A major goal of this award is for the coaches to use their learnings to enhance the technical skills of their university student-athletes AND to share that information with rugby coaches in their local and provincial rugby communities.

This award and arrangements with the Crusaders are administered by members of the Foundation’s University Rugby initiative committee, chaired by Dave Lougheed, with Mike Holmes, Doug Tate, Colette McAuley, and Jeff Chan.

What the Award Entails:

Selected coaches attend a 14-day program at the home of Crusaders Rugby in Christchurch, NZ (https://crusaders.co.nz/). For the 2026 program, five university coaches selected by the Foundation will join 2o international coaches in a program organised by the Crusaders Global Academy. The Crusaders are widely regarded as the top Super Rugby Pacific club (7 consecutive championships through June 2023 and a win in 2025), furnishing multiple players to the All Blacks, and most recently the former All-Blacks head coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson. The Global Academy offers ongoing courses focused on players and this Coaches program.

CRF University Coaches Award Eligibility

A head or assistant coach of a CUMRC-eligible Men’s or U SPORTS Women’s university rugby team who:

Is a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or permanent resident.
Has a demonstrated commitment to developing their capabilities as a university rugby coach, and to the development and growth of rugby at their university/province.
Holds one of the following:
- World Rugby Level 3 certification,
- Completion of the Level 3 training,
- Level 2 certification, or completion of Level 2 training and awaiting the Level 2 evaluation. Those who have committed to and scheduled to completing Level 2 training before May 2026 are also eligible.

Selection Criteria:

A strong track record of success as a coach, and one who sets high professional standards.
Recognised as a developer of young people – both on and off the field – and as a mentor to other coaches and players.
Significant contributions to the rugby community – at the university, schools, and/or local, provincial or national teams.
Commitment to developing as a high-performance coach and can articulate their rugby coaching aspirations.
Strength of the application email demonstrating the above criteria, and of the references, which should include how the referee knows the coach and the basis on which the application of this coach for this opportunity is made (not just a general reference, such as a family friend).
5 candidates will be selected from across Canada, with a preference for representation from different regions of Canada, and both men’s and women’s rugby programs.

Doug Tate University Rugby Coach of the Year Award Fund Announced

Posted on February 13, 2026February 16, 2026 by Jeff

We are extremely pleased to announce that the national university men’s rugby Coach of the Year will henceforth be known as the Doug Tate University Rugby Coach of the Year, and that a new fund at the Canadian Rugby Foundation has been established to support a $1,000 award for the annual Coach of the Year. Named in honour of legendary Canadian university rugby coach Doug Tate, the Doug Tate University Rugby Coach of the Year Award Fund was established in February 2026 to:

Recognise the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Head Coach of the Year; and
Honour Doug Tate’s contributions to university rugby in Canada in his roles as the long-time head coach of the University of Victoria Vikes, his prior time with the UBC Thunderbirds, and as a co-founder of the McTavish Cup, the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship

Who is Doug Tate?

In the Fall of 2018, Doug Tate entered his 25th year patrolling the Vikes sideline at Wallace Field as head coach of the four-time Canadian University champion men’s rugby team. The following season, at the 2019 McTavish Cup / Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship or CUMRC, hosted by Concordia University in Montreal, Doug’s Vikes team prevailed over the UBC Thunderbirds for the Gold Medal in a squeaker, 21-20. What a way to go into retirement!

Tate can also boast a tremendous track record of success against those UBC Thunderbirds prior to 2019. The two schools meet in annual rivalry game to play for the Wightman Boot trophy. Tate led the Vikes to a 16-year winning streak in the series with an overall won-loss record of 35-4-1 leading into 2014. In 2009-10, the Vikes won the two-game series by a record margin of 94 points.

With Tate at the helm, the Vikes had previously won back-to-back Canadian university invitational titles in 1997 and ’98. Tate also led the Vikes to BC Rugby Premier Division Championships in 2003 and 2010, and in 2011 the Vikes captured their ninth Barnard Cup as Island champs with a 23-18 upset of James Bay.

Countless Vikes players under Tate have suited up for National XVs and Sevens teams. In 2009, six Vikes represented Canada at the senior men’s XVs level, four played for the senior men’s 7s squad, five competed in the Junior World Rugby Trophy and two Vikes were on the FISU World Rugby Sevens squad that ventured to Portugal.

Tate himself is familiar with the international stage. He was head of Canada’s National Rugby Sevens team for five years (1997-02) and served as the Technical Director for the Canadian National Sevens Team during 2008 tour stops in San Diego, Hong Kong and Adelaide, Australia. Tate also coached Canada at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Tate’s playing career saw him suit up at the club, provincial and national level. The Vancouver native was a member of the 1981 Canadian National Team that toured to Argentina, as well as competing for UBC at the varsity level.

Along with coaching the Premier team, Tate has also managed the Vikes first division team, the Norsemen, as well as the Vikes development team, the Jutes. Tate is a Certified Master Coach courtesy of the National Coaching Institute. He also has Bachelor and Masters degrees in Education, and has taught at UVic in the Master of Education in Coaching Studies (MEd CS) program, providing students with a background in the art and science involved in coaching sport. He is currently the Coach Education Manager for the BCRU.

However, Doug’s most impactful victories were recorded off the pitch. The growth of players into responsible and thoughtful young men through their involvement in a physically demanding yet caring and humour-filled team environment was the lasting result of Doug’s legacy.

For Doug, the door was always open, and, whether a player was the star of the team or a third division workhorse, his time and compassion were the same. At the start of each season often close to a hundred players turned up to play and none were ever turned away except by their own choice. This was the essence of Doug’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive program for all. He never failed to give of his time to any who asked his help.

During this time, Doug was a committed family man and, along with wife Tami, successfully raised two fine young men, Morgan and Brayden, who both embraced his passion for the sport.

Following a highly decorated career spanning over 40 years, including his 27 years as UVic head coach, Tate was the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) Sport Leadership Awards Gala.

The Gala celebrates outstanding achievements in coaching and sport development and honours coaches who exemplify the values and competencies of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and their positive impact within Canada’s sport system. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a lifelong commitment to coaching and coach development. The award is presented to an outstanding individual who has positively influenced the growth of coaching in Canada, contributed significantly to the sport community, shown dedication to upholding the values of the NCCP, and inspired future generations of coaches.

Doug was a founder of the McTavish Cup in 2017 with Jeff Chan, Mike Holmes and Keith Labbett, and continues on its Governing Council.

He is also a founding member of the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s University Coaching Awards Committee, which provides funding to selected university rugby coaches for the Crusaders Global Academy in Christchurch, NZ.

Needless to say, Doug’s dedication to rugby , and coaching in Canada is second to none.

MAJOR TEAM AWARDS:

Rounsfell Cup – B.C. PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1971, 2003, 2010
Barnard Cup – Vancouver Island Elite Division Title: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1987, 2003, 2006, 2009
Canadian University Invitational Championship: 1997, 1998
University 7s Championship: 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016
McTavish Cup/CUMRC: 2019

The Award

The award is presented to the national Men’s Rugby Coach of the Year at the McTavish Cup Awards Ceremony and includes a trophy and a $1,000 financial honorarium for the honoured coach.

Selection and Presentation

The selection of the national Coach of the Year is based on the regular-season achievements of the coach, as voted on from among the conference Coaches of the Year. The selection process is organised through the McTavish Cup/CUMRC Board once the conference coaches have been selected, and before the McTavish Cup Awards ceremonies.

TO HELP HONOUR DOUG’S COACHING LEGACY, AND DONATE TO THE DOUG TATE UNIVERSITY RUGBY COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD FUND, GO HERE:

Fletcher’s Fields Makes Another Ground-breaking Donation to the Canadian Rugby Foundation

Posted on January 14, 2026January 14, 2026 by Jeff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON and VICTORIA, BC – January 15, 2026

On November 23, 2021, the Canadian Rugby Foundation (the Foundation) was pleased to accept a historic donation in the amount of $11.65 million from Fletcher’s Field Limited (FFL), this following the sale of its Fletcher’s Fields rugby facility in Markham, Ontario to the City of Markham.

Now, just over four years later, the shareholders and Board of Fletcher’s Fields have unanimously followed up their 2021 donation with an additional $7.7 million being added to the six existing FFL endowment funds. These funds will be donated in two tranches on January 15 and June 30, 2026. Including an additional $1.5 million that was donated to the Toronto Scottish FFL Fund in 2025, this will bring the total FFL contribution to the Foundation to $20.85 million.

Fletcher’s Fields was originally established in 1966 and served the needs of the rugby community in Ontario for 59 years. In that time, Fletcher’s Fields hosted Canada versus England, Ireland, Wales, USA, Argentina and Japan, and many Canada and Ontario age-grade tournaments and championships.

While Fletcher’s Fields ceased operations in 2024 following its Summer Celebration of Rugby, its legacy continues on with great memories of game performances and social gatherings on and off the Fletcher’s pitches, and through the subsequent performances of players, coaches, officials, and rugby administrators who met, played, and developed their skills at Fletcher’s Fields through the years. And importantly, the proceeds of the property sale have created very significant endowment funds that will benefit current and future members of the 6 shareholders and through the Rugby Ontario RO Fund, and the Fletcher’s Patrons Fund, clubs all across Ontario.

The increase in the Foundation’s assets, which will now exceed $30 million at the end of June will enable more initiatives with greater impact that support the growth of rugby in Ontario and across Canada.

Said Steve Hall, the Fletcher’s Fields Chair, “since our original donation of $11.65 million to the Canadian Rugby Foundation, the wisdom of that decision has been repeatedly proven. Our involvement on the CRF Board, and the subsequent election of one of our Directors (Jerry Marriott) to the CRF Executive Committee and Investment Committee, has enabled Fletcher’s Fields to observe how the Foundation operates, and the quality of its stewardship over the assets in the FFL endowment funds, and indeed all 90 of the Foundation’s funds. That involvement has also helped shape the Foundation’s strategy, and growing contributions to the growth and development of rugby in Ontario and more broadly, the entire country.

It’s because our trust in the Canadian Rugby Foundation has been so well earned, and our partnership with the leadership of the Foundation has been so productive, that the FFL Board and its shareholders unanimously supported the additional donations that complete the divestment of all funds from the sale of the Fletcher’s Fields property”.

“The Canadian Rugby Foundation is very appreciative of the Fletcher’s Field group for following up its historic 2021 donation with these 2025 and 2026 contributions to the Foundation, bringing its total donation to $20.85 million, arguably the largest combined gift to an athletic endowment in Canadian history. We are committed to continue to grow our endowment funds and assist the growth of grassroots rugby across Canada”, said Mike Holmes, the Foundation’s Chair.

Added Jeff Chan, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, “in addition to the oversight we provide to the 6 FFL funds, we continue to finance the Fletcher’s Patrons Fund honouring the Fletcher’s Field “Patrons” who in 1995-1996 helped finance major renovations to the clubhouse, pitches, and scoreboard, and grandstands at the property. The Patrons Fund now totals over $165,000 having grown from the Foundation’s original $120,000 contribution, and its annual returns are directed by its FFL trustees towards new grassroots initiatives that will help develop rugby in the Province of Ontario”.

Fletcher’s Fields Limited

There are six equal shareholders of FFL as follows: Aurora Barbarians Rugby Football Club Inc., Markham Irish Canadian Rugby Club, Rugby Ontario, The Nomads Rugby Football Club of Toronto Inc., The Toronto Saracens Rugby Football Club, and the Toronto Scottish Rugby Football Club.

The four FFL-nominated Directors elected to the Foundation’s Board of Directors are Jerry Marriott, Andrew Wright, David Butler, and most recently, Tim Matthews.

Canadian Rugby Foundation

The Canadian Rugby Foundation, established in 2003, is a non-share capital corporation incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and a registered charity under the Income Tax Act (Canada) designated as a public foundation (registration number 869159186). The mission of the Foundation is to contribute to the growth and development of rugby in Canada by “Investing in the Future of Canadian Rugby”. To accomplish this, the Foundation creates and manages endowed funds or awards funds in partnership with local rugby clubs and Fund sponsoring individuals or organisations to promote and support rugby activities by making grants to and through qualified donees.

For more information, please contact any of the below:

For the Canadian Rugby Foundation

Michael Holmes
Chair
Email: mike@phre.ca

Jeff Chan
Chief Executive Officer
Email: jeffachan@gmail.com

For Fletcher’s Fields Limited

Steve Hall
Chair, President
Email: steve@spell-bound.ca

Pat Hodgins
Chief Executive Officer,
Email: pjhodgins23@gmail.com

Presenting the 2025 Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards

Posted on December 12, 2025December 12, 2025 by Jeff

The 2025 Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards were presented in November at the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby National Championship in Vancouver, BC, and the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship in Montreal, QC.

The Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards were established by Foundation Chair Mike Holmes to honour his late father W.D.C. “Desmond” Holmes who won the sword of honour at RMC in 1942 before embarking on a distinguished career in the British Army during and after World War II, during which time he was awarded the Military Cross.

At each of the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship and the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Nationals, 8 rugby student-athletes are recognized for their off-field contributions to the game of rugby at their university and community in the past year, and awarded $500 towards their Athletic Financial Award (AFA) from the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s For the Love of the Game Fund. Examples of factors to be considered include organizing community events involving the team, mentoring younger players, volunteering with their home rugby club or at the community in which the university is located, volunteering as a club executive or an official at any level, and providing off-the-field leadership on the university team. The selections are based on the nomination by the head coach of each of the 16 participating teams and presented at the two tournaments at the awards banquet or whenever is deemed most practical by the host organizing committee.

WOMEN’S AWARDS

Presenter Chanell Challenger with the eight Women’s Holmes Award
winners at the U SPORTS Awards Banquet in Montreal

Teya Ashworth – UBC

Teya is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever come across, both on and off the field. She never sits and talks when work needs to be done; instead, she gets on with getting the equipment out or doing other jobs that are required. She leads by doing. Teya is one of the most physical and hardworking players on the team. She leads by doing, letting her actions speak for themselves. She never needs to be told what to do; if she knows a job needs to be done, she does it. Teya gives 100% in everything she does for UBC women’s rugby. Teya is extremely deserving of this award. Teya would be someone I would love next to me when a job needs to be done.

Corinne Fréchette – Laval

Corrine a été extrêmement dynamique pour continuer le développement du rugby dans la région de Québec. En plus de coordonner les activités d’académies durant l’hiver et l’été. Ces académies permettent à des jeunes filles de 6 à 17 ans de développer au rugby. Elle a également chapeauté un camp de perfectionnement adressé spécifiquement aux joueuses collégiales. Ses initiatives pendant son passage au Rouge et Or ont largement contribué au développement de notre sport.

Sarah Gunn – Acadia

Sarah is very active with our local rugby club (VRU – Valley Rugby Union) in the Annapolis Valley of NS. Sarah is also active as a provincial coaching the NS Keltic U17 girls team.

Chloe Hill-Huse – Victoria

Chloe is passionate about youth development, community outreach, and growing the women’s game by giving back to grassroots rugby. She finds purpose in creating opportunities for young athletes to discover confidence, leadership, and connection through sport. In August 2025, Chloe travelled to Sunderland, UK, as the Canadian representative at the Grassroots to Global Connect 2025 conference leading up to the Rugby World Cup. As part of a delegation of over 70 young women from 34 countries, she collaborated on community-based and global initiatives to promote gender equity in rugby and strengthen female participation worldwide. Directly interfacing with senior stakeholders at the Community Coaching Round Table to advocate for equitable opportunities in coaching and participation.

For the past two years, Chloe has served as the Community Lead for the University of Victoria Women’s Rugby Team, leading outreach and engagement with the community. She ensured that every school has a coach for their girls’ rugby programs, helping grow the game and increase access to female coaches. She also organized club and school visits while the UVic team travelled for U SPORTS tournaments and international tours (such as New Zealand), strengthening ties between university athletes and local youth programs. Chloe volunteers as a youth rugby coach, contributing to the Vancouver Island Girls XVs and 7s teams in addition to youth club programs.

Across all her volunteer commitments, Chloe has demonstrated strong leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to empowering young female athletes and growing girls’ rugby on Vancouver Island and beyond. As a graduating athlete, Chloe strives to leave the jersey better than she found it—by giving back to the sport that shaped her and helping others find the same sense of belonging and strength through rugby.

Tattyannah Jackson – Queen’s

Tattyannah Jackson has been a cornerstone of our team’s off-field growth and development, as well as a driving force within both the Queen’s and Kingston communities. Her mentorship of younger teammates and dedication to fostering inclusive, welcoming environments have had a lasting impact on our program and campus. Through her leadership role with the Queen’s BIPOC Student-Athlete Committee, Tattyannah continues to inspire meaningful change and empower others. Beyond the university, she’s a respected coach and a key contributor to local community and high school development programs. Congratulations, Tattyannah — your leadership, passion, and commitment make a difference every day!

Lara Jorgensen – Guelph

Despite sustaining a season-ending injury in Week 3, Lara Jorgensen, a fifth-year captain at the University of Guelph, has continued to lead her team with unwavering commitment and resilience. Her presence off the field has been the glue holding the Gryphons together, offering support, strategic insight, and leadership from the sidelines. Lara’s ability to adapt and lead in a non-traditional role exemplifies her dedication to the sport and her teammates. Beyond her university team, Lara serves as a Student Athlete Mentor (SAM), supporting varsity athletes across all sports. She plays a vital role in helping first-year students navigate academic challenges and adjust to university life through structured mentorship, study sessions, and wellness workshops. Lara is also a certified rugby referee, dedicating her off-season to developing the next generation of players, and is deeply involved with her hometown Aurora Barbarians Rugby Club, where she coaches across multiple age groups in both girls’ and boys’ rugby. Her tireless efforts and passion for the game make her a deserving recipient of the W.D.C. Holmes University Award.

Ngozi Mosindi – Ottawa

Ngozi, now in her 5th year, has been a consistent leader in the Gee-Gees program. Since arriving, Ngozi was a real leader in growth and community development in the local area of Ottawa, where she herself grew up. Over her years, she has been a pivotal part to on and off field standards which has now resulted in her being co captain of the team. A true ambassador for the Gee-Gee program.

Val von Muehldorfer – St. FX

Val is a 4th year Arts and Science student in Climate and environment. Val is on the Dean’s list, StFX Merit Scholarship recipient and an Academic All–Canadian. A volunteer for past 10 years with Feed the Hungry in Calgary and in Antigonish Val volunteers with Motion Ball. She has served on the Student Union Board of Directors and was involved for the last two years with Puck for Purpose. Val was the MVP of this year’s AUS championship game. Val is a valuable leader on the field; she is a strong and steady influence on the pack and on the entire team. At home in Calgary, she has worked with her high school team and volunteers with her club and the Stampede 7’s.

MEN’S AWARDS

The eight Men’s Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awardees with Mike Holmes at the CUMRC Awards Brunch in Montreal

Axel Fin. Adjani – Montreal

To be added

Paul Ardittis – ETS

Paul Arditti, a passionate and dedicated student-athlete, is an exceptional candidate for the prestigious Lieutenant-Colonel W.D.C. Holmes Award. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in health technologies at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal, Paul demonstrates excellence both on the rugby field and within his community.

James Biss – UBC

James Biss has made significant off-field contributions through his volunteer coaching with the Tsunami junior program and St. George’s School, mentoring young athletes and supporting community rugby development. His leadership, service, and commitment to growing the sport embody the values recognized by the Holmes Award.

Sully Curran – Victoria

Sully Curran is on the path to becoming a teacher and embodies the leadership and service this award celebrates. He takes initiative in mentoring younger players entering our program and has held key leadership roles within the team. Each summer, he gives back by coaching with his local club or regional programs, and he’s been a strong advocate for mental health awareness, helping foster a supportive and connected team culture

Declan Hearn – Dalhousie

Declan has been a leader on the Dalhousie rugby team and for his club team, the Halifax Tars, for the last 4 years. He consistently spends time mentoring young players, volunteering to organise events, and supporting community-based events through setup, management, and clean up. He brings a positive attitude alongside an intense competitive spirit to embody everything that makes the sport of rugby great.

Jackson Palmer – Queen’s

Jackson made an immediate impression in his first year in the program. His quiet leadership helped unite the group of first-year athletes, fostering a strong and cohesive team dynamic. He also played a key role in establishing our volunteer program with Martha’s Table, a non-profit community centre and restaurant in Kingston, Ontario, that provides nutritious, low-cost meals and social support to people in need.

Jakob Schultz – Guelph

Over the past year Jakob has taken a tremendous leadership role both with our team and in our community. Within the team, Jakob has been instrumental in leading and organising our team banquet, which has involved community outreach to secure sponsors and vendors. Additionally, this fall he served as assistant coach with our Development club (our third team). Jakob helped organise training, communicated with athletes and led our development of almost 50 players on a weekly basis.

R.J. Stone – UBC Okanagan

RJ is UBCO’s 2025 Nominee for the Lt. Colonel WDC Holmes Award. RJ has worked tirelessly to represent UBCO Men’s rugby both on campus and in the wider Okanagan community. In his role as vice captain, he has shown a natural ability to connect with his peers off the field and a willingness to set the tone on it. RJ has been a central component of the UBCO Jr Heat academy coaching grade 9-12 players. He has also stepped up to run the UBCO Heat Rugby Instagram account, helping to draw more eyes than ever to the continued success of our program.

Season’s Greetings 2025

Posted on December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by Jeff

We wish you the very best as the holiday season quickly approaches. With the year-end also approaching, this is a reminder that last-minute (or monthly) donations can still be made online, or by numerous other means. You can donate to your favourite fund (now totalling 90) or to the Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund which apart from providing for our minimal overhead costs, investment management fees, and the returns and matching contributions paid into to our funds, supports the CRF’s major strategic initiatives such as the McTavish Cup (Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship), and our 2025 Women’s and Men’s High-performance Rugby projects.

Cheers,

Jeff Chan, Mike Holmes, Jason Thomson & Breann King.

Some Good News from McGill University

Posted on December 9, 2025December 10, 2025 by Jeff

I’m happy to pass along this news about the presentation of the inaugural McGill Men’s Rugby’s Dr. Joseph Hanaway McGill Rugby Gentleman’s Award, of which Mike Holmes and I assisted in the creation. This only partially offsets the recent bad news about the cancellation of McGill’s Women’s Rugby program, but we hope it will spur McGill Rugby alumni support to help rescue the Women’s program. We have offered our services to help create a university fund with the Canadian Rugby Foundation to both help resurrect the Women’s team and also sustain the Men’s team. This follows the achievement of the rival Bishop’s University RFC Alumni Endowment Fund started a year ago, and several other CRF university endowment funds established over the last 5 years.

McGill Redbirds Rugby Team Gives Out First
Athletic Financial Award in its 153-year History
Montreal, QC: November 30, 2025

Winston Churchill once famously observed that “rugby is a hooligan’s game played by gentlemen”.
At a ceremony in Montreal on Friday night, the McGill Redbirds Rugby Team handed out a fully
endowed Athletic Financial Award for the first time in its long history, with the inaugural winner
receiving the Dr. Joseph Hanaway McGill Rugby Gentleman’s Award.

The award “recognises and honours gentlemanly conduct and exemplary behaviour which has
been consistently exhibited by a McGill rugby player on and off the field over the course of a
minimum of two seasons.”

McGill Master of Science in Physical Therapy student Elliot Descarreaux, a Quebec City native
and the current team captain, was named the winner of the endowed 2025 Hanaway Award. He
was given the prestigious honour, along with its associated $3,500 monetary award, due to his
outstanding performance as a role model and leader on and off the field throughout his 5-year
McGill Rugby career. Widely respected by his teammates, coaches, opponents and referees, he
was also known as a friendly, approachable, and courageous leader of his team who handled both
success and adversity with grace.

Mr. Descarreaux commented: “I was elated when I heard my name called as the winner of this
prestigious award. I knew I had been nominated, but did not expect to win it. When I heard all the
cheers and applause as I walked to the stage, it made me feel very honoured and grateful for the
support of my teammates. This new endowed award at McGill Rugby is proof of the strong support
of our alumni and the brotherhood and strong values of our rugby team across the generations. I
am thrilled to be the recipient of this year’s Hanaway Award”.

The award was first proposed to McGill Athletics in late 2020 as a way of formally recognizing a
quality that is especially valued in rugby culture across the world, and to which Churchill was
referring: the trait of tough and aggressive rugby players exemplifying gentlemanly behaviour in their everyday life. It has been handed out for the last four years as a non-monetary award to five rugby players who distinguished themselves as role models for Redbirds Rugby.

According to McGill rules, a minimum of $80,000 needs to be raised and collected to create an
endowed Athletic Financial Award or AFA. As of December 2025, the fund has collected $148,764 from which the $3500 award will be generated every year going forward, in perpetuity.

The award’s inspiration and namesake, Dr. Joseph Hanaway MDCM ’60, passed away in his
hometown of St. Louis in July of this year at 92 after a long and distinguished career as a
physician, professor, author, philanthropist, and volunteer. He played on the 1955 championship
McGill rugby team.

The McGill University Rugby Football Club, in its storied 153-year history, has always placed great
importance on how its members conduct themselves on campus and in the community. This is a
part of the team’s culture that the coaching staff regularly emphasise to their players.

Neil Stephenson, a Toronto lawyer and McGill rugby alumnus who created the award in 2021 and
led the subsequent fundraising campaign, commented: “I was so honoured to be there at the
ceremony to represent Joe and present this inaugural endowed Hanaway Award to the 2025
winner. Mr. Descarreaux is a hugely impressive young gentleman who is widely respected by his
teammates and coaches. He will be an excellent ambassador for the award as he begins the next
chapter of his life as a distinguished young McGill rugby alum”.

Announcing New Capital Fund for the Brock RFC

Posted on October 24, 2025October 24, 2025 by Jeff

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new fund – the Foundation’s 90th – by the Brock Rugby Football Club in October 2025.

BROCK RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

History

The Brock Rugby Club was founded in 1978 by Bob Barrow, a teacher at Brock High School, and a former player at the University of Western Ontario after being urged to start a community club by former student Peter McCuaig.

Barrow coached both boys’ and girls’ rugby from 1975-1997, leading the high school team to multiple Kawartha and regional titles, two provincial championships, and the Barbarian Cup in 1980. He also led six UK rugby tours for the high school and three for the Brock Rugby Club. Bob Barrow, was inducted into the Ontario Rugby Hall of Fame in 2017 for his decades of dedication to the sport in the Brock Township and in the Niagara region.

Hall of Fame article

The club continues its strong traditions and values, with teams at various levels including a Senior Men’s Team, a Senior Women’s Team, Junior teams for U-18, U-16, and U-14 Boy’s and Girl’s, and a Co-ed U-12 Tackle Team. The club boasts one of the largest junior and flag rugby programs in the province, and has a history of producing high-level players, with some alumni moving on to play for the Canadian national team and other professional circuits.

Location: S1205, Durham Regional Rd 13, Brock, ON L0C 1H0. Brock is located on the east shore of Lake Simcoe, approximately 1.5 hours northeast of Toronto. Directions.

BROCK GREEN SPACE CAPITAL FUND

The Brock Green Space Capital Fund was created as a vehicle to raise funds for a new field and additional capital projects for the Brock Rugby Club. This will include the development of new green space including a playing field and practice areas. This development will include any and all expenses associated with the working of the land area to turn the raw land into suitable playing space.

Construction is not scheduled to begin immediately. The preliminary project plans call for the beginning of planning, construction, and other major expenses or expenditures to commence approximately June of 2026. Disbursements from the Fund to the Brock Rugby Football Club Inc. will begin at that time and will be scheduled over an approximate 1-year period. The estimated completion date is August 2027. The total cost estimate is $100,000.

In addition to donations to this fund, the club will be applying for grants to complete the funding requirements.

TO HELP SUPPORT THIS PROJECT, DONATE TO THE BROCK GREEN SPACES CAPITAL FUND, GO HERE:

Rebecca Kochuk Selected for 2025 Judy Seddon Memorial Award

Posted on August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by Jeff

We are pleased to announce the winner of the 2025 Judy Seddon Memorial Award, honoring the
enduring legacy of Alberta’s beloved “Rugby Mom.” This year’s award goes to Rebecca Kochuk, a
remarkable individual whose dedication to sport, education, and community embodies Judy’s
commitment to the sport of rugby and community service.

A passionate athlete and mentor, this year’s honoree began her rugby journey in grade 8—a
transformative experience that sparked a lifelong commitment to the game. Today, she channels that
passion into coaching the girls’ team at Bert Church High School in Airdrie, instilling confidence and self-
worth in young athletes and continuing Judy’s tradition of nurturing future generations.

As a player, she competes with distinction for the Canucks RFC, the University of Calgary Dinos, and the
Senior Women’s Maverick/Wolf Pack. Her leadership on and off the field reflects the values Judy
championed throughout her 35+ years of contributions to rugby in Alberta.

Academically, Rebecca maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA at the University of Calgary, where she is accelerating her
Bachelor’s degree with year-round coursework. She aspires to become a Speech-Language Pathologist,
helping children build confidence in communication—an extension of the empowerment she fosters
through rugby.

The Judy Seddon Memorial Award will support her continued academic and athletic pursuits, enabling
her to further Judy’s legacy through community building for women’s rugby in Alberta.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding recipient and the lasting impact of Judy Seddon’s legacy.

Building at Maple Grove Rugby Park

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by Jeff

The MGRP Capital Fund was established by Rugby Manitoba in May, 2025 as a vehicle to raise funds for improvements to the Maple Grove Rugby Park.

Maple Grove Rugby Park was established in 1985 as the home of the majority of the Winnipeg‐based rugby clubs with 5 International Sized Rugby pitches, and has evolved into a multi‐sport facility which has hosted numerous school, club, provincial, national and international events for rugby, flag football, lacrosse, ultimate and volleyball. The Maple Grove Rugby Park Founders Committee was the group responsible for the invention, creation, development and construction of Maple Grove Rugby Park, the premier rugby facility in Western Canada.

In August, 1984 the corporation Maple Grove Rugby Park Inc. was created. An internal structure was hammered out, land identified and approved, plans for construction discussed and approved, and fund-raising plans discussed and implemented. The committee raised approximately $300,000 and implemented the first sport-developed and managed facility in Winnipeg, all without government funding.

The MGRP Capital Fund has now been set up to ensure funds can be raised to support enhancements and/or on-going operational support for Maple Grove Rugby Park. This could include major capital projects such as an additional field, new turf, or renovations to the clubhouse, or smaller acquisitions of equipment (turf maintenance or training equipment, lighting, sound systems, etc., or ongoing maintenance and repair of the park, fields and clubhouse. Under the auspices of the Canadian Rugby Foundation, a charitable foundation, all donations to this Fund are eligible for a tax receipt.

TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE MGRP CAPITAL FUND, GO HERE: