Category Archives: Awards News

Rebecca Kochuk Selected for 2025 Judy Seddon Memorial Award

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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.

Announcing the First-Ever Winner of the Dave Huang Memorial Award

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The Dave Huang Memorial Award Committee is proud to announce the first-ever recipient of the award.

Dave Huang—affectionately known as “The Huang Express”—was a standout rugby player and leader who graduated from Lord Byng Secondary in 1995. He represented British Columbia at the U-19 level and captained the Lord Byng Grey Ghosts to a 5-2 record during their legendary and well-documented “Tour ‘95” to Australia. Dave demonstrated excellence in all aspects of life—on and off the field—though his post-match speeches left a bit to be desired.

After returning from Australia, Dave earned a full academic scholarship to Princeton University, where he also captained the Princeton rugby team. He graduated with honours before attending medical school at Columbia University in New York City. Tragically, Dave passed away in 2003. His quiet, lead-by-example style of leadership continues to inspire all who knew him.

The Dave Huang Memorial Award is presented annually to a graduating high school rugby player in British Columbia who exemplifies leadership by example and demonstrates high achievement in one or more of the following areas: rugby, academics, music, and community service.

This year’s winner, Joshua Mallette, stood out among a group of exceptional candidates. Joshua is captain of both the UBCOB Ravens Junior Program and the Sir Charles Tupper Tigers high school rugby team. He led both teams to outstanding results—most notably, the Ravens captured two BC Championships, and the Tupper Tigers had a strong showing at the BCSSRU AA Provincial Championship. His leadership was evident in testimonials from teammates and coaches alike, and in his time spent coaching the Tupper Junior Rugby team.


The 2025 Dave Huang Memorial Award includes a $4,500 scholarship. Congratulations, Joshua!

Stampede Sevens Award Fund the Newest Fund Out of Alberta

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Late April saw the establishment of a new Awards Fund by the Stampede 7’s Alberta Rugby Society.

The Stampede 7’s Award is dedicated to supporting the next generation of rugby athletes as they transition into post-secondary education. This award recognizes outstanding high school rugby players who have demonstrated high performance on the field and dedication to the rugby community.

The Award is intended to provide funding from its endowment for annual awards that further the broad objectives and purposes of the Stampede 7’s Alberta Rugby Society, Rugby Canada, and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada, and that meet CRA requirements. The Stampede 7’s Award is named for the annual 7’s tournament held in Calgary during Stampede.

Award Criteria:
1. Must be a Grade 12 student graduating in the year in which they are applying for the award
2. Must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution with a program starting before February of the following year
3. Must be actively involved in the rugby community (player, coaching, refereeing, volunteering, or other contributions)
4. Participation, leadership, sportsmanship, and impact on the rugby community will be evaluated for each applicant

Application Process:
1. Completed application form
2. Personal statement (500-750 words) detailing:
a. Your rugby journey and achievements
b. Your involvement in the rugby community
c. How rugby has shaped your character and future goals
d. How this award will support your academic and athletic aspirations
3. Proof of post-secondary enrollment
4. Please include 2 references (1 must be rugby related; i.e.: coach, VP, alumni…), with contact information.

Other Information:
• 2 Awards are available (ideally one woman and one man chosen)
• The Stampede 7’s Rugby Board will review applications based on complete applications.
• Application deadline is the first Monday of September
• Awards selected the last Friday of September

TO SUPPORT AND MAKE A DONATION TO THE NEW FUND, GO HERE: 

Danyka LaBelle Latest Judy Seddon Memorial Award Winner

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We are pleased to announce the winner of the 2024 Judy Seddon Memorial Award. This scholarship is awarded annually to a young woman who is involved in rugby in Alberta as an athlete, referee, coach or volunteer, selected on the basis of community service and academics, who is or will be enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

Danyka LaBelle is a student at the University of Calgary in her second year of a Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Fine Arts in French, with a minor in Native Studies. She is a Metis woman from Cree and Sioux descent who is actively involved in her community through teaching, learning, volunteering, and as a Pow Wow dancer. She comes from a family of athletes who continue to give back through sport. She has competed at the Indigenous Games, both Provincially and North American, and is an athlete in two Varsity sports (rugby and wrestling).

We would like to thank all the applicants and their references for taking the time to apply, and encourage anyone who wishes to apply (or re-apply) to mark May 1st in their calendar when applications for the 2025 award open.

To make a donation to support the Judy Seddon Memorial Award Fund, go HERE. 

2024 Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards Presented

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The 2024 Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards were presented last month at the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby National Championship in Charlottetown PEI, and the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship in Ottawa, Ontario.

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.

MEN’S AWARDS

Cameron MacPhail, Memorial University Sea Hawks

Photo: Charles Fortin

This recipient is a senior member and leader on their team. He works directly with the young members of his team, among others, to promote their strength and conditioning program. Additionally, he has helped kickstart a grassroots campaign to start minis rugby in rural Newfoundland.

Sacha Laroche, l’École de technologie supérieure (ETS) Piranhas

Photo: Charles Fortin

Cet athlète incarne parfaitement l’esprit du Prix Holmes : un équilibre exceptionnel entre l’excellence athlétique, la réussite académique et l’engagement communautaire. Son leadership et son dévouement font de lui un modèle pour les futurs gestionnaires et administrateurs du rugby canadien. En tant qu’éducateur pour le programme Rookie Rugby, Sacha promote le rugby dans les écoles secondaires, soutenu par Rugby Québec et le RSEQ. Il organise également des activités sportives lors des visites scolaires à l’ÉTS.

Will Corry, Ottawa Gee Gees

Photo: Charles Fortin

This recipient exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete. Balancing the commitments of High-Performance Rugby with his Nursing placement at the hospital while holding a spot on the Team’s Executive Board. This individual always takes care of his teammates on and off the pitch, as well as the lives of others in the community.

James Webb, Queen ‘s Gaels

Photo: Charles Fortin

This athlete has dedicated their time to organize and support their program’s Run for the Cure initiative, which has directly resulted in raising $25,000 for cancer research. Showcasing a passion for charitable giving while balancing priorities on the pitch.

Jakob Schulz, Guelph Gryphons

Photo: Charles Fortin

This individual has been a leader in organizing team fundraising campaigns for both program support and charitable efforts.  This year, this athlete has been behind the team’s Movember campaign.  Additionally, he has been a leader within our program, previously captaining our second team and now a member of our leadership group

Patrick Williams, UBC Okanagan Heat

Photo: Charles Fortin

This athlete has been selected for his leadership on and off the field as this year’s team captain. He has organized fundraisers for our self-funded program, workout sessions, team bonding activities, and led film sessions when coaches are unavailable. He is a volunteer coach with the Jr. Heat Rugby Development Academy. He also plays an important role on the Heat Athletic Council – a student run organization that represents student athlete needs on campus, while also running large portions of the team’s social media.

Jacob Bourne, UBC Thunderbirds

This next athlete consistently gives back to the community as a volunteer coach for youth rugby programs. He is also heavily involved in environmental stewardship work with Mossum Creek Hatchery in Port Moody and Haidagwaii Salmon Unlimited Society.

Merlin M’Cloud, Victoria Vikes

Photo: Charles Fortin

This recipient was a natural choice for this award. As a quiet leader who leads by example, he takes on the toughest tasks on the rugby field with grit and resilience, inspiring his teammates to give that little bit extra. Off the field, this athlete is the first to step up when help is needed, showing kindness, dedication, and loyalty. His teammates recognized these qualities by electing him as captain for his final year with the Vikes.

 

WOMEN’S AWARDS

8 Holmes Award winners with CRF Board member Colette McAuley

Corinne Fréchette,  Laval Rouge et Or

Corinne est extrêmement impliquée dans le développement du rugby auprès des jeunes femmes de la région. Elle a coordonné les activités de l’Académie Rouge et Or pour les jeunes de 6 à 17 ans l’été dernier, en plus d’organiser les finales provinciales juniors. Elle était également impliquée comme entraîneure dans les académies civiles. Finalement, elle a travaillé avec Fillactive, un organisme visant à promouvoir l’activité physique chez les filles de 12 à 17 ans

Marley Magnusson, Ottawa Gee Gees

A graduate of Nepean High School (Ottawa) she continues to coach her high school every season creating one of the stronger programs in the City. Marley is a player with the Ottawa Irish, East Ontario U19 and Ontario East. Marley is the first to volunteer in supporting any community events and was instrumental in creating a U18 camp at uOttawa where Jack Hanratty was guest coach complete with Olympic Silver Medal. Marley is a true champion of rugby, and a wonderful young woman opening doors for the next generation !!

Lauryn Bons, Queen’s Gaels

Lauryn has been an active member of the rugby coaching community, devoting her time and energy to both her local club (Peterborough Pagans), the Toronto Rugby Union, as an Assistant Coach (Soports Psychology) with the Queen’s Men’s Rugby team, and has supported provincial and national boys and girls age-grade programs.

Mackayla Valley, Guelph Gryphons

“Mackayla Valley is deeply committed to rugby both as a player and as a coach. She began her rugby career in grade 10 and quickly fell in love with the sport. She first represented Ontario at the U16 level and was invited to the Canada U20 Top 40 camp in 2023. She is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of rugby players. For the past few years, she has volunteered with the Jr Gryphons Rugby Development Academy and the Guelph Rugby Club U16 girls’ team. Working with these athletes was a fulfilling experience as she helped them develop both their skills and their confidence on the field.”

Jordan McLeod, UBC Thunderbirds

Jordan has been an exceptional student athlete throughout her time at UBC earning Academic All-Canadian awards as well as All Star nominations. Jordan is generous with her time volunteering with the UBC Youth Academy spending her weekends teaching the benefits of strength and conditioning for athletic development. As a female S&C coach it is great to have her as a role model in this space. Beyond this she volunteers her time to build programs, engage with youth in a variety of other sports as well as lead our warm up and recovery space for our 7s program. Her off field leadership and mentorship of younger athletes on the team who are in Kinesiology is remarkable. You will be hard pressed to find a more hardworking and motivated individual.

Soleil Brooks, Victoria Vikes

Soleil is heavily involved in the rugby community with a focus on empowering Black and Indigenous youth through rugby. Soleil is involved with Thunder Rugby: an organization that connects indigenous youth with their culture through rugby and BC grassroots rugby: an organization providing rugby across BC to diverse communities promoting the sport. Soleil was recently chosen to attend the Grassroots to Global Forum ran by ChildFund rugby and Gallagher to promote women in coaching. This year Soleil has also taken on the Direct of Mini Rugby role at her club Westshore RFC. Soleil’s work extends outside of rugby and to the wider sport community and university as well. Soleil started the UVic Collective for BIPOC Student Athletes at UVic to create a space where athletes of colour can come together to impact the greater Victoria community in a positive way and find community. Soleil has also been integral to advising the varsity department on supporting student athletes of color by working with the athletec director and speaking at the coaching advance to all of the varsity coaches and staff on how to improve the experiences of racialized athletes at Uvic. Finally Soleil is working as a research assistant to create a framework to improve varsity experiences not only at Uvic but across Victoria from youth sport to performance sport.

Emma MacLean, UPEI Panthers

Emma has been an integral member of the Panthers since her rookie season in 2020.  She’s maintained a strong academic GPA and has been a starter at the flanker position each year, earning back to back AUS all stars and has captained the team the past two seasons.  Emma is one of the most competitive and committed players on the team, always striving for her and the team to improve technically and tactically.  She is our most physical player on both sides of the ball, as a tackler, as a ball carrier and we wouldn’t be the same team without her on the pitch.  I am extremely pleased and proud to nominate Emma Maclean for the 2024 Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes award.

Brooke Reid, Acadia Axewomen

Brooke is an exceptional student-athlete.  She is a co-captain of the Acadia University varsity rugby team.  She has been nominated several times for conference all-star and major award recognition in the AUS. She is a leader in community rugby development having helped develop a brand-new rugby program and competitive team at a local rural high school in Nova Scotia.  Without the generous sharing of her time and energy, this school team could not have happened; Brooke has helped open the door to rugby opportunities for many youth in Nova Scotia.

UBC’s Niko Andrianos Wins Rick Bourne Award

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We’re pleased to announce Niko Andrianos as the 2024 Rick Bourne Rugby Award winner. Niko is a standout rugby player at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and has set ambitious goals for his athletic, academic and professional career. With a clear vision for the future, he aims to conclude his time at UBC by clinching two more national titles.

UBC Set to Host 2022 Canadian University Men's Rugby ...

Niko and Rick Bourne

As a dedicated athlete, Niko’s aspirations extend beyond collegiate competition. He dreams of wearing the Canadian national jersey and making his mark in professional rugby. This pursuit is fueled by his passion for the sport and his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

In addition to his rugby ambitions, Niko is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at UBC and is equally devoted to giving back to the community. He plans to continue volunteering as a coach at local high schools, where he hopes to nurture and develop the next generation of rugby talent. By sharing his knowledge and experience, Niko aims to inspire young athletes and help them reach their full potential.

With his sights set on success in rugby and a commitment to community engagement, Niko Andrianos is a rising star who embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and leadership. As he progresses through his career, both in academics and athletics, the rugby community looks forward to witnessing his journey and achievements in the years to come.

Dave Huang Memorial Award Fund Announced

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The Dave Huang Memorial Award Fund was established in August 2024 and was created to honour Dave’s legacy of excellence and high achievement in rugby, academics, music, leadership and community service.

Dave Huang

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Huang, aka “The Huang Express”, was a rugby player who graduated from Lord Byng High School in 1995, and who represented British Columbia at the U-19 level. As team captain, he led the Lord Byng Grey Ghosts to a 5-2 record on their legendary and well-documented, “Tour ‘95” to Australia. Dave demonstrated excellence in all pursuits on and off the field… except his post-match speeches. Upon return from Australia, Dave went to Princeton on a full-ride academic scholarship, also captaining the Princeton rugby team. Graduating with honours from Princeton, Dave went on to medical school at Columbia University in New York City. Tragically, Dave passed away in 2003. Dave’s quiet style of leadership ‘by example’ inspired those around him to new heights.

The award will be presented annually to a graduating High School Rugby Player in BC, on the basis of  demonstrated high achievement and leadership ‘by example’ in one or more of the following areas: rugby, academics, music, and community service.

Details on the application process are here.

To honour Dave’s memory, you can make a donation to the Award Fund here.

New Don Ennis Award Fund in Central Okanagan Announced

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We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Don Ennis Award Fund.

The Don Ennis Award Fund was established in April 2024 by Glenn Ennis, former National team player and Captain and BC Rugby Hall of Fame member, Glenn’s partner Gillie, a former rugby player who was coached by Don at KSS, and the Central Okanagan Rugby Enthusiasts (CORE).

Fund Purpose:
The Don Ennis Award Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment for annual awards that further the broad objectives and purposes of Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada, and that meet CRA requirements.

The Don Ennis Award is named for Don Ennis, a highly-respected Central Okanagan rugby player and coach. Don was also an advocate for rugby in his role as school Principal in the Rutland, Kelowna, and Okanagan Mission areas of the Central Okanagan.

Don Ennis Obituary

In its initial form, the Don Ennis Award Fund will be used to provide educational assistance to rugby players graduating from a Central Okanagan high school and admitted to the University of British Columbia (Okanagan). In the future, the Fund may be used to support other youth-oriented rugby initiatives in the Central Okanagan. These may include player development camps and/or competitions that improve rugby skills and experiences for local high school and/or university youth players.

Initial Award Criteria:
In its initial form, the Fund will be used to award one male and one female graduating Central Okanagan rugby player the funds to assist in the costs of playing rugby and attending school at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan). In the case that no eligible players are heading to UBCO, the award(s) will go to a local grad going to play rugby at a comparable BC post-secondary institute. Award recipients must demonstrate the following attributes to qualify for the award. They include:

  • Graduating or graduated from a Central Okanagan high school;
  • Accepted into a program at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan) or a comparable BC-based post-secondary institution;
  • Intent to play rugby for their post-secondary or club rugby team in the next year;
  • High-quality rugby potential, as judged by the Fund Representatives; and
  • Leadership skills, as demonstrated in at least two leadership experiences.

For more information on the awd process or to donate to the Don Ennis Award Fund and help support its aims, go here

Caelyn Huebner Named 2023 Winner of Courtenay Taaffe Award

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The winner of the 2023 Courtenay Taaffe Award is Caelyn Huebner, who was also named as one of the George Jones Award winners for 2023.

The Courtenay Taaffe Award is presented by the Canadian Rugby Foundation (in conjunction with the Charlton L. Smith Foundation and the Taaffe family)

Courtenay Taaffe was vibrant, determined, talented and dedicated; she had endless energy and enthusiasm for her passions in life, one of which was the sport of rugby. The award was created in 2005 to honour Courtenay’s rugby passion and life achievements. The successful recipient will share some of the many qualities Courtenay did including a strong work ethic, both in the classroom and on the field, as well as an enthusiastic and determined personality. She played hooker and flanker for UVic, James Bay, Crimson Tide and Team B.C. She coached the JBAA junior women, the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide junior women, the Vancouver Island Japan Club team and the Stelly’s Secondary Queen Bees. Courtenay set a precedent for hard work and accomplishment in the sport of women’s rugby. Courtenay passed away at the age of 29 of a rare and aggressive lymphoma.

This award is annually awarded to a female athlete who excels in rugby, academics and community service. It is open to 17-28 year old players/coaches/referees who are pursuing a full-time degree, diploma or certificate program at a Canadian university or college on Vancouver Island. Students commencing or continuing full-time studies in the fall are eligible.

Caelyn Huebner

Caelyn is a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Health and Education student at the University of Victoria and like the award’s namesake, has played for James Bay Athletic Association, UVic, and the Crimson Tide. She recently began to broaden her rugby experience coaching at Esquimalt High School.

In high school she was significantly involved in her school’s community, participating in 7 sports, was involved in the school’s leadership program, volunteered in her school’s international student program, and helped start the “Best Buddies” club (a club which focuses on creating friendships between students with and without intellectual disabilities).

As Jen Roos her coach with the JBAA Senior Women’s team says, “Caelyn reminds me a lot of Courtney, whom I was fortunate enough to play with at UVIC. While not the biggest on the pitch, Caelyn plays with her heart and soul and the determination of someone three times her size. She is talented yet understated- leading our team with wisdom and commitment.

Said Cory Payne her coach at Esquimalt High School and the JBAA U16 girls team, “For the years that I coached Caelyn, she has been easily one of the most committed players that I have had the honour to coach. Her desire to be better and make the team better gave us the success we had in earning the Provincial school title.

Caelyn has always been reliable. This was especially evident when she had a major injury and still came to practices, games and events. Caelyn continued cheering on her teammates and taking part in any way so she could remain a part of the team. When Caelyn said she would be
somewhere or do something she would. Caelyn has always been eager to help the new players and encourage them to get better. She has a
natural teaching ability and it shows in her patience and acceptance of new players. I’ve leaned on Caelyn to be a leader because of her ability to model the inclusiveness of all players regardless of skill and or experience.

Caelyn has demonstrated her natural leadership and teaching skills these past two seasons while being my assistant coach with the high school team. She was an important role model to the players as well as instructing and guiding the team in all aspects of the game. Caelyn’s attributes
as a player and leader are what made me choose her as a mentor to the high school team. I really admire her approach to leadership and encouragement of all. Esquimalt placed 4th in the Province at last year’s school provincials and I truly believe Caelyn was a large part of that
success because of all the things listed above”.