Category Archives: Awards News

Supporters of the UVic Vikes Men’s Rugby Club Start New Fund

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Just as the University of Victoria Vikes were competing in the 2023 Coastal Cup to qualify for the 2023 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship, supporters of the team banded together with Coach Scott Manning to establish the new Vikes Men’s Rugby Supporters Fund. The Vikes Men’s Rugby Supporters Fund was established in October 2023 as a means for the University of Victoria Men’s Rugby program to solicit, invest and use fund earnings, donations and fund-raising proceeds for the long-term and short-term needs of the program. NOTE: The Vikes earned a Silver Medal at the 2023 CUMRC, falling to arch-rivals UBC Thunderbirds in the Championship Final.

Vikes Aspirations
As Coach Manning stated, “As a program, our vision is simple: we’re looking to ‘Grow a World Class University Rugby Program’. Every decision we make attempts to build off the legacy of Vikes Rugby already established and to close the gap between where we are now and where we aspire to be.

Over the past two years, we have made strides to close that gap. We’ve brought in qualified coaches (all former Vikes!). We’ve taken The Boot back from UBC for the first time in a decade. We’ve started multiple community initiatives. We’ve taken a roster of 50% first and second years to a BC Premier League semi-final (the top Sr. Men’s rugby club competition in North America). And we’ve recruited competitively, with 8 out of 24 members from the 2023 Canada U18 team choosing to join our program. The future is bright!

We want to be the #1 choice for Canadian rugby players to develop as players and as people. To be competitive in creating the best national varsity rugby program, we put a premium on creating the right environment, including coaching, tours, equipment, strength & conditioning, educational workshops and more. Your support will directly contribute to building that environment.”

The Fund
The Vikes Men’s Rugby Supporters Fund is the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s first hybrid University Fund. Donations and contributions to this Fund consist of two parts. The first is intended to address the long-term needs of the rugby team or program through an endowment funded by 50% of the donations and fundraising. These monies are invested in perpetuity, and only disbursements of the earnings of the fund are permitted. The second 50% of donations and fundraising contributions are intended to address the short-term needs of the program through disbursements towards annual operating expenses. There is no limit to the disbursements from this part of the fund.

As is the case with all of the Foundation’s funds, any donation to the new Vikes Fund is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. These donations may be made on a one-time or monthly basis, by cheque, bank wire, credit or debit card, PayPal, or stock transfer.

Further details on the Vikes Men’s Rugby Supporters Fund, and a link to make donations to the Fund are here:

Rugby Legend Honoured with New Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award

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Friends, colleagues in the rugby, local, international, and business community,  and family of Kevin Wirachowski recently established a new Canadian Rugby Foundation Award Fund to create a lasting legacy for the man variously known as “Lunk’, ‘Lunker’ and ‘Lunkster”.

 

The Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award Fund provides funding from its endowment for an annual award that furthers the broad objectives and purposes of Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Foundation by assisting successful applicants with their post-secondary education, thereby helping to grow and develop rugby in Canada.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Active Participation: Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in playing rugby and a
    commitment to staying engaged in the sport. Applicant must be a current front-row player and actively engaged in developing their front-row skills
  2. Gender and Age: Applicants must be students actively participating in rugby in Canada. The award is open to all genders. Applicants must be between 17 and 24 years of age.
  3. Academic Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time degree (graduate or undergraduate), diploma or certificate program at a Canadian university, college or trade school, and be in good academic standing. The school program should commence in the academic year for which the award is granted. Students starting their studies in the fall semester are eligible.

 Selection Criteria:
The selection of the Kevin ‘Lunk’  Wirachowski Award recipient will be based on the following criteria:

  1. The extent to which the application, supporting letter and references demonstrate compliance with the eligibility criteria above.
  2. Contribution to the Rugby Community: Applicants should exhibit a recognized contribution to both the local community and the broader rugby community, showcasing their impact both on and off the field. Applicant must be in good standing with his or her School team, Club team, Provincial team, National Age-grade or senior team if applicable, and Community.
  3. Leadership: Demonstrated leadership on and off the field.

Further details on Lunk, the Award and Fund, and a link to make donations to the Fund are here:

Rick Bourne Among 2023 Inductees into Rugby Canada Hall of Fame

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December 12, 2023 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the Hall of Fame class for 2023. Nine Canadian rugby icons will have their distinguished careers celebrated forever as they enter the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame.

Since the inaugural Class of 2016, the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame has recognized and welcomed the most dedicated and decorated members of Canada’s rugby community to its growing list.

The Rugby Canada Hall of Fame was established to honour and preserve rugby’s culture and heritage in Canada by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of rugby participants throughout our country.

“This year’s class of inductees to the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame showcases nine outstanding women and men who have brought honour and fame, on and off the field, to the history of rugby in Canada,” said Mike Luke, Chair Rugby Canada’s Hall of Fame Project Team. “Their skills as former international rugby players and match officials, administrators and leaders in the game, has made them great contributors to Canada’s place in the world of rugby.”

Inductees will be celebrated at the 2024 HSBC Vancouver Sevens on Saturday February 24, 2024. Tickets for the HSBC Vancouver Sevens can be purchased at vansevens.com.

Please view a brief overview of the inductees below and click on the corresponding links to learn more about each inductee’s outstanding contributions to the sport of rugby in Canada.

CLASS OF 2023

RICK BOURNE – BUILDER

Bourne has held several positions at the national and international levels, serving on Rugby Canada’s Board of Directors from 2003 to 2019, including five years as President. He was Canada’s Rugby Americas North representative from 2012 to 2019 and currently holds an active position on the board of HSBC Vancouver Sevens as well as director roles with the Canadian Rugby Foundation and the Canadian Rugby 7s Fund. Rick is also a long-time Contributing Member to the Canadian Rugby Foundation Contributing Member.

Click Here For Full Bio 

 

Complete 2023 Class Announcement: https://rugby.ca/en/news/2023/12/rugby-canada-announces-hall-of-fame-class-of-2023

Tattyannah Jackson Wins Inaugural Rick Bourne Rugby Award

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Following the announcement of the new Rick Bourne Rugby Award during his induction into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame, in June 2023, we are now pleased to announce the inaugural winner of the Award, Tattyannah Jackson of East Gwillimbury, Ontario.

Tattyannah Jackson

Tattyannah is a third-year student at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON majoring in Sociology and Psychology. Her background in rugby has been relatively short, but has rapidly developed to a starting prop position on the Queen’s University Gaels, a top-3 university women’s rugby program in Canada, and a selection to the Ontario senior women’s and Canada’s U20 team in 2023. Her earlier development has come through the high school system and the Aurora Barbarians RFC with coach Nick Daniels.

Of her experience at Queen’s, she says “My time at Queen’s has been a wild ride over the last three years. I’ve had to take the time to discover myself as a person and a player. This team has helped me come out of my shell, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My experience here has been one-of-a-kind, thrilling, and once-in-a-lifetime, and has given me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

On her selection to the U20 team this past summer, Tattyannah says, “Being able to represent Canada’s U20 program has been one of my most recent accomplishments. It was an incredible opportunity to meet other female rugby players and play alongside some of the best players in the country. It taught me a lot to be able to play with such amazing women, and it meant a lot to form new friendships within that community. Knowing that my efforts and hard work were ultimately worthwhile gave me confidence and dignity. Moving forward, my goal will be to continue in the Canada age-grade program, with the goal of one day representing Canada at the senior women’s level.”

Looking ahead, her aspirations in rugby burn bright. “ I’m resolutely focused on donning the U23 Canada jersey, an honour that would signify a remarkable progression in my rugby career. Beyond that, I am steadfast in my commitment to reaching the pinnacle of the sport: the senior women’s team. The thought of representing my country on the international stage and competing at a Rugby World Cup fuels my training and propels me forward. Each step I take, both on and off the field, is driven by the indomitable spirit that rugby instilled in me.

Rick Bourne Rugby Award

The Rick Bourne Rugby Award provides an annual financial award of $2,000 and aims to support students of any gender who are actively involved in playing rugby in Canada. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of Rick Bourne, a prominent figure in the Canadian rugby community for over six decades. Rick Bourne’s leadership, passion and generosity have made a significant impact on rugby in Canada, making this award a deserving tribute to his legacy. The awards will be funded from donations to the endowment fund and earnings on the fund’s assets. More details on the award are here.

“We had many impressive candidates apply which is hopefully a fantastic sign of where rugby is headed in this country,” said Rick Bourne. “The selection criteria for this award consisted of a candidate’s active participation in rugby, a commitment to stay engaged in the sport and an overall commitment to the rugby community positively impacting the sport both on and off the field. Tattyannah Jackson, this year’s winner, is a testament to Tattyannah’s commitment to rugby and we very much look forward to this continued dedication to the sport and watching Tattyannah’s rugby career well into the future.”

On being notified of her award, Tattyannah stated, “I am truly honoured and grateful to be the first recipient of the Rick Bourne Rugby Award. Rick Bourne’s legacy in rugby is inspiring, and receiving this recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reminder of the values and dedication that make rugby a special sport. I am thankful for the support and encouragement from the rugby community, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the spirit of the game.”

 

Brooklyn Harrison wins 2023 Judy Seddon Memorial Award

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On what would have been Judy’s 67 th birthday, we would like to announce the winner of the 2023 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.

Brooklyn Harrison is a student at the University of Prince Edward Island entering her first year of a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Biology and a specialization in Life Sciences. She is a multi-sport athlete who started playing rugby in high school. She overcame significant challenges while finishing high school and maintaining involvement in athletics. She was the head coach of the Calgary Rams’ U5 minis rugby program, volunteer coach at Lord Beaverbrook High School girls’ rugby program, and is now
joining the UPEI Panthers varsity rugby team. She is honored to represent Judy by giving back to women’s rugby.

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) next year to mark May 1st in their calendar when applications for the 2024 award open.

More information on the Award and the application process is here, where you can also make a donation to help support future awards.

Canadian Rugby Foundation Newsletter – July 2023

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In this issue of the Canadian Rugby Foundation Newsletter, “News & Views”, we have updates since the January 2023 Newsletter and 2022 Annual Report. Click here to read the complete Newsletter.

As usual we look forward to hearing from you – whether rugby club executives or members, donors, representatives of our 70 Funds, rugby players of all ages and levels, and dedicated or casual rugby union fans – with your questions, suggestions, or other feedback.

Cheers,

Jeff Chan
Executive Director
Canadian Rugby Foundation

ANNOUNCING THE RICK BOURNE RUGBY AWARD FUND

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We are very pleased to announce the new Rick Bourne Rugby Award Fund. Established on the eve of Rick Bourne’s induction into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame, the Rick Bourne Rugby Award aims to support students of any gender who are actively involved in playing rugby in Canada

June 23, 2023 Induction Photos

 

 

Fund and Award Overview
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of Rick Bourne, a prominent figure in the Canadian rugby community for over six decades. Rick Bourne’s leadership, passion and generosity have made a significant impact on rugby in Canada, making this award a deserving tribute to his legacy. The awards will be funded from donations to the endowment fund and earnings on the fund’s assets.

Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Rick Bourne Rugby Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Gender and Rugby Participation: Applicants must be students actively participating in rugby in
    Canada. The award is open to all genders. Whether involved in club or university rugby, the
    award is open to individuals dedicated to the sport.
  2. Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 17 and 24 years of age.
  3. Academic Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time degree (graduate
    or undergraduate), diploma or certificate program at a Canadian college or university. The
    program should commence in the academic year for which the award is granted. Students
    starting their studies in the fall semester are eligible.

General Guidelines:

  1. Reapplication: Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent years.
  2. Conditional Award: The award is contingent upon the acceptance and continuance of
    the applicant’s chosen educational program. Verification of acceptance into the program will be
    required.
  3. Application Submission:
    a. Submit a completed application form from the Canadian Rugby Foundation.
    b. Attach a letter, not more than 250 words, describing the reasons why you would be a
    worthy recipient of the Rick Bourne Rugby Award. Include your contributions to the
    rugby community, how you have helped expand the game, other volunteer activities,
    your academic achievements, your most important accomplishments and your future
    goals;
    c. Attach two letters of reference from the two individuals named in your application. One
    must be someone who has been involved with you in the rugby community;
    d. Attach a photograph in .jpg format. We would prefer if the applicant is wearing a rugby
    jersey in the photo but that is not required (once submitted the photo will be the
    property of the Canadian Rugby Foundation).

NOTE: Items 1 to 4 above must be e-mailed to cdnrugbyfoundation.financial@gmail.com to
complete the award application.

4. Publicity and Promotion: The award recipient must consent to having their name and
photograph publicized. Additionally, they should be prepared to support the promotion of the
award as requested.

Selection Criteria:
The selection of the Rick Bourne Rugby Award recipient will be based on the following criteria:

  1. Active Participation: Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in playing rugby and a
    commitment to staying engaged in the sport.
  2. Contribution to the Rugby Community: Applicants should exhibit a recognized contribution to
    both the local community and the broader rugby community, showcasing their impact both on
    and off the field.

Rick Bourne’s extensive involvement as a player, coach, administrator, volunteer, director,
philanthropist and leader within the Canadian rugby community has inspired the establishment of this scholarship. His remarkable leadership through rugby in Canada has left a lasting legacy. While many exceptional leaders have emerged within Canadian rugby, Rick Bourne stands as one of the most successful, passionate and generous individuals the country has ever witnessed. On December 12, 2023, Rick was announcement among the 2023 inductees into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame.  Article.

For any further inquiries or clarifications, please refer to the contact information included in the
application instructions.

To make a donation to the Rick Bourne Rugby Award Fund, go here:

8 University Men’s Rugby Coaches Now Selected for Advanced Coaching Courses in New Zealand and Wales

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We are happy to report that the following 7 university men’s rugby coaches have been selected to attend the first Crusaders course to be held LIVE in 3 years in Christchurch, NZ.

  • Scott Manning (U Victoria)
  • Andy Evans (Trinity Western U)
  • Nick “Vinny” McAuley (U Calgary)
  • Ian McLeod (Western U)
  • Jamie Mackenzie (Laurier U)
  • Ian Baillie (McGill U)
  • Pat B. Parfrey (Memorial U)

The eighth coach, Curry Hitchborn from UBC, will pursue a coaching experience in Wales this summer.

 

Curry and Scott’s attendance (course fee, accommodations, and air travel) is funded through the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s Gerald McGavin Coaching Award Fund, selected by the BC Rugby Union.
Andy, Vinny, Ian M., Jamie, Ian B., and Pat’s attendance (course fee and accommodation) are funded through the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s University Rugby Supporters’ Fund, with air travel subsidized by Dave Lougheed’s “For the Love of the Game” charity, and selected by a sub-committee consisting of Doug Tate, Mike Holmes, and Dave Lougheed.
This initiative is consistent with 1) the belief that Men’s University Rugby is an essential keystone for the improvement of men’s rugby in Canada, and the advancement of the national men’s team’s performance, just as Women’s University Rugby has been proven to be essential to the Senior Women’s 15s performance on the world stage; and 2) that improved coaching in university men’s rugby is a critical step towards improving the depth and calibre of Canadian university men’s rugby and hence, the Canadian men’s senior team.
The Crusaders course will take place from May 22 to June 2 at Crusaders Rugby Park, Christchurch, New Zealand.  This year’s coaches will be expected to share their learning with other university and club coaches in their regions following the camp, so be on the lookout for them.
Dependent on funding, and the success of this year’s initiative, we will work towards a repeat in 2024 with a new group of coaches.
Good luck to our Canadian contingent of coaches this summer, and to all of the University Men’s Rugby teams in the coming 2023 season, playoffs, and road to the 2023 CUMRC in Langley, BC on November 15-19.
Jeff Chan
Executive Director, Canadian Rugby Foundation
Chairman, Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship

Canadian Rugby Foundation Newsletter – January 2023

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In this issue of the Canadian Rugby Foundation Newsletter, “News & Views”, we have updates since the June 2022 Newsletter. Click here to read the complete Newsletter.

The headlines are as follow:

  • Foundation News and Announcements

 

  •  Funds News

 

  • Unrestricted Fund News

 

  • 2022 Awards News

 

  • Donation Appeal and Contact

 

 

 

As always, we look forward to hearing from you – whether rugby club executives or members, donors, representatives of our 69 Funds, rugby players of all ages and levels, and dedicated or casual rugby union fans – with your questions, suggestions, or other feedback.

Cheers,

Jeff Chan

2022 John Cannon Awards

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We are pleased to announce that the 2022 winners of the John Cannon Awards are Jackie Kuang and Kaitlyn Meier.

Jackie was chosen as one of this year’s recipients because of her dedication to pursuing excellence in rugby and her support of her local rugby community. She has represented the Fraser Valley, Team BC, and the University of Toronto in both 15’s and 7’s and has also supported the local rugby community with your coaching efforts. Her goals of playing rugby at the highest levels (Canada 7’s and 15’s) and studying to complete a Kinesiology degree to become a physiotherapist are worthy ambitions that we hope this grant may help her pursue.

Kaitlyn was chosen as one of this year’s recipients because of her dedication to pursuing excellence in rugby and support of her local community. She has represented the Fraser Valley, Team BC, and the University of British Columbia in addition to volunteering her time to coach mini-rugby and support local community initiatives. Her goals of developing her rugby skills while studying to become a registered nurse are worthy ambitions that we hope this grant may help her pursue.

The John Cannon Memorial Fund was established in 2016 following John’s passing. The Fund’s purpose is to provide financial assistance to aspiring Abbotsford rugby players who wish to pursue representative rugby. The first grant was awarded in 2017 and grants have been awarded in all subsequent years. To date over $7,000 in grants have been awarded as follow:

  • 2017 – Tausani Levale
  • 2018 – Jake Thiel, Mackenzie Carson
  • 2019 – Josh Thiel, Noah Bain
  • 2020 – Kyra Peary
  • 2021 – James Thiel, Shalaya Valenzuela
  • 2022 – Jackie Kuang, Kaitlyn Meier

John Cannon, who was described as one of the best rugby players to have ever come out of Abbotsford, passed away on March 19, 2016, at the age of 35. John began playing rugby in high school, first playing rugby at WJ Mouat Secondary and then for Abbotsford Senior, from where he graduated in 1998. He first represented Canada on an Under-17 tour to England in 1996 at the age of 15, followed by the Canada U-19s at age 17, Pacific Pride at age 19. He earned his first Senior Men’s cap at age 20, and a total of 39 caps (31 at 15s and 8 at 7s.)  He played 6 years in England in what is now the Championship League.

Call for applications including a cover page template and application form are posted on the Abbotsford Rugby Club website (https://www.abbotsfordrugby.com/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/abbotsfordrugby).