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:
- 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. - Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 17 and 24 years of age.
- 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:
- Reapplication: Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent years.
- 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. - 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:
- Active Participation: Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in playing rugby and a
commitment to staying engaged in the sport. - 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:
Under the management of a volunteer Board of Directors, Twin Elm has grown over the last half century to hold a special place in Canada’s rugby history. The park has hosted provincial and national championships at the high school, junior and senior levels, as well as numerous international matches, including Canada’s epic 18-16 victory over France in 1994, and the Canadian women’s first ever home soil victory over the U.S.A. in 2001. The park has also showcased the Canadian German Shepherd championship, Gaelic Athletic competitions, lacrosse, and touch football to list a few.
Dozens of internationals have developed their skills on Twin Elms five pitches, and have gone on to wear the maple leaf with pride at Rugby World Cup’s going back 30 years, most recently at the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Twin Elm also holds the unique distinction of being the only rugby park in the world to have produced the captains of both the women’s and men’s national teams in consecutive Rugby World Cups. This unprecedented accomplishment occurred when Sherri Sparling captained Canada at the 2002 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Spain, and Al Charron followed by leading the Canadian men’s squad into Australia in 2003.
For example, one of the primary needs is to replace the old, donated lawnmower with a modern zero-turn mower designed for facilities the size of ours, which would result in significant time savings in volunteer hours. Other improvements include modernizing the lockers to 21st-century standards, renewing the lounge, replacing stands, and adding landscaping such as fences or tree planting. The list would be open-ended as long as rugby-related and of a longer-term capital expenditure versus current operating expense.
