Established in February 2026, the Cowichan RFC Larry Thibideau Memorial Award Fund was created to encourage donations towards a new award for Junior rugby players at Cowichan to assist in furthering both their post-secondary academic and rugby careers.
The Cowichan Rugby Club
The Cowichan Rugby Club was founded in 1962, and has a colourful history predating that year as illustrated in the following histories, endorsements, and video:
How Rugby Found a Home in the Cowichan Valley
The Greatest Club on Earth by Marius Felix
CRFC: 52 Years of Family Video
Today the club operates U6 to U12 Mini rugby teams, U14 to U18/19 Junior teams, a Division 1 Men’s Team, a Division 2 Sr Women’s team, a 3rd Division Men’s Team, and the Nooky Wood (age 38+) team from their home at Piggie Park, 1860 Herd Road, Duncan, BC. 2026 marks the 50th year the club has had its home on Herd Road. Stay tuned for more information on the August 15 Celebration!
The Fund
The Cowichan RFC Larry Thibodeau Memorial Award Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment for annual awards that further the broad objectives and purposes of the Fund Sponsor, Rugby Canada, and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada, and that meet CRA requirements.
Larry Thibideau
The Larry Thibodeau Memorial Award is named after Larry Thibodeau, whose Legacy and Impact follow below:
Club Involvement and Administration
Larry was an active playing member of the Cowichan Rugby Football Club throughout the seventies and eighties. After his retirement from playing, he transitioned into a key role in club administration, serving as a board member for many years. Larry’s main contribution was as the club’s bartender—he managed the bar with remarkable honesty and dedication, always keen to generate revenue for the club and support its ongoing activities.
Athletic Background and Character
Larry attended Cowichan Secondary (now Quw’utsun Secondary School) and played rugby during his time there. He was a versatile athlete, excelling in multiple sports including football, lacrosse, and baseball, and was also known as an avid fisherman and hunter. Although Larry was somewhat soft spoken, his athleticism stood out—he was the kind of individual who excelled at every sport he tried. His quiet determination left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Legacy and Memorial
Larry’s passing on August 15, 2017 followed a courageous and memorable battle with cancer, a period that many continue to remember today. Even after losing his mobility, his commitment to the club endured—he would have his wife drive him to the club and park, allowing him to watch games from their car. The scholarship fund was established in his honour to recognize his unwavering dedication to the club and to promote junior rugby through a high school award, ensuring his legacy and passion for the sport will continue to inspire future generations.
The Award
Award Eligibility:
- Cowichan RFC Junior player
- Must be enrolled at Cowichan Secondary, now Quw’utsun Secondary School
Award Selection Criteria:
- Long-time Cowichan junior player
- A junior-age boy or girl athlete
Application Process and Deadline:
- Applicationsmust be submitted by March 13
- QSS Rugby Coaches, along with councilors, decide on the annual award winner
TO HELP MEMORIALIZE LARRY’S LEGACY AND TO DONATE TO THE COWICHAN RFC LARRY THIBIDEAU MEMORIAL AWARD FUND, GO HERE:
