Announcing the 2025 Thomas Family and George Jones Awards Winners

Posted on November 26, 2025November 26, 2025 by Kwame Skerritt-Williams

We are pleased to announce the following winners of the Thomas Family Awards and the George Jones Awards. These two Foundation Awards are managed by the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s Awards Committee, chaired by Hans de Goede. Assisting each of these award winners with their post-secondary education, while they continue to build their rugby careers is an important focus of the Foundation’s objectives. More information on each award, and their application process are posted here.

2025 THOMAS FAMILY AWARDS

The Canadian Rugby Foundation has a number of awards which have been named after deserving people in the rugby community who have made significant contributions to our game. There is no family more deserving of this honour than the Thomas family. Their contributions to Canadian Rugby have been more significant than any other in the past. The Thomas Family’s initial pledge has also encouraged others to give back to the sport they love.

The Thomas family originates from Morriston, a small town in Wales. As a young engineer, Mr. Thomas decided to emigrate to Canada. He is, and always has been, very passionate about rugby. It is for this reason that the family decided to make this significant pledge to support the Foundation as a way of saying thank you to a country and sport that has given so much joy to the entire family. As a way of thanking the Thomas family for their extreme generosity to the Foundation and all of the various rugby projects they have supported over the years, the Foundation presents the Thomas Family Scholarship to be distributed annually to one or Canadian student playing the great game of rugby.

Lanae Davenport – University of British Columbia

Vancouver, British Columbia • Abbotsford RFC / BC Bears

Lanae Davenport, from Abbotsford, BC, has emerged as one of the province’s most promising young rugby athletes. Growing through Abbotsford RFC and BC Bears age-grade programs, she has excelled in both 7s and 15s while consistently pushing her technical and physical development. Now a student at the University of British Columbia, Lanae has earned a place on the UBC Thunderbirds varsity rugby team, where her coaches highlight her work ethic, competitive edge, and rapid progression at the USPORTS level.

Beyond her on-field achievements, Lanae is known for her impactful community involvement, especially her work coaching multi-sport and rugby camps for children aged 6–12. Her ability to motivate young athletes, foster confidence, and create inclusive environments reflects her leadership and character. With goals that include joining the U20 Canada travel team and ultimately competing for Team Canada at the Olympics, Lanae exemplifies the ambition and dedication recognized by the Thomas Family Scholarship.

Lucas Deguara – University of Guelph

Toronto, Ontario • Toronto Nomads RFC

Toronto’s Lucas Deguara is a driven student-athlete with a deep commitment to rugby and a clear vision for his future. A proud member of the Toronto Nomads RFC, Lucas has grown within the club system and plans to remain involved through coaching and volunteering whenever he returns home from university. His leadership, strong character, and team-first mentality have earned him admiration throughout his rugby community.

Lucas is beginning his studies in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph, with the goal of completing veterinary school and becoming a veterinarian. Passionate about animal welfare, he is committed to excelling academically while continuing to participate in rugby through university intramurals and ongoing contributions to the Nomads. His dedication to sport, science, and community service embodies the values of the Thomas Family Award.

Thomas Salverda – Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Calgary, Alberta • SAIT Trojans

A lifelong rugby player from Calgary, Alberta, Thomas Salverda has been immersed in the sport since the age of six, rising through provincial and rep teams while building a reputation for hard work, humility, and leadership. Now a key member of the SAIT Trojans men’s program, Thomas is recognized by his coaches for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to elevate the players around him. His selection for provincial and rep teams highlights his commitment to reaching the highest possible level in the sport.

Thomas is pursuing Cabinetmaking at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where he aims to become a master craftsman and eventually operate his own business. His passion for rugby remains central—he intends to keep competing at the highest level available and contribute positively to the rugby community for years to come.

2025 GEORGE JONES AWARDS

George Jones Q.C. was well-known in both athletic and legal circles. His resume was lengthy and legendary and included appearances and successes at virtually every court level, fundraising, coaching, refereeing in many sports and at many levels.

George was born in Victoria. His father was an admiral and knew the value of discipline and hence George was sent to Brentwood College School at that time located in Mill Bay, he spent 1 year at Brentwood, the rest at Lakefield in Ontario.

From there George attended law school at UBC and married early and had 5 children. Graduation was achieved and a short career with Revenue Canada followed. Either or both Revenue Canada or George came to their senses and George then spent the next 50 years defending individuals in Tax Court and bailing out rugby players from various situations and occasionally and sporadically billing clients strictly on Robin Hood principles. Two more children followed together with countless loyal and loving friends. George’s roast in 2012 was attended by 300 people at the Empress and raised 50,000 for the George Jones scholarship.

One of George’s most ardent passions was for the sport of rugby and he was a co-founder and the first director of the Canadian Rugby Foundation.

Haitham Alhariri – Pacific Rim Aviation Academy

Port Coquitlam, British Columbia • Riverside Secondary / United Rugby Club / Fraser Valley West

Haitham Alhariri brings extraordinary resilience, courage, and heart to the rugby community. Originally from Syria, Haitham and his family fled the civil war and rebuilt their lives in Canada, an experience that deeply shaped his leadership and compassion. On the rugby field, Haitham has emerged as a powerful player and mentor, serving as team captain for Riverside Rugby and coaching younger athletes with the United Rugby Club. His accomplishments include the Kindness and Bravery Award, induction into the Port Coquitlam Hall of Fame, All-Star recognition, and a provincial bronze medal with Fraser Valley West.

Haitham’s determination extends beyond athletics. Currently training toward his Private Pilot License through Pacific Rim Aviation Academy, he aspires to become a professional pilot while continuing to support and inspire those around him. His story reflects the transformative power of rugby and the profound impact of perseverance, making him a truly deserving award recipient.

Amelia Albert – St. Thomas University

Saint John, New Brunswick • Trojans Rugby Club / Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School / Team New Brunswick

Amelia Albert, from Saint John, New Brunswick, is a standout young leader whose commitment to rugby, education, and community service embodies the spirit of the George F. Jones Award. A dedicated member of the Trojans Rugby Club and Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School team, Amelia has also represented New Brunswick at the U16 and U17 provincial levels, showcasing her skill, determination, and steady growth as a player. Her leadership extends well beyond competition—she has volunteered for three years with Rookie Rugby, helping introduce young athletes to the sport she loves and contributing meaningfully to grassroots development across her region.

Amelia will pursue Criminology at St. Thomas University, where she plans to continue her rugby journey at the varsity level while working toward a future career in policing. With aspirations that include continued provincial play and representing Canada internationally, Amelia brings discipline, resilience, and a team-first mentality to every environment she joins.

Claire Bennett – University of Ottawa

Hantsport, Nova Scotia • Horton High School / Valley Rugby Union / Nova Scotia Keltics

From Hantsport, Nova Scotia, Claire Bennett stands out as one of Atlantic Canada’s brightest young rugby talents and a deeply respected community leader. A decorated fly-half and two-year captain at Horton High School, Claire has played at multiple provincial levels with the NS Keltics and represented Nova Scotia at the 2025 Canada Summer Games. Known for her precision kicking, tactical intelligence, and maturity well beyond her years, she has earned numerous accolades including Rookie of the Year, MVP, Atlantic championships, and a leadership role with Team NS 7s.

Claire’s volunteerism is equally impressive. She has contributed extensively to youth development programs, coaching and refereeing at local middle schools and supporting grassroots growth in rural and marginalized communities. Claire now joins the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, where she will study Human Kinetics and compete in varsity rugby under coach Jack Hanratty. Her long-term goals include athletic therapy and competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Charlie Cooper – University of British Columbia

Beaumont, Alberta • Beaumont Composite High School / Beaumont Rugby Club

Charlie Cooper is an emerging leader in Alberta’s rugby community, known for her exemplary character, athletic excellence, and deep commitment to service. Originating from Beaumont, Alberta, Charlie has captained her high school team, earned “Top Back,” and been named “Rookie of the Year” at the club level—achievements reflecting her discipline, empathy, and competitive spirit. Off the field, she is widely admired for her extensive volunteer work, including serving meals at Hope Mission, supporting individuals with disabilities through Catholic Social Services, and contributing to environmental initiatives.

Charlie will study Natural Resources Conservation at the University of British Columbia, where she aims to build a career focused on sustainability and planetary stewardship. She plans to continue coaching youth and nurturing inclusive rugby environments, carrying forward the values that have made her a role model in her community.

Lexis De Meyer – University of the Fraser Valley

Abbotsford, British Columbia • Abbotsford RFC (Div. 1 Women)

Lexis De Meyer is a committed student-athlete and emerging young leader from Abbotsford, BC. A standout player with Abbotsford RFC’s Division 1 women’s side, Lexis has earned recognition for her rapid development, leadership as team captain, and competitive success at both the school and club levels. She hopes to represent the BC Bears U19 and ultimately earn a place on Canada’s U20 national team—goals supported by her relentless work ethic and dedication.

Beyond rugby, Lexis excels academically, participates in drumline, leads her school yearbook team, volunteers extensively, and consistently maintains honour roll standing. She is pursuing a Bachelor of General Studies at the University of the Fraser Valley with the long-term goal of becoming a human rights lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, she plans to work with victim services, law firms, and community groups as she advances toward a legal career defending human rights across Canada.

Ruby Lastiwka – University of Victoria

Calgary, Alberta • Calgary Saints Rugby Club / Calgary Mavericks / Alberta Wolfpack / Ernest Manning High School

Calgary’s own Ruby Lastiwka is one of Alberta’s most dynamic multi-sport athletes, known for her exceptional versatility, competitiveness, and leadership. A prominent member of the Calgary Saints Rugby Club, the Calgary Mavericks, and the Alberta Wolfpack, Ruby has become a force in both 7s and 15s rugby. Her return from ACL reconstruction in 2023 demonstrates remarkable resilience—she worked tirelessly to surpass her previous performance level and rejoined competition with renewed strength and determination.

Off the field, Ruby’s achievements span art, football, wrestling, outdoor education, and community service. Coaches consistently praise her humility, coachability, and fierce commitment to team culture. Ruby will join the University of Victoria Vikes in Fall 2025 to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Forestry, aiming for a future career focused on sustainable forest management and worker safety. She is eager to continue competing at the highest level and represent Alberta on the national stage.

Ainsley Munro – University of Waterloo

Milton, Ontario

Hailing from Milton, Ontario, Ainsley Munro is a passionate student-athlete whose drive, curiosity, and leadership make her an exceptional recipient of the George F. Jones Award. Ainsley will join the University of Waterloo’s varsity rugby program in Fall 2025, bringing with her years of dedication to club rugby and a strong reputation for work ethic and positivity. Her coaching references highlight her coachability, determination, and commitment to supporting her teammates both on and off the pitch.

Academically, Ainsley is pursuing Honours Geography and Environmental Management with Co-op, with aspirations of either further graduate study or a career working as a naturalist or guide in environmental tourism. She plans to continue competing with the Warriors, maintain involvement with her home club, and use her university experience to grow as both an athlete and environmental steward.

Keegan Neary – University of Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia • Vancouver Highlanders / BC Grassroots Rugby / UNB Reds (formerly)

Keegan Neary is a distinguished leader in Canadian rugby whose impact extends far beyond his performance on the pitch. Originally from Victoria, Keegan has played at elite levels—including a professional stint with the Vancouver Highlanders—and is now a key contributor to the University of Victoria Vikes. Known for his intelligence, discipline, and fierce competitiveness, he has also earned praise for his mentorship of younger athletes, both at UVic and during his years with the UNB Reds.

Keegan’s coaching résumé is remarkable: he has coached middle school and high school rugby across BC and Alberta, and spent two full summers with BC Grassroots Rugby delivering free camps to the community. His long-term goal is to practise law with a focus on helping disadvantaged populations, building on his academic interests in criminal, Indigenous, and environmental law. Keegan represents the highest standard of rugby excellence and community engagement.

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:

Coming Home to Windsor Park with CWRFC Capital Fund

Posted on August 12, 2025August 15, 2025 by Jeff

The Castaway Wanderers have established a new fund with the Canadian Rugby Foundation to help raise money for a new clubhouse adjacent to their current playing field at Windsor Park in the Oak Bay area of Victoria, BC. The building on the right photo is the Oak Bay Community Centre used as the club’s locker and meeting rooms

Named the CWRFC Coming Home Capital Fund, this signals a move of the existing clubhouse from downtown Victoria to Windsor Park (thus the “Coming Home”) and will serve as a vehicle for donors to the project (purchase of property, relocation of a house to accommodate the clubhouse, and renovations to the house) to make a contribution and simultaneously receiving a charitable tax receipt through the Foundation.

The property is across from the tennis courts at Windsor Park as shown here. The house shown below is the one being considered moving on to the property we will purchase. It has been photoshopped onto the property to give a sense of how our new home will fit.

IMAGINE THIS:

The history of your club and its players creating your club place adjacent to your
playing field
Celebrating a victory with YOUR team in YOUR clubhouse whether 14 or 35 years old
Gathering parents and their CWRFC children for a social evening
CW teams hosting supporters, visitors and guests in THEIR clubhouse right after the game
Deepening the unique social side of rugby into our CWRFC culture for families, players, alumni and supporters
Imagine, COMING HOME to where it all began in 1912!

TO SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE AND MAKE A DONATION TO THE CWRFC COMING HOME CAPITAL FUND, GO HERE:

YOU CAN HELP!
For further information or an offer toward the plan, please contact Chris Spicer at 250-888-8859 or
cspiceradvancement@shaw.ca

SABRFC Alumni Endowment Fund Established

Posted on August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 by Jeff

We are pleased to announce that the SABRFC Alumni Endowment Fund was established on July 21, 2025.

STE. ANNE DE BELLEVUE RFC

What is now the Ste. Anne de Bellevue Rugby Football Club originated as the Macdonald College rugby team in 1964. Last year (2024) marked the 60th anniversary of the original founding date.

In 1981 the club officially became the Club de Rugby de Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. The hard work and dedication shown by every player, coach, and volunteer over the last four and a half decades have produced the biggest and most successful rugby club in Quebec, and one with a solid international reputation.

SABRFC ALUMNI ENDOWMENT FUND

The SABRFC (Sainte Anne de Bellevue Rugby Football Club) Alumni Endowment Fund is intended to support the operations of the club through disbursements from the fund’s donations, endowment returns, and other contributions. These are to continue the objects of the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Rugby Football Club (Fund Sponsor) and are consistent with the broad objects and purposes of the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Rugby Football Club, Rugby Canada, and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada while meeting all CRA requirements.

As the Fund’s name indicates, the fund was set up by a group of dedicated club alumni, past and current men’s and women’s rugby members of the club who are interested in the long-term viability and financial stability of the club. This is to be established through the endowment fund, where the assets donated to the fund are invested in perpetuity with the returns disbursed annually.

The following are examples of the kinds of projects or uses for which a grant may be approved.

OPERATING EXPENSES including any of the following:

Facilities .
Equipment purchase
Training equipment
Turf installation and landscaping
Labour expense
Member services
Administration
Competitions
Player assistance and awards
Miscellaneous

TO SUPPORT THE CLUB AND DONATE TO THE SABRFC ALUMNI ENDOWMENT FUND, GO HERE:

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

Posted on June 1, 2025July 8, 2025 by Jeff

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!

McGill Rugby Award Celebrates Enduring Tale of Canada-U.S. Friendship

Posted on May 13, 2025May 13, 2025 by Jeff

By Neil D. Stephenson, Special to National Post

As a Canadian with an education in political science and a former executive of a major American
news organization, I am dismayed by the ongoing economic tensions between Canada and the
United States. This conflict — which Canada neither instigated nor desired — has been
manufactured by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Despite political rhetoric on both sides of the border assuring us that Canadians love Americans,
and vice versa, it is essential for ordinary citizens to take tangible steps to maintain and
demonstrate this friendship — and to remind ourselves of the many thousands of past instances in
our lives where that friendship has manifested itself without us consciously thinking about it.
In that spirit, and given the recent federal election, I wanted to share two stories: first, of a new
varsity sports award; and second, of a historic, 151-year-old cross-border sports rivalry.
The first story begins with its two inspirations, a woman named Marie Evelyn Moreton (better
known as Lady Byng, wife of Canada’s 12th governor general, Lord Julian Byng) and Winston
Churchill. The former was a hockey fanatic who wanted to encourage gentlemanly conduct and
good sportsmanship, and the latter famously quipped that, “Rugby is a hooligan’s game played by
gentlemen.”

The other lead characters in the story include a rugby team founded in 1872, an American rugby
player from McGill’s 1955 squad and a newly endowed sports award.
Throughout its storied history, the McGill University Rugby Football Club (MURFC, which is
known today as the McGill Redbirds) has emphasized the importance of how its players conduct
themselves on and off the field.

In keeping with the dicta expressed by Churchill and Byng, MURFC has officially announced the
Dr. Joseph Hanaway McGill Rugby Gentleman’s Award. This award annually recognizes a McGill
rugby player who consistently exemplifies gentlemanly conduct on and off the field for a
minimum of two playing seasons.

The idea for a non-endowed award was first proposed to McGill Athletics in late 2020 to formally
recognize the qualities of integrity, sportsmanship and respectfulness that are integral to rugby
culture worldwide. After just five months of fundraising, we surpassed the $80,000 threshold
required for an endowment and the newly endowed award was formally announced to the team at
a ceremony on April 10.

As of today, McGill has received $107,000 in contributions, with additional pledges still coming.
Beginning in December, the award will confer a $3,500 cash prize to the named recipient.
Joseph Hanaway, now 92 and residing in St. Louis, expressed his gratitude: “I am deeply honoured
that this rugby gentleman’s award will encourage gentlemanly conduct by McGill’s young rugby
players both on and off the field for years to come.”

Joseph Hanaway 2025

Hanaway arrived at McGill from New York in 1953 as an undergraduate arts student. Initially
joining the McGill football team as a kicker — earning him the nickname “Joe the Toe” — he later
transitioned to rugby, where his team became the 1955 Dominion national rugby champions of
Canada. He subsequently earned his medical degree in 1960, completed his post-doctoral studies
at Harvard and enjoyed a distinguished medical career in the U.S.

Hanaway’s contributions to McGill extended beyond athletics. Upon retiring in 2008, he
spearheaded the restoration of McGill’s iconic Roddick Gates clocks and bell tower on Montreal’s
stately Sherbrooke Street and authored several books on the history of medicine at McGill.
Given his lifelong commitment to McGill and his embodiment of the new award’s core values, I
felt that Hanaway was the natural choice to be its namesake and ambassador.
The second story involves a historic sporting relationship that has had a massive cultural impact,
particularly in the U.S. During the fundraising campaign for the endowment, many donors were
motivated by a desire to honour last year’s 150th anniversary of the landmark rugby matches of
1874 between Harvard and McGill in Cambridge, Mass. These matches planted the seed for the
creation and growth of modern American football.

In honour of this cross-border camaraderie and sports history, any annual income from the
endowment exceeding $3,500 will go to support the Covo Cup — the annual rugby game between
McGill and Harvard, which symbolizes the enduring bond between these two institutions.

“As an American, I am hopeful that this award will stand as a living testament to the unbreakable
brotherhood between America and Canada,” said Hanaway.

This new McGill rugby award named after an American alumnus, as well as the long-standing
fraternity between McGill and Harvard rugby players, are just two small examples of how
teamwork, co-operation and respect have defined the relationship between the peoples of our two
countries for well over 150 years.

David Johnston — former McGill principal and governor general of Canada, who was elected to
Harvard’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a former hockey player for the Crimson and later was the first
non-U.S. citizen to serve as chair of Harvard’s board of overseers — observed that, “The Hanaway
award is very special and unique. To my mind, this gentleman’s award makes a powerful
statement not just about this rugby team, but is the very quintessence of the Canada-U.S.
friendship.”

— National Post

Neil D. Stephenson is the creator and lead fundraiser of the Dr. Joseph Hanaway McGill Rugby
Gentleman’s Award. He is a former Atlanta-based CNN executive, a former corporate aviation lawyer
and a McGill rugby alum.

The Canadian Rugby Foundation was one of the many donors to the new Hanaway McGill Rugby
Gentleman’s Award

Stampede Sevens Award Fund the Newest Fund Out of Alberta

Posted on May 4, 2025August 12, 2025 by Jeff

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: