In Case of Strike

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At the end of 2024, the national postal strike was paused for the Industrial Inquiry Commission work to take place. At that time, the existing collective agreements between Canada Post and CUPW were reinstated and remain in effect until at least May 22, 2025. This means a labour disruption could happen as early as May 23. If this were to happen, the Foundation has numerous ways that donors can make a contribution without risking a cheque holdup in the mail system.

The most common method for smaller (less than $1,000) donations is on our CanadaHelps.org online platform. Donations can be made here by credit or debit card and PayPal. We say smaller because there is a CanadasHelps transaction fee we should avoid for larger donations which reduces the net amount contributed to the Foundation or an individual fund.

When the posties are working, cheques can be mailed to our P.O. Box here:

Canadian Rugby Foundation
709 Yates St., PO Box 8003
Victoria, BC, V8W 3R7

An alternate address for couriered cheques is:

Canadian Rugby Foundation
150-805 Cloverdale Ave.,
Victoria BC,
V8X2S9

We have always had the ability to accept bank wires using some or all of the following information (depends on your own bank’s requirements).

CRF Account #05030-7605617
Bank# 010
Swift# CIBCCATT

Bank Name: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
Branch: Mayfair Shopping Centre
City: Victoria, BC
Routing Number (EFT) 001005030
Branch Transit Number 05030
Financial Institution Number 010
MICR Code (Routing Number) 05030-010

And finally, we recently added Interac donations at the following address which may be the easiest payment method for all donors:

Payments@canadianrugbyfoundation.ca

 

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.

2024 LANGARA TRIP AUCTION – DEADLINE FAST APPROACHING!

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The Raymond James Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship, presented by Loughheed Wealth Management and hosted by the University of Ottawa has launched its 2024 Langara Fishing Adventures Trip Auction.

CUMRC 2024 LANGARA FISHING ADVENTURE  AUCTION

From now and running through the first day of the 2024 CUMRC on November 13, you can bid to purchase this trip of a lifetime. The top bid (now that the minimum $6,000 bid has been received) by November 13 at 12:00 noon wins the trip. But you can pre-empt the other bidders with a “BUY IT NOW” commitment of at least $10,000 which in addition for the trip for 2, will also give you a VIP pass for 2 for all 12 CUMRC games running Nov. 13-17 in Ottawa, and 2 tickets to the opening tournament brunch on Thursday, November 14. To be eligible for these extra perks you must complete payment to the University Rugby Supporters Fund at the Canadian Rugby Foundation within 3 days of our acknowledgment that you have the winning bid.

To make a payment on your winning bid, go here: https://canadianrugbyfoundation.ca/index.php/support-a-fund/club-funds/university-rugby-supporters-fund/    To make your bid, send an email to jeffachan@gmail.com

Details are shown below:

2025 Langara Trip Auction 20241016

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.

Canadian Rugby Foundation Newsletter – August 2024

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Our 2024 Summer Newsletter is now available. Included are the latest Foundation news and announcements, highlights and updates from our Funds, some advice on fund-raising for fund sponsors, and a request to continue supporting rugby in Canada through our dedicated funds or the Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund.

Included are the latest Foundation news and announcements, highlights and updates from our Funds, some advice on fund-raising for fund sponsors, and a request to continue supporting rugby in Canada through our dedicated funds or the Foundation’s Unrestricted Fund.

 

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

SUPPORTING HIGH-PERFORMANCE RUGBY IN CANADA

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We are pleased to announce that at its last Board meeting, the Canadian Rugby Foundation allocated $55,000 from its 2024 Unrestricted Fund budget towards Men’s and Women’s High-Performance Rugby in Canada.

MEN’S HIGH-PERFORMANCE INITIATIVE

A Board Committee consisting of Chair Hans de Goede, John Lecky, and Jerry Marriot with Jamie Levchuk from Rugby Canada recommended the following allocation for the Men’s side based on input from Dr. John Gillis, Stephen Aboud and Nathan Bombrys: $27,500

• Ontario: $4,000
• Quebec $4,000
• Prairies: $3,500 (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba)
• 2024 Coast to Coast Cup in Halifax, $16,000 (including Atlantic Provinces)

The 2024 Coast to Coast Cup tournament is the highest level of senior men’s competition in the country, and runs June 19-22 in Halifax (the finals on June 22 at the Wanderers Grounds) and will feature the Atlantic Privateers, a combined Toronto Arrows Academy/Rugby Ontario team, the Prairie Fire, and a fourth team to be determined. The plan is for 2025 and beyond to have representatives from all regions of the country, and eventually West and East playoffs and a true national senior men’s championship.

WOMEN’S HIGH-PERFORMANCE INITIATIVE

A Board Committee consisting of Liz Ferguson (Chair), Colette McAuley, Stephanie White, Davine Burton, and Kevin Rouet (Rugby Canada) recommended the following allocation:

2024 University Rugby 7s Tournament hosted by Concordia University March 17 & 18: $7,000

2024 Canada West v Canada East camp, June 22 in Ottawa: $20,500.
Selection of players to participate will build on regional competitions (in Atlantic provinces, the BC
games, the ON/QU competition and a north/south Alberta competition, and exploring opportunities to include players in Saskatchewan & Manitoba). The intention is to involve many players on the cusp of national selection and those with the potential to get there in the next year or so.

 

Building the Future in Red Deer

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With the March 21, 2025 creation of the Red Deer Titans RFC Endowment Fund and Capital Fund, the Titans have put in place the financial foundation for their future on and off the field.

RED DEER TITANS RFC

Starting in 1972, the Red Deer Titans Rugby Club was formed to provide the opportunity for individuals of all ages to play rugby within Central Alberta.  Starting in 1972, the Red Deer Titans Rugby Club was formed to provide the opportunity for individuals of all ages to play rugby within Central Alberta. Since that founding, the club has grown  to help U5, U7, U9, U11, U16, U18, & senior players in Central Alberta transform into the best athletes they can be, some going on to play on Canada’s senior rugby teams, such as current player Courtney Holtkamp and alumna Paige Farries.

The club celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2022.

Titan Core Values

The Titans organization is centered upon its Core Values. It is the belief that “Character Builds Champions” both on and off the field. As such the Titans program is centered on the following Core Values.

  • ​Respect – Titans treat each other, our opponents, the officials and the game with Respect; no matter the circumstances.
  • Discipline – Discipline is the art of self-control. Those who succeed in rugby, as well as life, tend to exhibit a high degree of discipline.
  • Passion – Passion is what drives the will to do the seemingly impossible. It is a relentless, unstoppable force that pushes each Titan to self-improvement.
  • Toughness – Rugby is a demanding sport; life even more demanding. Toughness is a resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks. Titans are built to be physically and mentally tough.
  • Family – Rugby is a family sport and Titans are close family. Every Titan learns the value of family and importance of standing together in the good times and the bad.

When you hear the cheer “Titan Up!” these values are what it’s all about.

 THE NEW FUNDS

Both of the new funds) and are consistent with the broad objects and purposes of the Red Deer Titans Rugby Football Club, Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada while meeting all CRA requirements. All donations to either fund are eligible for tax receipts. To donate to the funds, click on the Fund name immediately below.

The Red Deer Titans RFC Capital Fund is intended to provide funding from capital withdrawals that advance the objects of the Red Deer Titans Rugby Football Club (Fund Sponsor). The  Capital Fund is a vehicle for the Red Deer Titans Rugby Football Club to amass assets to support construction or renovations to the Red Deer Titans clubhouse, facilities, and park, or the purchase of other major capital equipment.

  

The Red Deer Titans RFC Endowment Fund is intended to provide annual funding from its endowment that furthers the objects of the Red Deer Titans Rugby Football Club (Fund Sponsor).. Among the operating expenses that would be funded from the endowment would be facility maintenance, player competitions and awards, member services, labour costs, kit and equipment, and administration.

 

 

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”.