Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award Fund

Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award Fund:

The Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment for an annual award that furthers 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.

Kevin Wirachowski

The Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award is named for Kevin “Lunk” Wirachowski. Lunk was born on December 2, 1963, in Port Alberni, BC. A former national team Prop, he earned 18 caps beginning with his debut against England in 1992 until his final match vs. the New Zealand Maori in 2003. During his national team career, he scored 3 tries, against Uruguay, Argentina, and Italy. Later he would also coach for the national team.

 

Lunk played domestically for the Velox Valhallians, UBCOB Ravens, and Port Alberni Black Sheep. During his time with the Velox Valhallians, he also played for Mosely in Birmingham in England’s National Division 1,  jetting back and forth every ten days.

More recently he was a fixture at the Canadian Classics in Bermuda, where he was honoured prior to Canada’s opening match in 2023. According to Doug Crosse, former Editor of Canadian Rugby News, and former Communications Manager for Rugby Canada, “I think Kevin’s participation in the Canadian Classics team is probably his most fitting legacy – as he was a classic of the highest nature.”

Off the pitch, he was known for his invention, the ScrumMaster scrum machine, what many forwards regard as the most realistic simulator for the real thing, and travelled the world from his Malahat base on Vancouver Island in support of his business – Scrum Master – which he founded in 1989 to develop and market innovative rugby training machines such as the latest PowerTrainer™  ScrumLite™, a fully collapsible & transportable full-size scrum trainer.

Kevin passed away on October 5th, 2023, at the early age of 59. The online outpouring of shock and grief after his passing was a testament to the hundreds of lives he touched.

Obituary

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.

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. 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 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.

Application Process:

  1. Submit a completed application form;
  2. Attach a letter, not more than 250 words, describing the reasons why you would be a worthy recipient of the Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski 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;
  3. 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;
  4. 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.

Deadline:

  • Applications should be submitted by email no later than June 1st at 4pm PST.
  • Award winners will be notified by June 30th. Only the winner will be notified. The Selection Committee (the Fund Trustees) thanks all applicants for their interest in the Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Award, and wishes them success in the classroom, on the field and in the development of the sport of rugby in Canada.

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

TO DONATE TO THE KEVIN ‘LUNK’ WIRACHOWSKI AWARD FUND, GO HERE: