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16SUMMER PREVIEWThis summer is going to be a

fanastic display of international rugby across Canada. BY jeff hull

22CFL COMBINEScouting football for potential rugby

prospects. BY chris perrotte

24CANADIAN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Can the Ontario Blues three-peat?BY andrew smith

28CHASING 494James Pritchard

tracking down Gareth Rees, chasing World Cup glory.BY patrick johnston

34 A SIMPLE PLANIf Canada is going to enjoy Sevens

success in the 2016 Olympics, the British Columbia Youth Sevens Program is looking for the next generation. BY doug crosse

40 PURSUIt IN RUSSIAFor once Canadian men’s and

women’s teams are in pursuit of a championship in Russia – and no skates and sticks are involved! The World Cup of Sevens is in Moscow – and Canada is in the thick of it! BY BrYan raY

CONTENTS SPRING 2013 ISSue 01

FOR TICKETS, VISIT TICKETMASTER.ca OR CALL 1-855-985-5000*Plus Fees & Taxes

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2013BMO Field Toronto, Ontario

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partners in the pursuit ofexcellence

In thIs Issue

COVER: James Pritchard. PhOTO BY JudY TeaSdale

The GOODS

COVeR

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32 34 40

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The ReGulaR STuff4 Freeze FrameThe best rugby images from the past months

10 message From rugby Canada & THe ediTor

12 THe engine roomNot all rugby news happens on the pitch

14 soCially speakingWho is sayin’ what on the web and the twitterverse

32 THe VaulT We unlock the Rugby Canada archives. This issue features Gord MacKinnon. BY doug crosse

36 CoaCH’s playbookTips and drills from dustin hopkins

37 FundraisingSupport your rugby community

39 spoTligHT2012 Player of the year, Bianca Farella

44 iT’s your CallRules and regulations from Trevor arnold

45 liFesTyleThe art of a close shave

46 THe lasT Wordal Charron talks about rugby in Canada

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Ciaran hearn (The Rock, Castaway Wanderers) and the Canadian team will be taking on the uSa again at BMO Field - this time as part of a home and away World Cup qualifying series that will see them play in Charleston, SC as well.

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José lagman

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Seb Pearson (Ontario Blues) of the london St George’s rugby club put in a hard day at the office in the 2012 McCormick Cup final against the Oakville Crusaders. The Cru won 12-3.

IS IT MY DAYFOR LAUNDRY?

Photo

Colin Watson

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Matt evans (Cowichan RFC) did not get distracted from the task at hand, despite losing his left boot while playing in a win over the uSa at Richardson Stadium in Kingston in 2012.

MY LeFT BOOT

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Dear Rugby Canada Registrants,

I hope you are enjoying your first issue of RUGBYca magazine! It has been exciting to be able to create this communications piece as part of an overall strategy of increasing awareness and methods of reaching our core

constituency - the Canadian rugby player. Integrated through our soon to be improved website, our new web streaming channel, and increased television exposure for our men’s national team in Canada, RUGBYca magazine will grow in to becoming the historical record of the sport we play. In an age where information is received in 140 character snippets, and news is considered old after just a few hours, we want something that will be a touchstone when looking at an old issue of RUGBYca in ten or fifteen years time. We also want fans to get to know our national team players and help make them household names. For today - we want original content that will not be put on our website - longer form interviews, great

double page photos, interesting tips and tricks from the pros - and all in a good looking print piece that will find a home on waiting room tables, rugby clubs, and school gyms. I want to personally thank the Rugby Canada Board of Directors for their support of this initiative, along with the support of the provincial unions, as well as our many sponsors. Rugby in this country is growing - and as we head to the Olympics in 2016, we want to share our story with as many people as possible.. This magazine will be a key piece of that communications strategy going forward. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Volume 1, Issue 1, of RUGBYca magazine!

Sincerely,

PaT alDOuSRugby Canada Chairman

MeSSaGe fROM The ChaIRMaN

MeSSaGe fROM The eDITOR

JAG

EditorDoug Crosse

Design & LayoutPIX

PhotographyJosé Lagman Judy TeasdaleColin WatsonIan Muir

Contributing WritersJeff HullPatrick JohnstonAndrew SmithBryan RayDoug Crosse

Advertising SalesTrojan One10 Alcorn Ave, Toronto, ON M4V 3A9(416) 920-7044magsales@rugbycanada.ca

PrinterTranscontinental

PublisherRugby Canada

Martin Seras LimaHugh JervisBryan KellyJAG

RUGBYca magazine is home-delivered to member households (1 per household) three times a year (May, August, October). Delivery addresses are based on the registration information submitted to Rugby Canada. Rugby Canada Provincial Unions are strongly encouraged to provide all Union Executive Member and program participants’ current mailing information in order to receive the subscription. Any address changes should be notified to both the local rugby union and Rugby Canada through the registration system.

RUGBYca magazine is published three times a year by the Rugby Canada , 30 East Beaver Creek, Unit 110, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 1J2. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, in whole or in part, by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Manuscripts, artwork and photographs are submitted at the sender’s risk. All materials submitted will remain property of Rugby Canada. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of this magazine, Rugby Canada or its sponsors. No article herein shall constitute endorsement by this magazine or the persons and organizations associated with it. RUGBYca magazine will not knowingly accept fraudulent or misleading advertising. Subscriptions are available at a cost of $13.95 per annum, payable to Rugby Canada care of RUGBYca magazine. All Rugby Canada and Rugby Canada member union logos and marks depicted in this magazine are the property of the Rugby Canada and their respective member unions and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Rugby Canada Marketing Committee. PRINTED IN CANADA.

RC BoaRd of diReCtoRsPat Aldous ChairmanGraham Brown CEOKeith Gillam Vice Chairman/CGC Rep.Gord Sneddon SecretaryJay Johnston TreasurerTroy Myers General DirectorLarry Jones General DirectorCathy Henderson General DirectorTim Powers General DirectorJamie Lockwood General DirectorPearse Higgins Provincial DirectorDoug Campbell Provincial DirectorChris Lefevre IRB Council RepDawn MacDonald Dauphinee Female Athlete Rep.Mark Lawson Male Athlete Rep.Rick Powers COC RepresentativeRick Bourne Past Chairman/NACRA Rep.

Canada posT CorporaTion agreement no. 40020560

sPRING 2013 / NumbeR 01

Al CharronPenny KrollChris PerrotteBryan Kelly

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the Premiere Issue of RUGBYca magazine! The concept of this periodical came about at an odd tipping point in the history of content creation. In a time where it seems all media is being consumed via a digital platform - most noticeably mobile - we also realized that not all content is best served on a screen from an insatiable system that asks for more and can never truly be filled. So, we determined that photography, long form interviews, and magazine only features would be the hallmarks of our new publication. Created for the registered Rugby Canada user base - this magazine will allow people to share the sport they love with those around them, and also have a more permanent record of moments in big games, interviews with people they know and also key information about the progression of the sport in this country. So who is receiving this magazine? If you were registered with Rugby Canada between 2012 and April 1st, 2013, you should receive a copy of RugbyCA to the registered address as set by your local rugby

club. The summer issue (due in August) will go out to any new registrants from April 2nd, 2013 to June 15th, 2013 as well as previous registrants. The final issue for the year in November will include the whole country as registered for the current season. (If you have a question about where your magazine should be sent - go to Rugby.ca and click on “Subscription Questions”, to send Rugby Canada a question.) For those who still like to read their content via iPad or other mobile device, each issue is available digitally - though in its first iterations - we will provide layout in portrait style only. To get your issue digitally we ask that you go to Rugby.ca and you can download both English and French editions as a PDF for use on your favourite device. We will also ask you to register to receive the digital version automatically at the rugby.ca site. Thanks to all those who have helped make this magazine a reality. We look forward to your feedback and participation in future issues!

DOuG CROSSeRUGBYca Editor

Welcome to RUGBYca magazine

thanks to the provincial unions

RUGBY ONTARIO - Provincial LogoFOR PRINT USE ONLY

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PIX 04-10-08

DIGITAL ART available from Glenn Ryan @ PIX Tel: (416) 504.3622 or email pix@istar.ca

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12

Sean White (James bay aa)Carry on item: The boys

love their candy - so wine gums is a good one and Sour Patch Kids are my go to. and then beef jerky, but if you forget about it, you’ve got to be sure to eat it on the plane or you’ll get the (security) dogs on you when you land at the airport. We’ve done that a couple of times where we will throw some beef jerky into somebody’s bag and they don’t know and walk through. all of a sudden the dog starts sniffing their bag and they get checked. I’m pretty basic when it comes to technology. I only got the iPhone this year. While we’re waiting for a flight we will all download a new app and see who can get the high score.

Favourite app right now is probably Tinder - an online dating app. Kind of creepy but its good. The other one would probably be Twitter if you can call that an app.

Favourite Venue: BMO at home. You are in a huge stadium and you’ve got crazy fans. Other than that - I would have to say Belgium. belgium was nuts. It was a tiny little field with stands built up all the way around and it was packed.

taylor PariS (Former barrie rFC/markham irish)

Favourite app - The Chive, I Chive every night. There are great photo albums and its a great way to kill time. I’ve been playing a lot of darts on my iPad. It’s really mindless and kills a lot of time. and also Risk. (The app version of the Board Game.)

Favourite Venue: Probably Wellington, NZ - The Cake Tin or hong Kong. Wellington’s atmosphere is just crazy, the fans are crazy - but hong Kong is the same though!

we quIzzeD aShleY STeaCY Of The wOMeN’S NaTIONal SeVeNS TeaM aND TheN aSk ThRee TeaMMaTeS whaT heR aNSweRS weRe.

THE ENGINE ROOMNot all rugby News happens on The pITCh

BeTweeN The 22’sThe number of tries scored by Canada’s Sean duke (u of Vic Vikes) - finishing third in the hSBC Sevens World Series - try scoring list.35

iPad editiondownload a digital version (French or english) of RuGBYca Magazine at rugby.ca

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mandy marchak(Capilano rFC)1. Sean2. dubai3. Mighty Mouse, Super Speed4. Sean, Stuffed animal, Pillow5. Birds6. human Centipede7. Bunjy, Sky diving, Would try basejumping

arielle dubisette borrice(Toronto scottish)1. Jeff2. hong Kong3. Patzy, Fly4. Wedding Ring, elastic, Cell phone5. heights6. Mean Girls7. Bunjy, Base, Would skydive

Heineken cuPHeartbreak

CN SpoNSorShip with rugby CaNada oN traCk

PhIl MaCkeNzIe MakeS PReMIeRShIP MOVe

Canadian second row Jamie Cudmore experienced Heineken Cup heartbreak as his Clermont Auvergne side fell to a class Toulon squad 16-15 in Dublin on May 19th. The Squamish, BC native fought back from a shoulder injury in the semi-final to be match fit for the all French championship match played in front of 50,000 fans. Toulon - led by England legend Jonny Wilkinson, were outscored by two tries to one - but Wilko’s boot provided the edge with three penalties and a conversion of Delon Armitage’s try. In an article in the Guardian newspaper, Cudmore was excited at the prospect of playing in the final, saying, “I never thought in a thousand years I’d be playing in a Heineken Cup final. I remember watching the tournament back home in Canada and thinking: Wouldn’t it be great just to play in one game?”

a big welcome and hello to the fine folks at Canada’s largest rail network CN for their new

involvement with rugby. Great to see CN involved in sponsoring a series of youth clinics surrounding this summer’s test series. The rail company has included safety messaging as part of the youth clinics held in edmonton and Ottawa. Stay tuned further for their youth clinics!

Phil Mackenzie (Oakville Crusaders RFC), had a breakout first season for Premiership side london

Welsh - but his team’s fortunes slipped away with off the field shenanigans that ultimately

saw them relegated a division to the RFu Championship. Mackenzie however, has landed on his feet - and will be moving from london to Manchester where he will be playing for the Sale Sharks.

The QuIZ4. Three must Have items on a desert island a) Cell Phone b) lip Balm c) Pony tail elastic 5. biggest Fear Not being accepted by other people6. Favourite movie Braveheart7. done Sky diving, Bunjy Jumping, would do Base jumping

1. What is your partner’s name? Sean2. Favourite place to play? hong Kong3. super Hero name & your power Cat Woman - Read minds

queSTIONS TO aShleY

Julia greenshields(sarnai saints)1. Sean2. dubai3. Powerful Patzer, Super Strength4. Wedding Ring, Phone, lighter5. Spiders6. Pitch Perfect7. Bunjy, Sky, Would try Base jumping

FliGHt LIneplayers travel thousands of kms - so we asked what helps pass the time in the air.

ashley steacy (lethbridge rFC)

PReSeNTeD BY

jaMIe CuDMORe

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May 25 Pacific Nations Cup Kick Off Dinner Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Centre

25 Pacific Nations Cup: CANADA VS USA Edmonton, AB Ellerslie Rugby Park

June 5 Pacific Nations Cup: CANADA VS FIJI Ottawa, ON Twin Elm Rugby Park

8 Pacific Nations Cup: CANADA VS TONGA Kingston, ON Richardson Stadium

13 Men of the Match Gala Toronto, ON Arcadian Court

15 CANADA VS IRELAND Toronto, ON BMO Field

27 National Women's League Finals Vancouver, BC University of British Columbia

28 National Women's League Finals Vancouver, BC University of British Columbia

30 National Women's League Finals Vancouver, BC University of British Columbia

July 11 Players’ Championship Golf Tournament Victoria, BC Olympic View Golf Club

17 - 21 Canadian Rugby Championship (U19 Men) Calgary, AB Calgary Rugby Park

August 7 - 11 National Championship Festival (U16/U18) Vancouver, BC University of British Columbia

10 Canadian Rugby Championship: BC VS PRAIRIE Vancouver, BC University of British Columbia

17 Canadian Rugby Championship: ONTARIO VS ATLANTIC Ontario TBA

17 Rugby World Cup Qualifier: CANADA VS USA Charlotte, SC Blackbaud Stadium

23 Rugby World Cup Qualifier Luncheon Toronto, ON TBA

24 Rugby Word Cup Qualifier: CANADA VS USA Toronto, ON BMO Field

24 Canadian Rugby Championship: ATLANTIC VS PRAIRIE St. John's, NL Swiler's Rugby Complex

30 Canadian Rugby Championship: BC VS ONTARIO Langford, BC Westhills Stadium

30 Canadian Rugby Championship: PRAIRIE VS ATLANTIC Calgary, AB Calgary Rugby Park

September 2 Canadian Rugby Championship: PRAIRIE VS ONTARIO Calgary, AB Calgary Rugby Park

2 Canadian Rugby Championship: BC VS ATLANTIC Langford, BC Westhills Stadium

14 Canadian Rugby Championship: ONTARIO VS BC Ontario TBA

21 Canadian Rugby Championship: ATLANTIC VS ONTARIO St. John's, NL Swiler's Rugby Complex

21 Canadian Rugby Championship: PRAIRIE VS BC Edmonton, AB Ellerslie Rugby Park

October 11 Americas Rugby Championship: GAME DAY 1 Langford, BC Westhills Stadium

15 Americas Rugby Championship: GAME DAY 2 Langford, BC Westhills Stadium

19 Americas Rugby Championship: GAME DAY 3 Langford, BC Westhills Stadium

November 3 CANADA VS MAORI ALL BLACKS Toronto, ON BMO Field

2013 RUGBY CANADA EVENTS CALENDAR

MONTH EVENT LOCATION VENUE

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twItterVeRseColleen kirkpatriCkGo Jason go!!!!! !!!! he is such an amazing kid good job patty.

graham russel Well done, ladies... it made for an awesome [very late] night of viewing. Can’t wait til Holland!

daniel warren Taylor Paris! The boys from u of c r rooting u guys on! See u again next time we’re in glasgow!

Chris blaCkman Great win for a hard-working team!

mike Cook Way to go Nate. I remember coaching you at 14 with Richmond.

Jason marshall First day of school #throwbackthursday pic.twitter.com/9VaSiooM9h

mike sCholz Two happy #habs fans after last nights win!@CanadiensMTL pic.twitter.com/6X9wPy9J15

sOcIally spEakINGFollow us @RUGBYCanaDa

Canada toured for the first time in 30 years in 1962 - taking on a Barbarian side, 3-3 (a try each back then) and an 8-0 loss to a Wales u23 squad on december 1st, 1962. It was the emergence of Canadian rugby after the war and the lack of organization saw Canadian rugby in the hinterlands of the international game. so rugbyca readers, can you identify the players in this photo? Hey, we aren’t completely unreasonable, so we are going to give you the answer - you just have to find it amongst these other great

Canadian names. Tom Bourne, don Burgess, Barrie Burnham, Mike Chambers, luean edwards, John lecky, Peter Frize, Bill Granleese, Peter Grantham, Ted hunt, T.K. Kariya, Bob McKee, Buzz Moore, John Newton, George Puil, Jim Ryan, Barry Stubbs, david ure, Tony Woller, James Ward, Gerhardus Wessels, Brian Williams, Bert Wyatt. Visit rUGBy.ca and click on the photo of the team to enter your guess and win a Rugby Canada prize pack - a jersey and hat worth over $150!

WIN A RuGbY CANADA PRIZe PACK!CaNaDa TeaM - CIRCa 1962

“i’m having a great time, playing some good rugby and trying to keep it going because it’s been awesome.” Hubert buydens(Saskatoon Wild Oats)Canada Prop playing rugby in Taranaki, New Zealand for New Plymouth Old Boys

“That jersey looked pretty big on Warburton. Think it might have been pre sized for o’Connell before a last minute mind change.” Jebb sinclair(Fredericton loyalists)Following British and Irish Lions announcement

TheYSaIDIT

Follow ruGby canadaGet the latest news and happenings in the Rugby Canada community.

/RuGBYCaNaDa

PReSeNTeD BYwho Is sayIN’ what oN the web anD The TwITTeRVeRse

SPeCIal OffeRcanadian rugBY like You have never seen Before

Order online: rugBY.ca

*Taxes included. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

3 issues for onlY $12.95*RUGBYca magazine delivers:• behind-the-scenes coverage• stunning photos• exclusive interviews• coaching and training tips• great gift idea• support the rugby community – suBscriBe todaY!

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SUMMER PREVIEWwe aRe ReaDY

this summer is going to be a fanastic display of international rugby across Canada. By JEFF HULL PHOTOS By JOSÉ LAGMAN & COLIN WAtSON

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SUMMER PREVIEWwe aRe ReaDY

this summer is going to be a fanastic display of international rugby across Canada. By JEFF HULL PHOTOS By JOSÉ LAGMAN & COLIN WAtSON

hometoWn heroeSJames Pritchard congratulates Aaron Carpenter as teammates (L-R) Hubert Buydens, Tyler Ardron and Chauncey O’Toole look on. Canada beat the USA 28-25 last June in Kingston.

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WinnerSFormer Canadian Captain

Pat Riordan hoisted the Can Am Trophy at BMO Field in August 2011 after defeating

the USA 28-22.

we aRe ReaDY

He was not alone.

Canadian front-row forwards Ryan Hamilton and Hubert Buydens have each completed their own stints in New Zealand, taking part in high performance training and preparation in advance of the largest summer schedule Canada’s national senior men’s team has undertaken in modern times. White’s assignment comes as part of a concerted effort to ready the Canadian squad’s domestic talent for an exceptional summer of rugby action, in which they will play no less than seven international games against five different opponents. The half-back from British Columbia recently spoke about his new opportunity and the busy summer schedule. “With all of the games we’re set to play this year there’s no better time than now to step forward as a team, and I think this summer is really important for us. Every tour, myself and Coach Crowley have talks about how long it takes me to get involved at half-back. Usually, my first game is a little shaky, so this four-week training stint is exactly what I need going into the Pacific Nations Cup.”

The PaCIfIC NaTIONS CuP

The newly expanded Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) is exactly the kind of competition that Canada’s management has been hoping for. The addition of its four round-robin fixtures more than doubles the amount of quality matches Canada’s men will have the opportunity to play in the summer months. The new version of the PNC kicked off on May 25th at Edmonton’s Ellerslie Rugby Park. There, on the site of Canada’s big 2009 World Cup Qualifying win over the USA, Canada’s national senior men’s team will once again take on their American rivals. The Edmonton fixture will be the first opportunity Canada’s management will have had to assemble their squad since their November tour, in 2012. The match against the Americans comes just as the professional season in Europe is drawing to a close, making it the perfect opportunity to many of the country’s top domestic players to raise their hands for selection. Players such as White, Tyler Ardron, Conor Trainor and Chauncey O’Toole

when Sean White, Canada’s current first-choice scrum-half, got the call to say he was being sent across the world to join the Canterbury Crusaders camp in New Zealand, he knew the kind of opportunity he was being handed, and what the intent behind it was.

CanaDa Is CURRenTLY RankeD 14Th In The woRLD, and will be exPectinG a stronG PerFormance at Home.

CaNaDa vs uSaSaturday, May 25edmonton, aB

CaNaDa vs fIjIWednesday, June 5Ottawa, ON

CaNaDa vs TONGaSaturday, June 8Kingston, ON

CaNaDa vs IRelaNDSaturday, June 15Toronto, ON

CaNaDa vs uSaSaturday, august 24Toronto, ON

2013 Rugby SummeR SeRieS

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will no doubt be seeking to stake their claim, as many of Canada’s professionals begin to return from duty overseas. Canada is currently ranked 14th in the world, and will be expecting a strong performance at home against the 16th ranked Americans. From there, the scene shifted East to Ottawa where, on June 5th, Canada hosted the second of its five summer home games against Fiji at Twin Elm Rugby Park. Avid fans will remember Canada’s heartbreaking loss to the Fijians at the 2007 World Cup in France. The PNC tournament will now allow Canada and the United States greater access to competition against the Pacific Island nations. At present, only one tenth of one IRB rankings point separates Canada from the 13th ranked Fijians. A victory in the Ottawa match-up would allow Canada to begin to claw their way back towards the world’s top-12. Fiji is known for their expansive brand of rugby and physicality; two qualities that Canada’s management have been trying to instill in their own program, as they build towards the 2015 Rugby World Cup in London, England. Canadian speedsters, like Glasgow Warriors’ wing DTH Van der Merwe will stand alongside hulking forwards such as Jebb Sinclair of the London Irish, as Canada attempts to match the pace and power of their opponents in front of what is sure to be an enthusiastic crowd in Ottawa. Canada’s stars will not have far to travel for their next fixture, which will take place just a short distance down the 401 highway, where, on June 8th, Kingston will host the season’s third PNC fixture versus Tonga. There is sure to be no love lost between these two sides who faced each other during the 2011 World Cup, in New Zealand. Canada won that contest only to be denied third place in their pool by a shocking Tongan upset over France later in the tournament.

For the second, but not the last time this summer, Canada will face-off against a higher ranked opponent, Tonga, who currently sit 11th in the IRB Standings, and a victory for Canada in Kingston would do much to improve Canada’s chances of breaching the top-12. The final stage of the 2013 Pacific Nations Cup sees the Canadians take a break from the comforts of home, to compete against Japan. The two countries have fought each other to a draw at both the 2007 and 2011 World Cups and both will surely be looking to end their PNC campaigns on a winning note. That contest is set to take place June 19th.

The BaTTle aT BMO

Anyone who has attended one of the international rugby fixtures held at Toronto’s BMO Field over the past several years knows the quality of the experience. It has become the premier domestic venue at which to watch Canada’s national senior men in action, and 2013 will be no exception.

rUGBy hoStSKingston also hosted Ireland and the USA at the 2008 Churchill Cup.

t-Dot aDvantaGeAdam Kleeberger looks on as Tyler Hotson falls on the ball vs the USA.

we aRe ReaDY

heaD-to-heaD all tIMePacific Nations Cup

fIjI VS CaNaDaall TimeCanada Won 2 lost 6best resultCanada 22 Fiji 10 – Nadi, Fiji - april 8, 1995biggest lossCanada 11 Fiji 42 – apia, Fiji - July 7, 2000Top scorerGareth Rees 38 pts

TONGa VS CaNaDaall TimeCanada Won 4 lost 2best resultCanada 37 Tonga 4 – Napier, NZ, May 24, 1987biggest lossCanada 14 Tonga 40 – Van., BC, Oct. 25, 1974Top scorer James Pritchard, Bob Ross 12 pts each

uSa VS CaNaDaall Time Canada Won 35 lost 12 draw 1best result Canada 56 uSa 7 – St. John’s, NF, aug.12, 2006biggest lossCanada 20 uSa 35 – Buenos aires, aug. 27, 2003Top scorerJames Pritchard 147 pts

jaPaN VS CaNaDaall Time Canada Won 8 lost 11 draws 2best result Canada 62 Japan 18 – Markham, ON, July 15, 2000biggest lossCanada 8 Japan 46 – Miyagi, Japan, Nov.15, 2009Top scorerBob Ross 91 pts

CaNaDa VS IRelaNDall Time Canada Won 0 lost 5 draw 1best result Ireland 27 Canada 27Markham, ON - June 17, 2000biggest lossCanada 0 Ireland 55 – limerick, Ireland - Nov. 8, 2008Top scorerGareth Rees, Mark Wyatt 21 pts each

uSa VS CaNaDaRuGBY wORlD CuP qualIfIeRSall Time Canada Won 6 lost 2best result Canada 56 uSa 7 – St. John’s, NF, aug. 12, 2006biggest lossCanada 6 uSa 12 – Charleston, SC, July 4, 2009Top scorerSingle Game: James Pritchard 36 pts

New zealaND MaORI VS CaNaDaall TimeCanada Won 0 lost 3best resultCanada 19 New Zealand Maori 32 Iffley Road, Oxford, england – Friday, Nov. 23, 2012

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In September 2012, the International Rugby Board released a strategic schedule that promised ambitious rugby nations like Canada, an annual match-up against top-ranked opposition. This year, it is the Irish who will travel to Canada to test themselves in the Battle at BMO. Despite nine Irish players being named to the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia, under caretaker coach Les Kiss, Ireland will bring a seasoned squad to North America. New coach Joe Schmidt, who replaces Declan Kidney, takes over in November. Ireland brings one of the world’s compelling brands of attacking rugby, giving Canada a chance to test themselves against one of the sport’s very best. For those unable to attend the clash in person, the game will be broadcast live on TSN, who will partner to show Canada’s first clash at BMO Field against the Irish, as well as the two Rugby World Cup qualifiers that will close out Canada’s historic summer of rugby.

The ROaD TO The wORlD CuP

While the Canadians take most of the month of July to rest, recover and regroup, they will do so knowing that a huge opportunity awaits them in August. Saturday, August 17th will see the Canadian team assemble once again to take part in the first of two qualifying games for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Once again Canada’s opponents will be their arch rivals from the United States. The first stop will be Charleston, South Carolina, where the USA defeated Canada in the first-half of the qualifiers for the 2007 World Cup. Canada will look for a better performance this time, knowing that they will have the opportunity to claim the series in front of a Canadian rugby fans. On August 24th, Canada will play their final match of the

summer, and their second at Toronto’s BMO Field, as they attempt to claim a World Cup qualifying berth in front of a massive home crowd. What better way to finish off one of the most exciting seasons in Canadian rugby history? Whether it be individual players striving to lock down their roster spots, the battle for IRB rankings points or a spot in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, this summer’s action will have a huge impact on the Canadian rugby scene. Make sure you are in attendance to catch, what is sure to be, some of the most entertaining rugby action ever to grace Canadian soil.

we aRe ReaDY

ireland brinG witH tHem one oF tHe world’s Premier brands oF attackinG ruGby, GIVInG CanaDa a ChanCe To TesT ThemseLVes aGaInsT one of The spoRT’s VeRY BesT.

Proud supporter of Rugby Canada

yoUnG GUnS21-year-old Tyler Ardron (Brantford Harelquins), passes vs the USA as Jebb Sinclair (London Irish) looks on.

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L R U G B Y

FOR TICKETS, VISIT TICKETMASTER.ca OR CALL 1-855-985-5000*Plus Fees & Taxes

Tickets from $1900*

Proud Partners

SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2013BMO Field Toronto, Ontario Kick Off: 8pm

#CANvsIRE

WATCH IT LIVE!

8PM

TSN2 is a trademark of The Sports Network Inc., Speed Letter Graphic is a trademark of ESPN, Inc. Used under license.

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CFL COmbINeby cHris Perrotte In ToRonTo

-10 -20 -30 -40

coach

Carl-oliver PrimeA linebacker from Wagner College was among 80 players at the 2013 CFL Combine.

scouting football for potential rugby prospects

To watch the video, scan the code or visit youtube.com/watch?v=M2Cs8ZfF3uw

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coach

dell iS oNe of the top 51 Canadian university prospects invited to the CFL Combine in Toronto from March 22nd – 24th. The fullback from Wilfrid Laurier University came to showcase his skills on the gridiron, however, he won’t rule out utilizing his talents for the rugby pitch. “I actually started playing rugby before I played football,” said Dell. “It’s definitely a sport I can see myself continuing if football doesn’t work or even as pastime leisure.” “The sport [rugby] is a little easier to continue than football. It’s more organized with more locations, so it’s definitely something I can see myself playing if football didn’t work out.” To play for Rugby Canada would also mean a chance to compete in the 2015 Pan Am Games here in Toronto or in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An opportunity to play for your country on the

grandest stage for sports doesn’t come by too often. “Olympics is probably the highest competition for an athlete that you could possibly participate in,” said Dell. “That would be an honour representing a country and competing for a gold medal on an international standard. That would be extremely exciting.” Mike Klassen, another CFL prospect, when asked about playing rugby in the Olympics versus the CFL, was also interested in the prospect. “The only difference would be the money. Rugby and football are pretty similar sports except for the padding aspect, said Klassen, a defensive lineman from the University of Calgary. “I think it would be fun to play rugby as an Olympic sport.” The 2013 CFL Combine gave 51 players in attendance a chance to show the coaches, general managers and scouts, that they have what it

takes to reach the next level. Among them included coaches from Rugby Canada who were looking for certain attributes that would make the ideal rugby player. “We have a certain criteria in positions that players lend themselves to better,” said Mike Shelley, current National Academy Manager. “Taller guys are locks, shorter stronger guys are props. So we’re looking at that from a physical perspective.” “Specific things we’re seeing here that obviously don’t transfer straight away but we can see the character [in the player] that it takes to compete at a high level in any sport.” For the first time, Rugby 7’s will appear at the Olympic Games starting 2016 in Rio. Teams of seven players compete in a fast-paced and exciting variation of traditional rugby. This game requires both speed, skill, and strength and is played on a regular size field. With an exhilarating game on the Olympic horizon, the question is, can Rugby Canada entice a player who might not make it to the CFL to join them in the quest for a gold medal. Offensive Lineman, Brett Jones from the University of Regina Rams can definitely see himself giving up the football pads to become a rugby player. “Rugby is a cool physical sport and it’s built for athletes from what I’ve seen,” said Jones. “Definitely the athletes are the guys that excel and there are a lot of big bodies out there. I think maybe I could fit in, just lose some weight. I think I’m athletic enough that I might be able to play.” Although the ultimate goal when we spoke with these athletes was to play pro football, it is good for them to have an alternative plan to fall back on. “These guys are here because they want to play in the CFL but the

reality is that there are some great athletes that won’t get to play in the CFL,” said Steve Lancaster, Director of High Performance for Rugby Canada. “From a rugby perspective, if we can attract some good athletes to the game, we have the environment now at the Center of Excellence where we can develop them into good rugby players and we believe we can do that pretty quickly.” “For sure there are a number of guys here at the end of this draft process potentially facing the end of their sporting careers at a competitive level and rugby can offer them the opportunity to continue to have a high sporting career and potentially chase the Olympic dream.” Players who may choose to play rugby for Canada will get a chance to do what has never been done before, to bring home a medal. Canada has never participated in Olympic rugby from its inception at the 1900 Summer Games to its departure in the 1924 Olympics. That prospect of making Olympic history can be very enticing. When the NFL and CFL drafts are all said and done, when every scout, coach and general manager has made their picks, all these prospects want one thing, to be able to compete at the highest level possible. If Rugby Canada can provide them with that opportunity, then you have an athlete that will be proud to don the Canadian colours.

taller Guys are locks, sHorter stronGer Guys are ProPs. so we’Re LookInG aT ThaT fRom a phYsICaL peRspeCTIVe. MIKe ShelleY

the SCoUtSRugby Canada’s Steve lancaster (l) and Mike Shelley track the talent on display.

the hoPefUlSShelley and lancaster watched for physicality, speed and ball skills.

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FEATURE

CaNaDIaNChaMPION

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25

The road to the 2013 MacTier Cup gets underway in Vancouver on August 10th with British Columbia hosting the Prairie Wolf Pack in the official kick off of the fifth annual Canadian Rugby Championship. The two sides will open the senior men’s elite level domestic competition in front of

the future of Canadian rugby, scrumming down at UBC’s Wolfson Fields as a highlight event during the Age Grade Rugby Canada National Festival Championships. The following week sees two-time defending MacTier Cup champions Ontario Blues host their Eastern rivals Atlantic Rock on August 17th. The Blues are already in the midst of preparations for a rare three-peat, holding fundraisers across the province as well as announcing an ambitious exhibition schedule with fixtures against New York Athletic Club (May 4th) and Life University (August 23rd). While the four sides will be battling for national pride, the tournament will also once again serve as a key scouting ground for Canada’s senior men’s national team selectors. The seven week competition will serve as the initial identification step in the pathway to forming Canada’s entry at the 2013 America’s Rugby Championship, recently confirmed to be returning to Langford’s Westhills Stadium on Vancouver Island. With the pathway in place, many of the country’s rising stars will look to continue their rise up their ranks with the 2015 Rugby World Cup just over two years away.

BY andrew smitH In VanCoUVeR

phoTos BY José laGman

Can the OntarIO Bluesthree-Peat?

the eSCaPeOntario’s John Moonlight (James Bay AA/Ajax Wanderers) a big part of the Blues team as a would be Wolf Pack tackler found out in 2012.

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26

Prairie wolF Pack (aLBeRTa/ saskaTChewan/ manIToBa)

2012 record: 3-2 (2nd)best Finish: 2nd Place 2010

www.wolfpackrugby.comtwitter.com/wolfpackrugby

A NeW YeAR bRINGs A NeW DIReCtION for the Praire Wolf Pack, the only team still yet to lift the MacTier Cup since the CRC was created in 2009. Heading up the program this year will be Graeme Moffat, recently promoted from assistant coach to his new role as Director of Rugby. A two-time provincial champion coach with club side Calgary Hornets, Moffat takes over from Australian coach Col Jeffs who led the Wolf Pack to back-to-back runner up finishes in the national competition. The move was part of a long term restructuring plan for the region as they look to align themselves with the junior and development programs. “We are the only team to have not won the CRC title and we have a very ambitious coaching staff in place,” said Wolf Pack director Ryan Smith. “Graeme has gone from working as an assistant to head coach and we are looking forward to great things.” The Prairies will most likely be without the services of Hubert Buydens and Andrew Tidemann this season, as the World Cup front row standouts are pursuing contracts in New Zealand and France, respectively. When available, the squad will benefit from the leadership of Canada Sevens speedsters Nanyak Dala and Jeff Hassler and also welcome the return of Scott Franklin who has spent the winter honing his skills in BC. National team centre Nick Blevins has also kept in game shape with Vancouver-based UBC Old Boy Ravens and will be joined at the Wolf Pack this year by Edmonton’s Brodie Henderson as well as U20 graduate Thomas Roche. Fans in the Alberta capital region will get to see Henderson and the Wolf Pack in action this summer when Ellerslie Rugby Park plays host to a CRC matchup against BC on September 21st, the first in recent years to be staged outside of Calgary. “We don’t want the program to be Calgary-centric and it’s a great move for us to hold our last game in Edmonton,” added Smith. “There is a great organizing crew there who know how to run an event - the same group that will be helping Rugby Canada stage the upcoming Test match against the US.”

britisH columbia2012 record (as pacific Tyee): 1-4 (4th)best Finish: 2009 Champions

www.bcrugby.comtwitter.com/bcrugbyunion

INAuGuRAL CRC WINNeRs bRItIsh COLumbIA return to the fold this year, having been represented in the 2012 competition by the Pacific Tyee. The program will draw on fan support from both the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island as they split their home venues between Vancouver and Victoria this summer. If available to BC coaching staff, on any given weekend their roster could feature Canada national team players: Nathan Hirayama, Sean Duke, Harry Jones, Sean White, Thyssen De Goede, Conor Trainor and Michael Fuailefau. If those players are seconded for national team duties, a new wave of younger stars will be waiting in the flanks. BC selectors will have a slew of young talent at the Under-23 level to draw from, including National University Sevens Player of the Year Pat Kay of Cowichan and Chilliwack’s Canada-A capped forward Aaron Flagg. Both have performed at the club level during the 2012-13 season and were key members of their Subunion rep sides in the revival of the storied McKechnie Cup competition this past winter. A number of Canadian Direct Insurance Premier League All Stars could also be in the mix if available and BC could benefit from the fire power of league-leading try scorers Beau Parker and Admir Cejvanovic, both graduates of the Canada U20 national program. Along with Cejvanovic, Burnaby Lake Rugby Club representatives in the mix include forwards Micha Govorchin and Benoit PIffero who are already on national team selectors’ radars.

2013 canadian ruGby cHamPionsHiP scHedule

saturday, august 10, 2013Praire Wolf Pack at British Columbia

saturday, august 17, 2013atlantic Rock at Ontario Blues

saturday, august 24, 2013 Prairie Wolf Pack at atlantic Rock

Friday, august 30, 2013Ontario Blues at British Columbiaatlantic Rock at Prairie Wolf Pack

monday, september 2, 2013Ontario Blues at Prairie Wolf Packatlantic Rock at British Columbia

saturday, sept 14, 2013British Columbia at Ontario Blues

saturday, september 21, 2013Ontario Blues at atlantic RockBritish Columbia at Prairie Wolf PackBritish Columbia at Ontario Blues

CaNaDIaN RuGBY ChaMPIONShIP

reaDy to hoWl The Wolf Pack front row - anchored by St. Albert’s Andrew Tiedemann, will once again be a force in the West.

PreCiSion James Bay’s Connor Braid will provide plenty of points with his precise goal kicking.

Canadian Western Bank Group

27

ontario blues 2012 record: 1st (4-1)best Finish: 2011 - 2012 ChampionsmacTier Cups: 2012, 2011non-CrC Fixtures: New York athletic Club (May 4th), life university (aug 23rd)

www.rugbyontario.comtwitter.com/rugbyontario

DeFeNDING ChAmPs ONtARIO bLues have had back-to-back seasons with just a single loss and with a pipeline of formidable junior talent, should be in prime position to lift their third straight senior men’s national title. The core of last year’s championship team returns with Dan West confirmed as the only departure heading into the summer. Dan’s roster spot could likely be filled by brother Jon who graduates from the Canada Under-20 program this season. “Every year we seem to lose key guys to injury or contracts but every year we find young guys ready to step up,” said Blues Manager Mark Winokur. “This year will be no different. We know the other teams have improved and obviously will be out to knock us off. It’s way harder to stay on top once you’ve got there, but we look forward to the challenge.” Key additions to bolster the Blues include Canada U20 grads Andrew Ferguson at half back and Jake Rumball re-enforcing the front row. The Blues will also look to benefit from the return of Mike Scholz, Mark Macsween, Haddon Murray and Mike Pletch as all four sat out 2012 with injuries. The program will also be looking to capitalize on elite caliber players like Ray Barkwill, a standout in last year’s CRC team that went on to play for Canada-A and was capped in November during Canada’s Fall Tour. “The program has developed an outstanding culture and we need to keep building on that and spreading the message,” Winokur added.

atlantic rock(QUeBeC/ noVa sCoTIa/ new BRUnswICk / newfoUnDLanD anD LaBRaDoR)

2012 record: 2-3 (3rd)best Finish: 2010 Championspre-season fixtures: atlantic Trial (June 15), vs Newfoundland (July 13), vs Wolfhounds (aug 3)

www.rockrugby.ca twitter.com/therockrugby

the PARFReY LeGACY LIves ON IN the AtLANtIC ReGION and head coach Pat Sr will be back for another year at the helm of the Rock program. Joining him in the region’s pursuit of their first national title since 2010 are sons Kevin, Owen and Patrick. Both Owen and Canada U20 graduate Patrick impressed selectors last year and were called upon to represent Canada-A during the ARC in Langford. Along with the Parfrey brothers, a number of returning players also suited up for Canada-A including Toni Wodzicki, prop Bob Rogers and back-row Zac Coughlan. “Last year was a transition year from the great successful Rock team of the decade 2002-2011,” said head coach Pat Parfrey. “Our pack was stronger than anticipated but our defence was disappointing. In our five-year plan, year one was a transition year and 2013 a consolidation year. If our young players toughen up we will be competitive in a league characterized by parity.” The young players Parfrey refers to are graduates of their development program including props Steve Cutliffe and Keelan Chapman, Jordan Power at hooker, Mike Hamson and Jason Kukavica on the flanks. There is plenty of potential in the backs with Doug Crowe at half back and Bryce Thomassin, Patrick McNicholas, Kyle McGuirk, Alex Rogers and Walker Blizzard in the three-quarter line. Due to national team scheduling overlaps, the team’s depth will be tested this summer without stalwarts Chauncey O’Toole, Ciaran Hearn and Jon Phelan for lengthy stretches. The squad will have veteran leadership to rely on during the season, as World Cup vet Frank Walsh as well as Brad Lester, Dean Blanks and Geoff Warden return for another year.

CaNaDIaN RuGBY ChaMPIONShIP

ChamPionSJamie Mackenzie(Oakville Crusaders) hopes to inject himself into the Blues lineup in 2013.

leGaCy liveS onThe Rock’s Patrick Parfrey (Swilers RFC) has made his presence felt at the Canadian team level.

28

FEATURE

JAMES PRItCHARD tRACKING DOWN GAREtH REES, CHASING WORLD CUP GLORY

By PATRICK JOHNSTON photos By JOSé lAgmAN

james PrItChard

PReSeNTeD BY

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eye on the PrizeJames Pritchard is within 29 points of setting a new Canadian record this summer

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the difficulties of the 2007 world cup campaign and the subsequent change in coaches, he’s been a first-choice selection. For Kieran Crowley, Canada’s current coach, it’s always been an easy choice. “I saw a player who’s a very good professional,” said Crowley. “He takes outstanding care of his fitness and his well being.” “He has shown good performance under pressure. That’s from years of playing as a professional. He knows the outcomes, how vital things are,” he said. As a kicker, Pritchard’s rhythm is especially notable. “One, it’s just practice, but it’s also his technique – he’s got it down to a fine art,” said Crowley. “Mentally, you’ve got to have the ability to handle it when things don’t go well. Some days you are just kicking well and you just stick with it.” Pritchard doesn’t hesitate to agree that his boots are what has made him into a regular selection for Canada. “I’m not blessed with the stepping skills or the speed that some of the boys have, but as long as I make my kicks, I know I have a chance to be in there,” he said. Dreams of the big kick were there at an early age. “I grew up playing soccer when I was young, it was a natural progression. I always used to go up and practise kicking. I wasn’t allowed to play league until I was 12, but before that I was kicking, pretending I was kicking a match-winning goal.” Provided he’s healthy and is selected for the lineup – only

FEATURE

a YOuNG fullBaCk, from New South Wales, watches Canada lose to Australia. He knows his grandfather came from Saskatchewan, but he himself has never been to the Great White North.

Maybe I can help, he thinks.

If you are serious, come play a summer in Canada, the national coach says. That was James Pritchard, in the fall of 2002.

At 23 years old, the speedster from Parkes, New South Wales was on his way to chase his Canadian rugby dream.

A decade later, call it a success.

“It’s the reason I’ve had the

career that I’ve had,” Pritchard says of the fateful email he sent to then-Canadian coach David Clark. “I thought, ‘why not, I’ve got nothing to lose’…I figured I could be helpful.” It was a bold offer, but to be successful on the international stage, you need to be self-confident. Pritchard also figures that’s how he’s managed to stay playing internationally for Canada and also for the Bedford Blues in England, even at the age of 33. Finding a good run of fitness in recent years has helped too. But that wasn’t the case after making his debut in the summer of 2003 and then playing in the World Cup in Australia. A string of injuries and

general bad luck, while he bounced from club-to-club, kept him out of the mix for Canada too. “I still kept in touch with the Canadian coaches, always making myself available, but I didn’t get called,” he said. But the hope remained, even as he bounced to Plymouth, to Perpignan and last to Northampton. The run-up to the 2007 Rugby World Cup saw his return. First there was the record-setting win in Barbados to mark his return to the Canadian lineup. Then there was the emphatic win in St. John’s over the USA to secure qualification. “We played immense that day,” Pritchard said. “And what an atmosphere.” Since then, even through

i’m not blessed witH tHe stePPinG skills oR tHe sPeed tHat some oF tHe boys Have, BUT as LonG as I make mY kICks, I know I haVe a ChanCe To Be In TheRe.

jameS PriTcHard

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FEATURE

VSGARETH rees

matches55 1986 -1999 (54 as a starter)

Debut vs uSa Nov 8, 1986, Tucson, aZ

494 Pts 7 tries*, 51 conversions, 111 penalties, 9 dGWon 31- lost 24 - draws 0

Single Game record 27 pts vs Namibia in Toulouse, Oct 14, 1999 9 cons, 3 pens

most tries in a match 2 vs Japan, Vancouver, BC June 14, 1997

most Kicks in a match12 vs Namibia in ToulouseOct 14, 1999 9 cons, 3 pens (27 pts)

JAMES PrItCharD

matches47 2003- 2012 (46 as a starter)

Debut vs NZ Maori July 26, 2003

462 Pts 13 tries, 83 conversions 77 penalties Won 22 - lost 23 - draws 2

Single Game record36 pts vs uSa, St. John’s, Nl36 - 3 tries, 6 cons, 3 pens

most tries in a match3 vs Barbados, June 24, 20063 vs uSa, aug 12, 2006

most Kicks in a match9 vs uSa aug 12, 2006 6 cons, 3 pens (21 pts)9 vs Spain Nov 13, 2010 7 cons, 2 pens (20 pts)

heaD-to-heaD

recovery from a broken arm seems likely to hinder that (Pritchard will likely break Gareth Rees’ all-time points record sometime this May or June). “I sit back and look at it – Gareth’s considered the greatest Canadian player of all time,” said Pritchard. “It’s a big honour; Kieran [Crowley] says ‘you’re the custodian of the jersey.” “I’ve never really thought about the points thing…when I started it was Bobby Ross and Jared Barker as the kicker, I was third choice,” he said. “I just had to do what I could to stay in the side.” Rees is sorry to see his record go, but couldn’t be happier it’s Pritchard who is passing him. “He’s a consummate pro – every time out, he shows up. He’s done his thing for Canada,” said Rees. “Test match rugby is incredibly hard…James has played in an era where it’s a more expansive game,” he said. “You’re not just a kicker anymore, you don’t get a professional contract that way.” “I always prided myself on my defense, I don’t like to say ‘I was just a kicker,’ he said. “Pritchard isn’t either.” Were he to go back to the start of his career, to tell himself where he might end up, even with the self-confidence he’s always had, Pritchard thinks he’d be a touch surprised at where his original move to Bedford would end up leading him. “I thought I’d play some rugby and do some sightseeing,” he said. “It was a change – I’d grown up in New South Wales. I never really thought when I first started I’d be doing it [playing rugby] professionally.” Nor did he ever think he’d run up

against Christian Cullen in his first international game. “When I first started playing, I had no idea about rugby, he was the first guy I watched and learned from,” Pritchard recalls. “All of a sudden you’re playing against the guy you’ve tried to model your game on.” The sky remains the limit for the veteran fullback, who wants to play one last time at the world cup. It may be two years from now, but he says why not? “I’m feeling fitter, in some of the best shape of my life,” he said. “I’ve spent more time in Canada than I have in Australia since I left. It’s like a family. All the boys, we are tight-knit.” How times have changed since that game in Calgary in the summer of 2003, against the New Zealand Maori - it was the tail-end of the squad that had brought so much fame to Canadian rugby in the 90s. The years that followed were tough: the poor performance at the 2007 world cup being the nadir. Now the Canadian team looks to have its swagger back. “[Kieran Crowley’s] brought a belief that we can win those games. He’s brought in that guys can think out there. In the past, a lot of it was ‘bang bang bang,’ this is how we do it,” Pritchard said. “We’re still learning how to think on our feet. That’s what happened against Samoa [in November] – everyone watched game footage, thinking this is how we’re going to play.” “They put 20 points on us and after that, we corrected the ship. If we’re able to correct those periods…”

tryinG timeSPritchard has outdistanced Rees in one scoring category - tries 13 in total to Rees’ 7

WorlD CUP BoUnD aGain?Pritchard - seen kicking a penalty against the USA in Edmonton during the 2009 Qualifiers, could be going to his fourth World Cup if he stays on form this summer.

*2 x 4 pts tries

32

the forCeGord Mackinnon was a stalwart in the Canadian backline from 1985 to 1995. Seen here in action against Ireland in 1986.

Gord macKINNONHe is 54 and still one oF tHe most comPetitive Guys you will ever meet

BY douG crosse phoTos fRom ruGby canada arcHives

ThE VAUlT

PReSeNTeD BY

33

gord Mackinnon, former Canada sevens and fifteens player, former Mixed Martial Artist - before people knew what that meant, as of April 1st, former Vancouver firefighter, but current World Cross Fit champion.

Hitting the rewind button, this wiry Ontario born flanker was once one of the most intense players on the pitch for Canada - in a career that spanned 1985 to 1995. Known for chasing the ball and causing havoc with the opposition, he was an early adopter of extreme fitness, never coming out of a game before full time. In a 28 game career, he was arguably Canada’s biggest impact player from the back row. It was the points he scored in Toulouse at the 1991 World Cup against Romania that qualified Canada for its one and only quarter-final berth, a moment he still regards as a personal highlight. “It was a try off of a scrum,” recalled Mackinnon from his Vancouver home. “Glenn (No. 8 Ennis) fed me and I got in over the line. It was great because at the time we were really enjoying [the World Cup experience] and it gave us another week in France.” The victory and subsequent tight matches against France to wrap up the pool rounds and New Zealand in the quarter-final, became hallmarks for Canadian toughness and ability on the rugby pitch. “We fell behind but won the second half against France,” he recounted. “We had already qualified - but a win would have put us in against England - a tall order but it could have happened.” Canada fell to France 19-13 that day and kept in close with the All Blacks for an hour, with Al Charron famously scoring a try to make the final twenty minutes captivating. It was a turning point in terms of recognition for the sport in Canada - with huge numbers of people watching the World Cup live on TSN for the first time. With it came something new - players being noticed on the streets of their hometowns in Canada. “You would be on the ferry or shopping, whatever, and people would come up and talk to you about watching on TV - that was all new,” said Mackinnon. Mackinnon missed the 1987 World Cup due to a knee injury and would have one more appearance at the 1995 World Cup in South Africa. Ultimately, despite tight defensive performances against Australia and South Africa, Canada did not advance to the Cup round and with that tour ending, so too did Mackinnon’s playing career - at age 37. He freely admits that, if he had played ten years later, he might have had a completely different impact on the game. “I would have loved to have picked up a couple of

pro contracts and all the things that improved with professionalism starting in 1995; the training, the fitness, the coaching, it would have been amazing.” Mackinnon also freely admits that playing for Canada in the 1980s and 1990s was a different responsibility than what players go through now. “We had a good time off the field for sure, but guys now, it is all serious and it has to be, with contracts and everything on the line,” he says. In 1997, with two years of rugby retirement under his belt, he was asked to fill in for a MMA fighter in a bout on Vancouver Island. Brazilian jujitsu, grappling and raining blows on a prone opponent were all new to the sporting public, but in his one and only fight, Mackinnon scored a knock-out. While he got the result, it was not a sport he embraced. It was too stressful,” he offers. “I just did it because the young guys at the club asked me. “They had some guy and they needed to fill a spot. The opponent changed three or four times. First it was a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu and then other disciplines, so you had to adjust your skills and that helped the fitness.” Which ultimately led him into the world of Crossfit. A competition that has extremely fit athletes competing in various forms of fitness – from deadlifts, to situps, push-

ups and pull-ups, it is not a sport for the faint of heart. Mackinnon had done some Firefighter challenges and done well but it was a video shown to him by partner Karen that got him hooked. “It was a video of the Nasty Girls, they were so fit and doing these unbelievable routines. I started doing workouts off the website and I was hooked.” He has won the Crossfit Masters the past two years and has qualified to go for a potential three-peat in Los Angeles this July. “I found after winning the Games two years in a row that I am more motivated than ever because the competition is getting tougher,” he said on the Crossfit website. Whether it is hunting big horn sheep, or prawning and fishing at his Vancouver Island camp, even a retired Gord Mackinnon will want to bag the biggest prize or haul in the most fish. It is how he is wired and what made him such a great competitor for Canada on the pitch.

GORD MaCkINNONFAst FACtsFull name Gordon I. MacKinnon

bornaugust 27, 1958, Glasgow (age 54)

appearances for Canada28

points18 (Two 4pt tries - Two 5pt tries)

debutvs uSa, Vancouver, 1985

Final gamevs South africa, 1995

kidsSon, Tanner (19) daughter, lauren (21)

partnerKaren, 11 years

ThE VAUlT

In 1997, wITh Two YeaRs of RUGBY ReTIRemenT UnDeR hIs BeLT, he was askeD To fILL In foR a mma fIGhTeR In a BoUT on VanCoUVeR IsLanD.mackinnon scored a knock-out.

heavy liftinGGord works out every day

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34

IT waS juST afTeR The heaDY NewS that sevens rugby would be in the 2016 Olympics - nearly four years ago now, that Kevin Mahon, a Vancouver business man and former rugby player had an epiphany. If Canada were to enjoy success in Rio de Janeiro, work would have to start right away to find, train and develop the next generation of sevens players. Mahon and University of Victoria coach Doug Tate played together at the University of British Columbia and at an alumni event the duo created a five year plan. Working with business associates and creating a foundation, Kevin and his group began operating the BC Youth Sevens program. The concept was simple. A coach would lead the program, scouring BC high schools and clubs, holding camps, evaluating talent, eventually getting things narrowed down to a talented group of individuals that would compete both domestically and internationally. Working in concert with the BC Rugby Union, the program, which is just starting its fourth year, has been an undeniable success. At the helm is Shane Thompson, who has a lot of experience with sevens to bring to the table. A member of the Canadian sevens team from 1999 to 2005, and then a coach of the program for another four years, Thompson has ‘been there, done that’ resume that cannot be argued with. Starting off with a U16 program at the program’s inception, Thompson

now runs multiple age grades to keep the flow of new talent pouring through the various development cycles. “It’s a big job for sure,” Thompson follows with a light chuckle over the phone from his Victoria home. “There is always something to do, whether it is a clinic, games to go see, running teams, tours, it’s been busy, but really great to be a part of.”

And success has followed Thompson with his charges winning back to back tournaments in Hong Kong in 2012 and 2013 and also claiming hardware at the Las Vegas Sevens. But Thompson points to another achievement as the real juice to the program. The ascendancy of 19-year-old Justin Douglas of Abbotsford, BC to the Canadian men’s Sevens

YOuTh sevens

PlaNa SIMPle

if canada is going to enjoy Sevens success in the 2016 Olympics, the British Columbia Youth Sevens Program is looking for the next generation. BY douG crosse

IRB

the GraDUateJustin douglas (Kelowna RFC) is a graduate of the BC 7s program

PReSeNTeD BYCanadian Western Bank Group

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team participating in the 2012/2013 IRB World Series tour. “Having [Justin] get into the team was the big pay-off,” says Thompson. “Look, I am realistic and I know he would have made it there eventually, but I think our involvement helped make that happen faster.” The program offers the obvious things, such as structured training on and off the field, competition, but also the not so obvious benefits from things like touring to a place like Hong Kong. “Not everyone is cut out to be an athlete that can handle a twenty hour flight, combat the jet lag and get out there and be at peak performance in just a few days,” says Thompson, who has criss-crossed the globe probably a dozen times over the years. “That is when you tell a kid he needs to stay hydrated and not have ten cokes on the flight.” “I am still overwhelmed by how much support we get for the program, whether it is getting a field to use for no charge, or coaches helping out - whatever we need, it seems there is someone there willing to help,” he says. The players pay to belong to the program, but things like travel and related costs are subsidized so that no player is left behind because of socio-economic reasons. Mahon is a huge fan of Thompson’s, but is quick to point out the program is not a charity and that it is run like a business.

“Shane fills out a lot of reports, and we do a lot of planning and then review what has worked and what hasn’t, but so far he has done a great job,” says Mahon of his eager program director. “What I want to see is people borrowing our blueprint across the country and duplicating what we are doing - so we are developing players everywhere.” He is complimentary of a province like Ontario that is making the trip out with a team for the Victoria tournament. He believes it’s that kind of effort that will really start creating a movement across the country in the junior ranks. At the recent Rugby Canada Annual General Meeting, Mahon presented to the provinces in attendance what his program was doing and issued a challenge for other provinces to start similar programs and get players playing the game at a higher level. The long term goal for Thompson is to begin to use his coaching certification to train other coaches on a regional basis and build his provincial network so that more players can be evaluated and worked with. While he is keeping an eye on the prize of possibly having some of his program graduates playing for Canada at the 2016 Olympics, he also feels the 2020

games are a more likely target to fully realize the impact his young players might have long term.

YOuTh sevens

i am still overwHelmed by How mucH suPPort we Get For tHe ProGram, whaTeVeR we neeD TheRe Is someone TheRe wILLInG To heLp

ShaNe ThOMPSON

teamWorKMembers of the BC Youth 7s team pose with the Canadian men’s team in Hong Kong ealier this year.

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12m

12m

10m

10m

COACh’S PlAYBOOK BY dustin HoPkins

Support Touch OBjeCTIVe Spatial awareness, Communication, decision making, attacking skills into space

equIPMeNT DRIll RequIReMeNTSballs 1 bags N/a area 30x30 gridCones 4 suits N/a players allshields N/a bibs N/a Time 20mins

DeSCRIPTION : When an attacking player is touched, he must immediately scoop the ball through his legs: If a supporting player does not catch the ball before it hits the ground, it is turn over ball

breakout OBjeCTIVe Spatial awareness, Communication, decision making, attacking space, Conditioning

equIPMeNT DRIll RequIReMeNTSballs 4+ bags 1 area 12x12 and 10x10 gridCones 10 suits N/a players allshields N/a bibs N/a Time 20mins

DeSCRIPTION : defenders can only stay in the channel between the outside and inside grid: defenders initially start one per side, however can move around the outside to help

another defender if in trouble: aim for the three attackers is to score as many tries outside the largest square as they can

during an allotted time without being tagged by a defender: If an attacker is tagged, they must attack a different side of the grid: after a try, the try scorer must quickly re-enter the smaller grid and initiate another

attack towards the other side of the grid.: Can bring a ball or two balls in to add a decision making process.

keY COaChING POINTS Change of speed and direction to beat defenders

Supporting players attack the ball (usually the man who last passed the ball i.e. pass and support)

emphasis on getting behind the defence and producing quick ball

attack/support at pace

Communication between ball carrier and supporting players

Ball retention

keY COaChING POINTS attack and defence working of the ball

Vision, ball handling and passing

defensive lateral movement

Communication, anticipation and reaction

Footwork and evasion

Change of speed and direction can beat a defender.

ReleVaNCe TO The GaMe highlights the importance of the supporting players to the ball carrier. It encourages players to attack the ball at pace and get close to the ball carrier in case contact finds the attacker. It also promotes the importance of possession and team continuity enabling you to score.

ReleVaNCe TO The GaMe Good to lead on to a footwork and evasion session.

defenders must communicate and ask for help.

attackers making space.

decisions on when to pass if a player has found space and lost a defender.

30m

30m

PReSeNTeD BY

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FUNDRAISINg

awaRDS DINNeRapril 13, 2013 | Victoria, Bc phoTos BY Judy teasdale

RUGBY CANADA ANNUAL

awaRD wINNeRS2012 player oF THe year Men’s 15s: Tyler ardronMen’s 7s: John MoonlightWomen’s 15s: Maria (Jaworski) SamsonWomen’s 7s: Jen Kish

2012 young player oF THe year Female: Bianca FarellaMale: lucas hammond

2012 CoaCH oF THe yearFemale: Jen RossMale: Chris Silverthorn

2012 maTCH oFFiCial oF THe year andrew McMaster

2012 proVinCial union aWardFederation de Rugby du Quebec

2012 VolunTeer oF THe year dean Kittleson

2012 Canadian sHield aWard hubert Buydens

SuPPORT yOuR Rugby COmmuNITy

rugby canada ceO Graham brown addresses the crowd.

the 2012 rugby canada award winners.

attendees enjoying the Gala night.

a quick pose for the photogapher.

Female coach of the year: Jen ross

chek news, emcee Jeff King receives jerseyrugby Ontario reunion

rugby alberta enjoys their night together.

rugby canada board Member & awards chairperson Keith Gillam.

CBRE

SPONSOReDBY

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Rugby Canada will play host to several fundraising events this year with an opportunity to enjoy a meal, meet members of the Canadian and other national teams, and play a round of

golf to support our National Player’s Fund. The Pacific Nations Cup Kick-off Dinner in Edmonton on May 23rd will launch our series of fundraising events for this year. The dinner will be held at the Shaw Conference Centre starting with cocktails at 6 PM. This dinner will feature all of the National Senior Men’s Team and coaching staff so guests will have a chance to meet them in person and even have two members of the team sit with them in person, if a table is purchased. A Hot Stove Q & A session hosted by Canadian rugby great Gareth Rees will be the highlight of the evening. From there we move to Toronto for the Men of the Match Gala which will feature both the Canadian and Irish team members in attendance. This dinner will begin at 6 PM on Thursday, June 13th at Arcadian Court in downtown Toronto and feature guest speaker Dr. Pat Parfrey who has both Irish and Canadian ties to rugby. Dr. Parfrey will speak on the growth of rugby in Canada since he

arrived from Ireland in the 1980’s and also feature highlights of the Canada vs. Ireland match-up held in 2000 at Fletchers Field which was exciting and ultimately ended in a tie! Full table purchasers can choose between two Canadian or Irish team members joining them for guests at their table. The Players Championship Golf Tournament will follow on July 11th at Olympic View Golf Club in Victoria. The inaugural tournament in 2012 –was a resounding success, so we have brought this event back to the Victoria community in 2013. Led by former National team members Bobby Ross and Mark Cardinal, along with Langford Business Association member Graeme Bethell, this event will feature on-course contests and challenges, the round of golf with cart and prizes to be awarded during a dinner. The shotgun start will be held at 1:30 PM, and if you can’t get away from work to joins us on the course, tickets for just the dinner are available as well. Our list of summer fundraising events wraps up with a luncheon on Friday, August 23rd around the Rugby World Cup Qualifier against USA at BMO Field on August 24th. This luncheon, which strays from our usual dinner time activities, will

take place earlier in the day and feature unique opportunities that are not available to the general public.

Details of this event and any of our fundraising events can be found online at events.rugbycanada.ca or by contacting Penny Kroll at pkroll@rugbycanada.ca or 905-707-8998 x 240.

Eat, Meet & Fore!There are fantastic opportunities this summer

FUNDRAISINg SuPPORT yOuR Rugby COmmuNITy

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SPOTlIghT

weNT fOR IT She DID, making her mark in the sport of Rugby. This 21-year-old centre went on to become the CIS women’s rugby Rookie of the Year when she played for the Concordia University Stingers in the 2012-13 season. Farella was born on April 10, 1992 in Montreal, Quebec and currently plays rugby for the Canadian women’s sevens and fifteens teams. Farella first became interested in rugby while attending the Miss Edgar’s and Miss Cramp’s School in Montreal. It was there in seventh grade where it all began. In her Stingers home opener debut she scored five tries. In her next five games while playing for Concordia, she led all women in the Quebec rugby conference with 12 tries (amassing 60 points) in the regular season. She continued to impress in the playoffs and was named the MVP, as she led her Stingers to a 35-34 win in the championship game. She scored three tries in the victory. Concordia isn’t the only place Farella has found success. As a member of the Dawson College Blues, she won three consecutive provincial championships and was named a three time all-star. She also won a gold medal with the Quebec under-20 rugby team in 2010 at the national championships. Farella brings her dominant play to the Canadian team. In three matches for the women’s sevens team in 2012, she’s scored one try for a total of five points. Playing for the Canadian squad was something she thought about once she started playing at the CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) level. “I knew I could as I got older (17, 18), I knew this was what I wanted to do,” said Farella. “Plus support from my coaches, telling me that I can do it.”

Some of Farella’s goals as a rugby player are to represent Canada at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and also to participate in the 2013 Rugby Seven’s World Cup that will be held in Moscow, Russia from June 28-30. Farella, currently studying Psychology at Concordia, grew up playing rugby union in high school, college and university and now plays seven’s for Canada. If she had to choose between the two styles of rugby play, fifteens or sevens she would have a difficult choice to make. “I don’t know which one I like better yet. Fifteens is a kind of comfort zone but sevens is new and I’m still trying to figure it out. They’re both very different,” said Farella. The Montreal native accredits her Canadian rugby coaches for helping her adapt to a new style of play and growing as a player. “They’re great. If I ever have a question, they would give me a straight and honest answer which of course is what any player would want,” said Farella. “Meaghan Howat [Women’s rugby

manager] helps out so much. She answers right away as well.” “I’ve known [Assistant Coach] Francois Ratier for a bit now and it’s great to see him coaching at this level,” said Farella. “He’s a great teacher and it’s great to see him as a head coach and how he’s going to take this on.” They seem to like her just as much – as in April Farella won the Young Player of the Year – at the Rugby Canada awards banquet in Langford, BC. Whether learned or innate, Farella has shown she can succeed at any level of rugby. With the prospect of Olympic gold on the horizon – Farella’s journey will be one to track over the next few seasons.

bianca Farella BY cHris Perrotte

IT was a spRInG spoRT anD I wanTeD To TRY someThInG new. so i Just went For it.

BriGht fUtUreQuebec’s Biana Farella had an outstanding 2012 season for both the Concordia Stingers - but also the Canadian Sevens team. Jo

sé L

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aWarD WinnerBianca is the

Rugby Canada Player of the Year

winner.

PReSeNTeD BY

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Club facilities includes two lite practice fields, an artificial turf field, weight room, accommodations at the Jericho Beach hostel, and the Jericho Ravens Rugby Clubhouse.

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RWC SEVENS rUSSia 2013 Preview

PReSeNTeD BY

exPloSiveharry Jones (Capilano RFC) has turned into a crucial part of the Sevens squad of 2013

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RUSSIAPURSUIT IN

the last weekend of june of this year will be a special one for the men and women of Canada’s national sevens programs, but not just because it marks the end of a four year cycle, it also heralds the dawn of a new era in the abbreviated code – the Olympic era. luzhniki stadium in moscow will play host to what will be the final edition of the World Cup sevens, the sixth

for the men and second for the women, as the tournament will effectively be replaced by the more glamorous multi-sport spectacle.

RWC SEVENS rUSSia 2013 Preview

For once, Canadian men’s and women’s teams are in pursuit of a championship in Russia and no skates and sticks are involved! the World Cup of Sevens is in Moscow and Canada is in the thick of it!

By bRyAN RAy photos By JOSé lAgmAN

Key offenSiveashley Steacy (lethbridge RFC) will be a key part of the Canadian offense in Russia.

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CaNaDa’S MeN’S POOl Dcanadageorgianew Zealandusa

(All Times Local) Friday, June 28, 2013 15:44 New Zealand vs Canada saturday, June 29, 201310:06 uSa vs Canada 13:46 Georgia vs Canada sunday, June 30, 2013 Knock-out Stages - TBd

this year’s results have been mixed for Geraint John’s men, with good tournaments in Dubai, Las Vegas and Hong

Kong surrounded by less convincing performances in the other four tournaments. Overall, their play has improved and with the final series event in London complete, Canada qualified as a core member for 2013/14 and finished in 12th place. This can largely be attributed to their high tempo offensive game, now among the very best on the tournament.

Diminutive halfback Phil Mack and fellow playmaker Nathan Hirayama - the leading scorer on the circuit - are central to their chances, based largely on getting the ball to flyer Sean Duke who has been in fine form this season. Nanyak Dala is the captain but has had trouble holding down a starting spot with the likes of Chauncey O’Toole and in particular

John Moonlight playing major support roles. Their first match in Moscow will come against tournament favourites New Zealand. Legendary coach Gordon Tietjens will have long-time stalwarts Tomasi Cama, Tim Mikkelson, Lote Raikabula, and impeccable captain D.J. Forbes at his disposal and may yet bolster his

squad with a couple of Super Rugby players. The task will be tough, Canada have never beaten them in twenty attempts. Next up are the United States, arch-rivals and also improving, though they have probably under-performed this year given the talent they possess. Quicksilver winger Carlin Isles has been the talk of the town, but it is players like Luke Hume, Shalom Suniula, and captain Matt Hawkins that keep them ticking. Canada lead 3-1 in the head-to-head battles this season, so this one will be tight.

The remaining pool match is against Georgia, a side relatively inexperienced in sevens. They have yet to feature on the circuit this season and generally select a mixture of fifteens caps with a couple of their younger talents. Players like Tamaz Mchedlidze, Giorgi Pruidze, and Merab Sharikadze should be there, but whoever they pick, they will be big and physical, if ultimately naive in their tactical approach. With six pools, the top two second place finishers will also move on to the cup finals, so all is not lost if New Zealand proves too much. Famous victories over South Africa and Fiji have already been earned this season, and more such performances do not look beyond them in the near future. A top 10 finish at the World Cup would be Canada’s highest since 2001, and a fine reward for a positive season.

RWC SEVENS rUSSia 2013 Preview

CaNaDa’S wOMeN’SPOOl acanadanew Zealandnetherlandstunisia

(All Times Local) saturday, June 29, 201309:22 Canada vs Netherlands11:56 Canada vs Tunisia18:32 Canadavs New Zealandsunday, June 30, 2013 Knock-out Stages - TBd

CaNaDa’S all TIMe IRB SeVeNS SeRIeS ReCORDTournaments: 103rd debut: WS I - dubai played: 555 Won: 242 lost: 307 drawn: 6 points scored: 9340 Conceded: 10501Form over last 10 gamesWon: 4 drawn: 0 lost: 6 Won last 2best streak6 wins From Feb 7, 2003 to March 29, 2003Worst run8 losses From May 27, 2007 to Nov 30, 2007Highest score78 - 7 vs MeXICO WS VII - los angeles - Pool dWidest margin73 - 0 vs PaRaGuaY WS III - Santiago - Pool aHeaviest defeat0-60 vs FIJI WS VIII - Wellington - Cup Quarter Final

Sc

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levitateSean Duke (U of Vic Vikes) led all Canadians in try scoring on the circuit this season with 35 - Third on the IRB List

a toP 10 FinisH at tHe world cuP would be canada’s HiGHest since 2001 anD a fIne RewaRD foR a posITIVe season.

StarterTaylor Paris (Markham Irish) has matured into a starter on the Sevens circuit.

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reFereeswoRLD CUp

MeNSWith IRB high Performance Sevens Referee Manager Paddy O’Brien driving forward elite Sevens match official standards, the men’s panel features the cream of those performing on the Series.

TheY aRe: James mcphail (New Zealand); anthony moyes; matthew o’brien (both australia); marius van der Westhuizen; rasta rasivhenge (both South africa); Federico anselmi (argentina); rhys Thomas (Wales); kevin White (Scotland) and alexandre ruiz (France). James bolabiu (Fiji) is the only male panel member to have officiated in dubai four years ago. The panel will be supported by 16 specialist assistant and in-goal referees.

wOMeNSReaffirming the continued advances in standards of officiating in the Women’s Game, seven of the world’s top female referees have been selected in the panel - three more than for dubai 2009.

TheY aRe: marlize Jordaan (South africa); sherry Trumbull (Canada); amy perrett (australia); Chelsea gurr; Jess beard (both New Zealand); leah berard (uSa) and gabriel lee (hong Kong), who took charge of a captivating women’s final in 2009. They will be supported by seven specialist assistant and in-goal referees, completing a record panel of 14 female match officials selected for the event.

heaD COaCh jOhN TaIT, a name very familiar to Canadian rugby fans, has his women’s side playing with a similar all-action approach. After three tournaments they rank 5th on the table, one spot higher than their 6th place finish at the 2009 World Cup in Dubai. A strong finish in the final leg, to be held in Amsterdam, could see them jump as high as 3rd, with Australia only four points ahead and very much in striking distance. Captaining the team this season is all-action forward Jen Kish, and she is ably deputised by veteran Ashley Steacy, one of the leading scorers on the circuit and a recognized star amongst her peers. Ghislaine Landry offers creativity from halfback as well as an eye for the tryline,. The women have had an unfavourable draw for Moscow, which sees them in Pool A, which contains three of the six core teams on the circuit. Circuit leaders and tournament favourites New Zealand loom as the biggest threat and feature powerhouse runners Portia Woodman and Kayla McAlister alongside playmaker Tricia Brown and the superb stepping of Kelly Brazier. Canada has done well head-to-head against them this season, however, with a draw and a narrow two point

defeat, suggesting that victory is well within reach. Rounding out the pool are lowly 17th ranked Tunisia, and the Netherlands. The Dutch have benefitted greatly from their inclusion as a core team this year and are now ranked 6th in the world, a considerable jump from their 13th place finish in Dubai four years ago. They play a wide game and look to electric Kelly van Harskamp and Annemarije van Rossum to provide most of their scoring. Having beaten Canada once already this season, they are far from a pushover side. Should they place in the top half of their pool, the likes of England, Australia, and the United States will beckon at the knockout stages. All have fallen at least once to Canada this season and all should prove difficult but winnable encounters. The beauty of sevens is that any team can win on any given day. Nobody would have picked Wales to win their pool four years ago and yet here they are entering as the defending World Cup champions, despite never having won a tournament since. A victory by either the men or women at the World Cup might seem unlikely, but sport has no memory of past defeats and all it takes is three days of inspiration to achieve greatness. Regardless of the results of either side, the real benefits of elite competition in this tournament will be seen in London in three years time. Increased financial support from programs like Own The Podium will provide the best athletes with training opportunities that would have been previously unaffordable and with nearly every player that will appear in Moscow young enough to move on to the Olympics, the future has never looked brighter for Canada’s sevens sides.

RWC SEVENS rUSSia 2013 Preview

tHe women Have Had an unFavourable draw For moscow whICh sees Them In pooL a whICh ConTaIns ThRee of The sIx CoRe Teams on The CIRCUIT.

José

Lag

man

WorlD-ClaSSMandy Marchak (Capilano RFC) is threat from anywhere on the field - and can also make blistering tackles.

PhySiCalKelly Russell (Toronto Nomads) brings a physical brand of rugby to Sevens.

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Together, we reach higher Macquarie is proud to be the Official Sponsor of Rugby Canada and the Title Sponsor of the Rugby CanadaNational Senior Men's and National Senior Women's Sevens teams. We also donate to national age-graderugby, host youth rugby clinics and promote the league’s activities.

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IT Is The objecTIve of all ThaT are Involved in the game whether they are players, coaches, referees, that every effort possible is made to reduce the number of penalties in all games. This particular message will focus upon the breakdown (tackle and ensuing ruck) and how penalties can be avoided at this phase of play. A lot of the problem is a lack of understanding of the relevant laws and how they are applied. The first issue that has to be understood is that there is a definition of a tackle and many players think a tackle is made when in actual fact it is not a tackle at all. What is a tackle (Law 15)? Please note that a player who is carrying the ball and ends up on the ground does not automatically constitute a tackled player (e.g.: if the ball carrier is pushed over – Refer to Law 14 and Law 15.3). If a player has been tackled what are the next expectations of all players; therefore what is the expectation of the referee; and as a consequence, in what sequence will the referee be monitoring the expectations of the law? The FIRST EXPECTATION is for the Tackler to release the Tackled Player (Law 15.4). The referee’s first focus of attention is therefore upon the Tackler. • The Tackler releases the player and therefore

permits the tackled player to pass, release, place or push the ball (Refer to Law 15.5).

• The Tackler rolls away or gets to his/her feet rather than protecting the ball or delaying delivery of the ball via one of the above actions.

A Tackled Player is required to take any of these actions immediately but such actions cannot

be performed if the Tackler is preventing such attempts. The SECOND EXPECTATION is for the referee to focus upon the Tackled Player. Given the Tackler did release the player (did not keep his hands on the player or the ball) and therefore permitted any of the above actions to take place, did the Tackled Player. perform one of these actions immediately? Did the Tackled Player roll away and permit a contest for the ball? I urge all players, captains and coaches to note two significant factors.1. The word “immediately” appears throughout the laws pertaining to both of the FIRST & the SECOND expectations.2. Once a tackle takes place neither the tackled player

nor the tackler is permitted to touch the released ball, protect the released ball for their team or rejoin play until they are on their feet. They both must roll away. The THIRD EXPECTATION requires the referee to focus upon arriving players (Law 15.6 & 15.7). In principle the expectations of the arriving players is to remain on their feet; to join any ruck that has formed with their shoulders above their hips; to arrive from an on-side position (“through the gate”); and, to bind on to one of their team mates once a Ruck is formed (Law 16).• Players on their feet have all rights to compete for

the ball. Players off their feet have no rights of possession; they do not have any rights to protect the ball; and, they are not permitted to assist their team to gain or retain the ball.

IT’S YOUR CAll

Reducing your team’s penalties in 2013

tHe reFeree is lookinG For tHe FollowinG in determininG a comPleted tackle.4 does the ball carrier have one knee, or more touching the ground?4 Was the ball carrier being held when that knee (or more) touched the ground?

BY trevor arnold

José

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taCKleD Megan Gibbs (Toronto Scottish) is tackled in NWL action.

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Canada will be involved in a renewedcompetition in 2013 when they enter the Pacific Nations Cup this spring, a competition in which their opponents are similar to those they

faced in the old Pacific Rim Championships. Canada will kick off the competition by playing their arch rivals from the south, the United States at Ellerslie Rugby Park on May 25th in Edmonton, followed by other home games against Fiji at Twin Elms Park in Ottawa on June 5th and a scant three days later, against Tonga at Richardson Stadium in Kingston on June 8th. These series of games, which also include an away fixture against Japan will give Canada the competition it needs with the next Rugby World Cup a short two years away. I was proud to have played for Canada in the original Pacific Rim series, which like the current PNC, has seen different participating countries compete over its short history. Canada had the good fortune to have won the PAC RIM on a couple of occasions and I have great memories of playing and winning in front of some great BC crowds on the way to those titles. Canada needed this influx of regular internationals as we faced the challenge of modern day professional rugby after the 1995 RWC. No less challenged is our current national team, as the coaches and management will balance the squad between our overseas professional players and those domestic based national team athletes, who, for the most part, are either currently living and training at the Rugby Canada Centre of Excellence in Langford, BC or from other regions in Canada where they reside. Canada’s opponents this season are difficult ones as they

bring a physical, fast, expansive brand of rugby to the table. Canada welcomes the challenge and the experience these tests matches present and expect to win. The luxury for Canada is that a number of games will actually take place on Canadian soil. Not only is this fantastic for our players to play in front of home crowds, but of course great for the Canadian public to see our men up close and personal play live.

The more we can expose the game of rugby to the Canadian public both live as well as on TV domestically, the more it will help us grow the

sport in this country which in turn opens other doors of opportunity. On a personal note, I had the good fortune to play for Canada in my hometown of Ottawa at Twin Elm Park that will play host to the dynamic Fijians. I am happy to have won matches there against the likes of France in 1994 and honored further by winning my first match as the captain of Canada against Uruguay in 1996. So, special memories for me without question, but, it was special each and every time I got to put on the Canadian jersey and represent my country in any location. I think I can speak to everyone who has ever had the privilege to play for Canada that it is a special experience and the players past and present take great pride in and treat it with respect. For many years coaches, players and fans alike have long clamored for more competitive matches on a regular basis and especially on home soil. We now have it in this PNC competition and coupled with the Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) slated for play once again this Fall on Vancouver Island, we have a couple of international vehicles to play meaningful rugby. It is exciting times for the sport in this country and I hope that the Canadian public will come out in droves and watch it first hand and support our men as they strive to best prepare for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England .

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More RugbyThis is the summer to get out and cheer for Canada

CanaDa weLComes The ChaLLenGe anD The expeRIenCe These TesTs maTChes pResenT and exPect to win.

SPeCial DeliveryAl Charron (Ottawa Irish) gets a pass away against Namibia at the 1999 World Cup

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