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Henson seeks Ospreys exit
BBC Sport understands that Wales centre Gavin Henson has made several attempts to leave his Ospreys contract.
World Cup on track despite quake
New Zealand mark a year until the start of the Rugby World Cup, less than a week after Christchurch was devastated by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake.
Turner in for Tri-Nations finale
Lachie Turner will replace the injured Drew Mitchell as the only change to Australia's starting XV for Saturday's final Tri-Nations match against New Zealand.
Carraro keen to stay on at Bath
Bath's Australian back Matt Carraro says he would love to stay at the club beyond his current two-year deal.
Back and Key sign new Leeds deals
Leeds Carnegie coaching duo Neil Back and Andy Key pledge their future to the club by signing one-year contract extensions.
Chiefs will not let up - Baxter
Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter says he will pick a full-strength side to face Leicester on Saturday.
Tait backs 'passionate' Falcons
Newcastle Falcons coach Alan Tait is convinced the current squad have a genuine passion for success this season.
Versatile Thomas enjoys new role
Ospreys and Wales forward Jonathan Thomas says he is happy with yet another position switch this season.
Ospreys' Magners verdict delayed
The Ospreys may have to wait until next week for the result of their appeal against their Magners League points deduction and fine.
Watford in dark on Saracens deal
Watford say Saracens have failed to meet a deadline regarding a decision on their future at Vicarage Road.
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Canadian Rugby Foundation
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Canadian Rugby Foundation Grant Application Extension to November 20th

posted November 4 2009
from Matthuw Ronald-Jones

The Canadian Rugby Foundation has extended its Fall 2009 grant application deadline from November 1st to Friday, November 20th at 4pm PST. Please download the application package from www.canadianrugbyfoundation.ca.

The Canadian Rugby Foundation was established in 2002 by a group of passionate rugby supporters. With continued support from many passionate rugby supporters in and out of Canada we are pleased to be able to make small grants to support qualified clubs and groups that promote the growth of rugby in our country.

Unfortunately due to the economic uncertainty at the time, the CRF decided not to award any grants in the Spring. We are very pleased that the markets seem to be moving in the right direction and would encourage interested applicants to complete the necessary paperwork and apply by Friday, November 20th, 2009.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Canadian Rugby Foundation's Executive Director, Matthuw Ronald-Jones by email mrj@canadianrugbyfoundation.ca or by phone at (250) 386-5350 if you have any questions or comments.



The Courtenay Taaffe Memorial Scholarship

from Matthuw Ronald-Jones
posted June 2 2009

The Courtenay Taaffe Memorial Scholarship was created in 2005 to honour Courtenay’s rugby passion and life achievements. She played hooker and flanker for UVic, James Bay, Crimson Tide and Team B.C. She coached the JBAA junior women, the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide junior women, the Vancouver Island Japan Club team and the Stelly’s Secondary Queen Bees. Courtenay set a precedent for hard work and accomplishment in the sport of women’s rugby. Courtenay passed away at the age of 29 of a rare and aggressive lymphoma.

This scholarship is annually awarded to a female athlete who excels in rugby, academics and community service. It is open to 17-28 year old players/coaches/referees who are pursuing a full-time degree, diploma or certificate program at a Canadian university or college on Vancouver Island. Students commencing or continuing full-time studies in the fall of 2009 are eligible.

Please download the attached application package and submit with personal references no later than 4:00pm on June 30th, 2009.

If you are interested in contributing to the Courtenay Taaffe Memorial Scholarship please contact the Canadian Rugby Foundation at mrj@rugbycanadafoundation.ca



Canadian Rugby Foundation Looking for Sponsors for Canadian U20 Team

[ed. Matthuw Ronald-Jones the executive director for the Canadian Rugby Foundation mentions that currently 17 of the 26 national U20 players have confirmed sponsorship. They're looking for help for the remaining nine players. You can contact Mattuw at mrj@canadianrugbyfoundation.ca]

posted March 17, 2009
by Andrew Smith in Victoria, BC

In 2002, seven passionate rugby supporters sat down and created the Canadian Rugby Foundation. Since coming into existence, the foundation has provided opportunities for players and community members to develop rugby on Canadian soil.

According to the foundation’s Executive Director, Matthuw Ronald-Jones, the goal has always been long term and aimed at developing the sport from the ground up.

“The goal and the vision is that all we want to see is more kids, girls and boys playing rugby, coast to coast, north and south,” Ronald-Jones said before adding, “We want to encourage clubs and communities to get together and build more rugby for communities and kids.”

The Canadian Rugby Foundation operates independently of, but cooperatively with Rugby Canada. The non-profit’s Board is comprised of members appointed by the foundation’s donating members and from Rugby Canada.

Along with aiding the sponsorship of the National Women’s Sevens Team and the current Canadian Men’s U20 squad, the foundation has set its sights on a long term goal.

Through accepting donations, the foundation invests their money in an endowment that builds interest over a period of time. Through accumulating funds, the interest is then spent on funding scholarships and grants for players pursuing the game.

As the foundation is a Canadian Not-For-Profit Corporation incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act, it is obligated to spend 3.5% of its endowed funds annually.

Grant applications are due May 1st and November 1st each year, where applicants are then assessed on a number of criteria.

“We ask the applicants to apply, tell us what they’re doing, and how they’re advancing studies and what they’re willing to give back to the game,” Ronald-Jones explained.

With over one million dollars already invested by the Canadian Rugby Foundation, over 30 different funds have been established to aid in the sport’s development.

“Since inception, the goal is that we want to see more kids playing the game, we want to keep them involved,” Ronald-Jones explained before adding, “ we don’t want our young athletes moving on to other sports once they leave high school.”

One of the most recent successful applicants was Canadian U20 player Andrew Crow. The young player received funding from the foundation to aid him in his studies at the University of Western Ontario and to aid him in pursuit of his rugby career.

While playing for the Mustangs, Crow was recently selected for the Canadian Men’s U20 squad that toured New Zealand in preparations for the Junior World Cup in Japan this summer.

Along with young athletes pursuing the game, the Canadian Rugby Foundation also helps to find funding for the women’s national programs as well as the Canadian U20 program.

In January, it came to the Board’s attention that the National Women’s Seven’s Team needed to participate against some tough competition before the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai. Due to the players having to dig into their own pockets, the Board devised a plan to help fund each of the 12 players on a trip to the USA Sevens in San Diego, California.

“I’m pleased to say the foundation was successful in finding sponsors and we found sponsorships for all twelve girls,” Ronald-Jones said.

Until recently, players selected for the Canadian Men’s U20 side were paying out of their own pockets to represent their country. Eliminating the concept of the ‘pay-to-play’ model is something the foundation is constantly trying to achieve.

For the 2008 Junior World Cup in Wales last summer, the Canadian Rugby Foundation was able to find funding for each of the 26 traveling players. The funding allowed for the coaching staff to pick their top players regardless of their financial situation.

“We’re fortunate that the IRB is able to pay for their actual tournament but in preparation, in terms of the training camps and the tour – these families would have to reach into their own pockets,” Ronald-Jones explained. But with the funding the foundation provided, “[U20] Coach Tim Murdy is able to go and select the best players within the country, based on their physical presence and their smarts on the field and not have to worry about what the family’s financial situation is.”

As of right now, the foundation is currently still looking to fund the Junior World Cup squad but 17 of the 26 players now have sponsors of 3,000 dollars apiece.

It’s an important step in building rugby considering these players will go on to play for the Senior Men’s National Team. Recent success stories include Nathan Hirayama and Matt Evans being capped in the Canadian Senior Men’s fall tour of the UK. Sebastian Pearson also went on to play flanker for the Leicester Tigers against Bath.

The Canadian Rugby Foundation has received several donations including a $1 million pledge from Mr. Grenville Thomas. It’s through dedicated supporters like Grenville Thomas that the growth of rugby can be achieved.

Through appreciated stock options, gift of life insurance policies and through monthly donations as low as 20 dollars per month, the Canadian Rugby Foundation encourages anyone passionate about the growth of rugby across Canada to donate. For further information, contact Matthuw Ronald-Jones at 1(250)386-5350 or through E-mail at mrj@canadianrugbyfoundation.ca.


National Senior Women's Sevens team player sponsorship update

from Matthuw Ronald-Jones
posted Jan 30 2009

The Canadian Rugby Foundation is pleased to announce a player sponsorship initiative for our National Senior Women's Sevens team in preparation for the inaugural women's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai this March. The Foundation is in search of twelve sponsors at $1000 each to support all members of our NSW7's team. Phone calls have been made and emails have been sent and the Foundation is happy to report that over $6000 has been donated in the past week, we are halfway there.

The National Senior Women's Sevens program does not receive funding from the iRB to attend tournaments such as the USA Sevens. It is paramount that the women compete in San Diego, CA at the USA Sevens this February 13th & 14th to gain much needed international competition against sides such as: England, USA, New Zealand, China and Japan.

Shortly after the USA Sevens the team will meet in London, ON for a training camp before departing to Dubai where they are ranked 3rd in the world. Both of the mentioned trips would normally be the responsibility of each player to find their own funding. Should the Canadian Rugby Foundation find all twelve sponsors, the women will not have to worry about finances on their way to represent Canada on the international stage.

The Canadian Rugby Foundation is very pleased to be working with our National Senior Women's Sevens team in preparation for their journey to the inaugural women's Rugby World Cup Sevens. All sponsorships are eligible for a tax receipt from the Canadian Rugby Foundation. The Foundation is very flexible and more than willing to discuss how you might be able to help our National Senior Women's Sevens team. Please contact Matthuw Ronald-Jones at the Canadian Rugby Foundation by telephone at 250.386.5350 or by email at mrj@canadianrugbyfoundation.ca if you would like to sponsor a player on the road to the women's Rugby World Cup Sevens.



USA Sevens - Canadian Supporters Party: Feb 13th at Henry's Pub

from Matthuw Ronald-Jones
posted Dec 20 2008

Attention all Canadian Rugby Enthusiasts that are planning on escaping to San Diego in February in search of watching over forty-five 7’s games in the sun! The Rugby Canada Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Canadian Supporters Party at the USA Sevens (www.usasevens.com) in San Diego, California will be taking place on February 13th at Henry’s Pub (614 5th Street) in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. This is a great opportunity for all Canadian fans to gather in support of both our National Men’s and Women’s Sevens Teams. Similar to last year, the doors will open at 6:00pm and Henry’s Pub will be open to Canadian Rugby Supporters only until 9:00pm. Entry to the event will be by donation and all funds raised go directly to support the players. More details on the live auction will be announced in the new year. A number of Canadian Rugby Clubs have already confirmed their attendance and if you have any questions please contact Matthuw Ronald-Jones by email at mrj@rugbycanadafoundation.ca or call (250) 386-5350.

Most patriotic CANUCK will win a prize!



Rugby Canada Foundation accepting nominations for the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award: Last Year's Winner, Tom Larisch, attends coaching course in New Zealand

posted July 3 2008
by Aaron Abrams

The Rugby Canada Foundation and BC Rugby are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award, an award created last year at the Rugby Canada Foundation.

Last year’s winner Tom Larisch, is taking part in special coaching course as well as a high performance coaches workshop in Wellington, New Zealand from June 28th until July 6th. Tom will be attending, and working with, the All Blacks coaching staff at the All Black training sessions on a daily basis and will also be involved in a practical session with two All Black coaches. Tom’s trip will wrap-up on Saturday July 5th while attending the All Blacks vs. South Africa match at Westpac Stadium. This experience is one which will be a once in lifetime opportunity for Tom.

Gerald was a very talented rugby player and he acknowledges that many of his coaches were a very positive influence on him as he grew up. He started playing rugby at Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island and later went on to represent the Province of British Columbia against teams like: the Barbarians, Australia, Eastern Canada, the British Lions, and New Zealand Universities. He would also earn a selection to represent Canada on a tour of Britain. Unfortunately, Gerald would have to decline the selection due to the time commitment of being away with the team for three straight months.

Outside of rugby, Gerald has been a leader in the business, professional and cultural community of Vancouver and the Province of B.C. for almost 5 decades, serving as a Director of a number of for profit and not for profit organizations. Gerald and Sheahan McGavin have been very generous philanthropists, supporting the arts as well as many other cultural and health related campaigns. Gerald was awarded an F.C.A. in 1990 in recognition of the service and honour he brought to the accounting profession. In October of 1999, Gerald was recognized for his outstanding commitment to his community and was appointed to become a Member of the Order of Canada. In 2006, Gerald was appointed to the Order of B.C., which is the highest form of recognition the Province can extend to its citizens.

Gerald’s involvement with the establishment of endowment funds for a wide variety of organizations across the Province stimulated the creation something unique that would provide recognition of Gerald’s service to so many areas of his life. Due to his love for the sport of rugby, the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award has been created to recognize those rugby coaches who go above and beyond by reaching out to players not only as athletes but also as a positive influence on their lives outside of rugby. Rugby coaches can play a significant role in shaping the minds of young athletes both on and off the field, and the recipients of these awards will have done just that.

Nominations are now being accepted for this award and the close date for nominations is July 25, 2008. To request a nomination package, to find out more information about the award, or to make a contribution towards this fund, please contact us at adabrams@rugbycanadafoundation.ca or visit the Rugby Canada Foundation website http://www.rugbycanadafoundation.ca/news.asp. There will be no applications for this award. Successful recipients of the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award will be nominated by someone in the rugby community.



Rugby Canada Foundation Looking for Executive Director

posted June 19 2008
from Aaron Abrams - www.rugbycanadafoundation.ca

The Rugby Canada Foundation is a Canadian non-profit organization registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a public foundation. It is governed by a Board of Directors and provides support for all levels of the game across Canada with a specific emphasis of supporting the game long term.

Position Available: Executive Director
Location: Subject to consideration based on successful applicant (Head Office currently in Victoria, BC)
Industry: Charity
Post Date: June 18th, 2008
Close Date: July 2nd, 2008

The Executive Director is responsible for: the organization’s leadership and visioning; strategic development; operational and financial planning; fundraising; relationship building, public relations and advocacy; program and policy management; overseeing of grant making.

Ideally the successful applicant will have a post-secondary education (or equivalent management experience) as well as 2-4 years experience in major fundraising projects. Exposure to working with, or managing, a non profit organization would be a definite asset. The successful applicant will need to be a self-starter with qualifications that include: strong leadership, communication and public speaking skills; proven management of budgets/financials, human resources, volunteers, fundraising and marketing; strong writing and computer skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access). Relationship building with a professional attitude combined with strong strategic planning and organizational ability is vital to be successful in this position.

This position offers a standard work week, however, many events occur on weekends and there is travel involved. If you have a passion for the sport of rugby and are interested in helping build long term support for the game, please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Executive Search Committee
Rugby Canada Foundation
1006 Government St.
Victoria, BC
V8W 1X7

Or by e-mail to: adabrams@rugbycanadafoundation.ca

We thank all those who apply however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.



The Rugby Canada Foundation is excited to announce that it will be seeking applications for three scholarships aimed at rugby enthusiasts in both the Vancouver Island region, and across the country

by Aaron Abrams
posted May 26 2008

The Rugby Canada Foundation is excited to announce that it will be seeking applications for three scholarships aimed at rugby enthusiasts in both the Vancouver Island region, and across the country. The Foundation is pleased to open the application process for the following awards: the Courtenay Taaffe Memorial Scholarship, the George F. Jones Scholarship, and the 2007 Rugby World Cup Legacy Scholarship. These scholarships are aimed towards student athletes, coaches and administrators, and are in line with the Rugby Canada Foundation’s mission statement and aspirations to further rugby in Canada by providing and administering resources to support and grow rugby throughout Canada.

The scholarships are now posted on the Rugby Canada Foundation website, www.rugbycanadafoundation.ca, and can currently be found under the “What’s New” heading. For more information and specifics on requirements and important dates please visit our website.

The Courtenay Taaffe Memorial Scholarship was created in honor of Courtenay Taaffe, a young woman from Vancouver Island with energy and enthusiasm for her passions in life, and at the forefront of those, rugby. Courtenay was a young woman with a strong work ethic in both studies and in the game of rugby, a determined attitude and outlook, and was full of vibrant enthusiasm. This award is available to young women playing rugby in the Vancouver Island region. Applications for this award must be in to the Rugby Canada Foundation office by 4pm, Friday, July 11, 2008.

The George F. Jones Scholarship is named for one of Canada’s most passionate and dedicated rugby volunteers- a man who encapsulates the beliefs and vision of the Foundation. George Jones believes that no person should ever go without the enjoyment and experience that he has had in rugby, and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience rugby regardless of background or wealth. Encapsulating George’s beliefs, this award is aimed at a young male or female student athlete, coach, or administrator from anywhere in Canada. Applications for this award must be received in full by 4pm, July 11, 2008.

The athletes who represented Canada at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France have created the 2007 Rugby World Cup Legacy Scholarship. This award is meant to represent the collective values of the team; dedication and excellence in rugby, a deep loyalty to one’s own community and the rugby community at large, and commitment to education at the post secondary level. The athletes from the Rugby World Cup, have represented Canada on the highest possible stage, and knowing that incredible feeling, are compelled to push other young Canadians to the top their abilities. This scholarship is offered nation wide, and applications must be received in full by 4pm, Friday, July 11, 2008.

The Foundation would like to take this time to wish all applicants the very best of luck in applying for these special and meaningful awards.

All awards and pertinent details are posted on the Rugby Canada Foundation website.

If you would like more information on the Rugby Canada Foundation, or would like to donate to the Foundation, please do not hesitate to call Executive Director, Aaron Abrams at (250) 386-5350, or email him at adabrams@rugbycanadafoundation.ca. You can also visit us at www.rugbycanadafoundation.ca.



San Diego 7s Supporters Party HQ for Canada AND George Jones Award Announced

[ed. I know the Ebb Tide RFC from Victoria will be attending an over 40 10s tournament in San Diego and will be at the Foundation event, alas I will not be with them, so much fun, so little time.]

Rugby Canada Foundation Press Release
posted Jan 22 2008

SAN DIEGO 7s PARTY HQ

On Friday, February 8th a unique opportunity for Canadian rugby supporters will take place in San Diego- a chance to personally wish their teams well, support the Canadian teams, and enjoy the company of fellow Canadian backers.

The Rugby Canada Foundation is very excited to present the Canadian Rugby Supporters Party in San Diego. This event, held on the night prior to the Men’s iRB San Diego Sevens and the day of the start of the Women’s event, will feature the Women and Men’s Canadian Sevens Teams, complimentary food, free T-shirts, and the opportunity to support Canada in one of the most exciting rugby events in North America. The party will run from 6-9pm and will be a great event for all those cheering on our top amateur Men and Women athletes.

For the first time in its history, the Rugby Canada Foundation will be present at the sole North American destination on the iRB Rugby Sevens circuit, the USA Sevens in San Diego. The Foundation is very excited to host such an exciting event at which Canadian supporters can get together, bolster their teams, and, most importantly- enjoy the ambiance and excitement of the Sevens together, in the comfort of the Henry’s Pub- located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter just 500m from Petco Park at 614 5th Ave. In order to raise support for the teams, the Foundation has organized this event, with a “by donation” ticket price, with the proceeds going to support the teams in their pursuit of excellence in Rugby Sevens.

The Rugby Canada Foundation, who is putting on this event, is a philanthropic organization that aims to promote, raise awareness for, and further the game of rugby in Canada. This is achieved by the Foundation by providing funds to qualified applicants, who show promise for improving Canadian Rugby both in Canada and around the world and by administering resources for donors.

This event, for all the attendees, will prove to be an outstanding party. Both the Women and Men’s teams will be in attendance, and will be available for conversation, autographs, photos, and, of course, well wishes! The Foundation will also be providing free Canadian Seven’s supporters T-shirts to the first 100 Canadian Supporters through the door at Henry’s- and encourage those lucky enough to get them to wear them at the Sevens tournament to be identified as a Canadian fan. Plenty of complimentary food will be available, and happy-hour prices on drinks will be available until 8pm. In addition to all this, the Foundation is also able to assist Canadian fans, who contact us early, with discounted tickets for the tournament- to sit in a Canadian supporters section. In addition to all this, there will be some great door prizes for those in attendance.

To take advantage of all of this, and to support your team, please contact us today to ensure that you get one of the limited number of tickets for this excellent event to be held in the Gaslamp Quarter’s Henry’s Pub.

Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this unique and exciting opportunity to support our Canadian Men’s and Women’s Sevens stars- and push them towards success at the San Diego Sevens, and for future tournaments.

To ensure that you do not miss out on this, for more information, or to donate, please contact Aaron Abrams at the Rugby Canada Foundation at (250) 386 5350, or by email at adabrams@rugbycanadafoundation.ca. You can also visit us at www.rugbycanadafoundation.ca.

GEORGE JONES AWARD

As an amateur sport in Canada, Rugby has a special need for passionate and dedicated volunteers to keep our game afloat. Canadian Rugby is blessed with many such people who gladly give their time, effort, and resources to further Rugby in their community, province, and country. The Rugby Canada Foundation is very pleased to recognize one such volunteer, a man who has dedicated over 50 years to charitable service of his sport of Rugby, with a fitting bursary award; the George Jones Scholarship.

It is the pleasure of the Foundation to publicly announce this scholarship, having recently unveiled the idea at our annual general meeting in November. The scholarship was the idea of the Foundation board members, but the award itself is the product of George’s years of service and passion for helping his Rugby compatriots.

George Jones, Q.C., is a director of the Rugby Canada Foundation, and has been since the inception of the Foundation, since its application was submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency in 2002. George is the only director still manning his post since those early days, and has volunteered countless hours for this organization, and indeed, many others in those years. His magnanimous work, often done out of the public eye and behind the scenes, often goes unrecognized. For his years of diligent work, often helping those who cannot help themselves, the Foundation would like to thank George by introducing a scholarship in his name.

Being born and raised on the west coast, George has migrated from western to central Canada all the way back out to his current home, Victoria. Along this route he has made significant impacts in many communities and many Rugby clubs and programs. George has played his club Rugby for the Vancouver Trojans, the Ottawa Irish, the Ottawa Indians, the Ottawa Beavers, the Calgary Hornets, the Toronto Old Boys, the James Bay Athletic Association but retired from the sport playing for a club he co-founded, the Velox Valhallians. George played representative Rugby as well, featuring for Eastern Canada, the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide, and Quebec. Once his playing days were finished, George immediately moved into coaching and management, playing administrative rolls with, James Bay, Velox, Ottawa Timbermen, University of Victoria, and the Crimson Tide. In terms of depth and setting a new precedent, George has contributed immensely to the National Senior Men and Women’s programs. He provided impetus for and created the entities of the NSMT and NSWT Player’s Associations- giving the National Senior players a strong voice and legal recourse.

George’s beliefs about volunteering and philanthropy are deep rooted, and in the creation of the award in his name were to be defined; his convictions could clearly be seen. While the criteria have not been firmly set for this prize, some major themes will underlie this scholarship. The award is to be offered country wide, reflecting both George’s travels across the country, and his belief that the Foundation is about serving Canadian Rugby, coast to coast. George’s insistence that his award is of benefit to the sport of Rugby will ensure that this award is given to a person with tremendous potential to positively influence the direction of our sport in the future. Though humble about it, George is a highly educated, respected and honored lawyer, and his commitment to education will also be reflected in this scholarship award, there will be an element of post secondary education- and help for someone who may struggle to fund themselves in their quest to expand their knowledge base; George is constantly helping those who cannot afford to help themselves.

The Rugby Canada Foundation, who administers this award and provides guidance and stewardship for a number of awards and funds throughout Canadian Rugby, is a philanthropic organization, which aims to promote, raise awareness for, and further the game of Rugby in Canada. This is achieved by the Foundation by providing funds to qualified applicants, who show promise for improving Canadian Rugby both in Canada and around the world and by administering resources for donors.

George Jones is truly a passionate and dedicated Rugby volunteer, and encapsulates the visions of the Rugby Canada Foundation; providing for the development of Rugby and Rugby players, helping those who may not have a chance to success without help, and growth of Rugby at all levels and aiding in the growth of the game at the grass-roots level from Coast to Coast.

If you would like more information on this or other Rugby Canada Foundation awards, or would like to donate, please do not hesitate to contact Aaron Abrams at (250) 386-5350 or adabrams@rugbycanadafoundation.ca. Please visit us at www.rugbycanadafoundation.ca.




Tom Larisch Awarded Inaugural Gerald McGavin Coaching Award

by Aaron Abrams
posted Aug 23 2007

The Rugby Canada Foundation and BC Rugby are pleased to announce the first ever winner of the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award. The award was created in Gerald McGavin’s name by British Pacific Properties Limited, to recognize top coaches in British Columbia. At the joint Rugby Canada and BC Rugby gala held at the Fairmont Waterfront on August 9th, Gerald McGavin presented Tom Larisch with the award.

As the 2007 recipient of the Gerald McGavin Award, Larisch will be sent to a Tier 1 rugby nation to take part in some coaching development under some of the best coaches in the world. It’s a great opportunity for Larisch to learn more about the game and see what is being done in other countries.

Larisch has just returned from St. John’s, Newfoundland where he coached the BC Under 18 men to a gold medal at the National Championships. When not coaching the provincial side, Larisch coaches a number of other teams including Carson Graham Secondary School where he is the current athletic director. He has also coached the U14 Vancouver team as well as the North Shore U16 side that won gold at the Provincial Regional Championships in both 2005 and 2006. When not coaching rugby, Larisch can be found on the mats coaching wrestling.

When asked how he felt about winning the inaugural Gerald McGavin Award, Larisch said “I was humbled to win the award in front of so many other deserving coaches that were in attendance at the gala. It was a true honour to receive it personally from Gerald McGavin who is such a well respected individual.”

Please join the Rugby Canada Foundation, BC Rugby and British Pacific Properties Limited in congratulating Tom Larisch on his fine achievement.



The Rugby Canada Foundation and BC Rugby are in the final week of accepting nominations for the Gera

 
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