Westshore Junior Players invited to Canada U18 Women’s TRG Camp

Westshore RFC is very proud of the 2 talented players in our Junior Programs invited for training by Rugby Canada for the National U18 Women’s Team.

PHOENIX SKAILES

Phoenix Skailes who grew up in Dawson City, Yukon until age 10: was invited to this camp at the young age of only 15 years old.  She started playing rugby for Westshore only 4 years ago, taking up her father James passion for the game who also is with Westshore.  She has quickly moved into a force to be reckoned with in the loose forward position in the Junior girls league: when asked why she plays the game, her response is simply “because I get to hit and tackle people!!”  She played on Junior Crimson Tide for past 3 years, and provincial age grade selections for the BC Provincial teams over the past 2 of years.  Where she was selected as Captain for the U15 team.  She was very humbled and excited to have received the invitation letter from Rugby Canada to attend selection camp in Vancouver in Nov 19.  She stated sheepishly, she would simply show up and do her best being the youngest person at the camp, and was honoured to be allowed to develop her playing skills with this quality level of  players.  She is definitely one to keep your eye on wearing RED in the future!!

ZOE WILLIAMS

Zoe Williams has been a graduate through the Westshore RFC Junior program for the past 6 seasons, since she started on the U14 teams.  She attended Belmont High School where she was coached by Westshore RFC Valkyrie Legend Charlotte Haley.  A talented front row, learning the Dark Arts of being a Prop (As there is no better position): She has made Crimson Tide for 4 years, along with selections for BC Provincial teams.  She travelled to England with the BC squad in 2017 for a tour gaining experience and international exposure.  Zoe was selected into the Rugby Canada Developmental Academy for the past 2 years, honing her skills and developing for higher level action.  She started attending UVIC this year for studies taking Social Sciences and a Biology Major, while playing for their women’s rugby team.  Zoe was also invited for the Rugby Canada U18 selections tryout in Vancouver, making the team for her 1st Official tour with Rugby Canada. She stated “My favourite part about playing the game is the physical contact and aggression, but also the family and togetherness as well. No matter what team I’ve played for I also know I’m support by my teammates on and off the field.”

Westshore RFC’s Clay Panga growing the game worldwide

Westshore RFC’s Clay Panga continues to promote grassroots rugby locally and world wide.

Former Canadian International Clay Panga believes Howlers’ Tour embodies true spirit of rugby

Re-post of article above from Rugby Americas North Website.

 

When it comes to the game of rugby, Clay Panga has done it all.

Having immigrated to Canada from New Zealand as a child, Panga has become a mainstay in the Victoria, British Columbia and the Canadian rugby scene as a player, coach and volunteer.

After impressing selectors throughout his twenty-plus year sporting career, he won his first Canada cap against Uruguay as part of the Americas Rugby Championship in February 2016. Over the following 13 months, he won five more caps and scored two tries for his adopted nation.

On top of all the accolades he’s earned over the years, last fall he added an entirely new role to his rugby resume: global ambassador.

In 2018, Panga travelled to Nicaragua as part of a Canadian touring squad – the Dog River Howlers – whose work has made a lasting impact on and off the field.

The week-long tour provides quality opposition for developing sides and hosting community and social events to improve relations and share the best qualities of the sport. In addition to their volunteer work, participants partake in fun activities hosted by the nation. Some of the highlights over the years have included surfing, bull-riding and yoga along with coaching youth teams.

In addition to their volunteer work, the touring squad collected and transported more than 70 hockey bags worth of clothing, balls, supplies and other much-needed items to distribute within the communities. A generous donation was made by team referee Ian Godfrey, who gave six bags of kit which included 200 pairs of boots, plus an additional six bags of medical supplies which were gifted to a town devastated by a tropical storm in 2017.

This Saturday, Panga is set to land in Nicaragua for a second go-around and the 34-year-old says he couldn’t be more excited. He’s embodied the Dog River Howlers Rugby Club motto “it’s more than a game, it’s a way of life!”

So who and what exactly are the Howlers?

Named after the fictitious Saskatchewan community in the Canadian TV Show “Corner Gas,” the Howlers have made a name for themselves as global ambassadors of the game who spread the true spirit of rugby.

Dating back to 2009, more than 500 men and women from 11 Canadian provinces and territories along with 17 countries have played for the Howlers in 72 tournaments in nine countries. The Howlers have had 43 different coaches from 8 countries.

Since 2007, the Howlers have helped to raise more than $2,000,000 for many worthy causes.

Their fundraising initiatives have helped international and club teams including Rugby Canada’s National and age-grade teams, Philippines children’s rugby, Afghanistan youth and adult rugby, Rwandan youth and adult rugby, Lebanese club rugby, Fijian club rugby, Colombian adult and youth rugby.

Off-the-field, their philanthropic efforts have benefited KidSport, Canadian First Nations education, Multiple Sclerosis, Prostate Cancer, 2011 Haiti Earthquake victims, Cuban orphanages and Somalian refugees amongst other far-and-wide initiatives.

Rugby Americas North spoke with Panga ahead of the club’s departure to discuss his thoughts on the importance of the Dog River Howlers tour to Nicaragua for the greater good of the game.

——

RAN: What were the highlights from last year’s tour to Nicaragua?

CP: Being able to help people who are less fortunate than us, is always a highlight on these tours. Other highlights include getting to meet some of the Nicaraguan rugby enthusiasts and exploring their beautiful country.

From a coaching perspective working alongside Mandy Marchak and Brennan Marcoux definitely widened my view of the game. Mandy, as we all know, is an incredible human. She managed to collect and travel with 10 kit bags of donations for the Nicaraguan rugby community.

Our travelling referee Ian Godfrey also made an astounding contribution of 200 pairs of rugby boots!

RAN: From an on-field perspective, talk to me about the importance of a tour like this. Do the opponents find it valuable playing against a quality touring Canadian side?

CP: It is massively important and valuable for both parties. For the Nicaraguans they are trying to grow rugby in their country and struggle to find quality competition.

For us we get to bring a group of young up and comers together, train for a week under some high-level coaches in an environment that allows the cohabitation of fun and performance.

In the early years of the Howlers we were focussed on providing an opportunity for players on the fringe of the national program, this vibe has since changed and is mainly due to that need being filled by other great emerging development programs and the growth of invitational tournaments.

RAN: How important are tours like this one to the culture of rugby?

CP: For a young player these tours can open up doors and paint a picture of Canadian rugby that is genuine, authentic and positive.

Age grade selectors and University coaches keep watchful eyes on these programs as they want to see the talent coming out of the rural areas of Canada.

We have a lot of fun. Fun is what hooks us and keeps us engaged and inspires us to keep playing. Whether it is at club or for country, Howlers continue to give back to the game and that culture is vital to building good rugby players and more importantly great people.

RAN: What are your goals for this year’s tour?

CP: Enjoy, embrace and celebrate a program that continues to enhance the lives of those who are less fortunate yet have a shared burning desire for the sport of rugby.

Share an experience that will truly give some young Canadians an incredible perspective check at a time of year when it’s most needed (Christmas).

Howlers Touring Party to Nicaragua 

Men’s Team

Nanyak Dala – Victoria-Westshore RFC
Keagan Hall – Victoria-Westshore RFC
Thomas Isherwood – Calgary
Dreydon Martin – Regina-Westshore RFC
Viktor Meier – Germany
Sephyr Melnyk – Nanimo
Clay Panga – Victoria-Westshore RFC
Carlos Pestana – Colombia
Sawyer Schmyrko – Calgary
Adham Young – Calgary

Women’s Team

Kayleigh Bellows – Calgary
Sofia Brussoni – Calgary
Tiana Janfield – Calgary
Kira Katan – Mission
Tarah Kelly – Regina
Piper Logan – Calgary
Kylie Manser – Calgary
Kestrel Martin – Whitehorse
Alie Mimion – Calgary
Angie Olukumni – Calgary
Natalie Teteris – Abbotsford
Shalaya Valenzuela – Abbotsford

Coaches:

Nanyak Dala – Victoria / Saskatoon-Westshore RFC
Chris Isherwood – Calgary
Clay Panga – Victoria-Westshore RFC
Jen Ross – Abbotsford

Manager

Leo Lane – Regina

10 Grand Raffle-Draw 30th Nov 19

After a few years off, Westshore/Velox RFC are holding our third annual $10000 raffle.
Only 200 tickets will be sold and the winner will take home $10000!
$100 may seem like a lot of money but your odds of winning a $10000 are very high compared to other raffles/lotteries and be sure to partner up or get a group together to get in on as many tickets as possible.
These tickets always sell out very fast!!!

FB event link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/419622055401503/

VALKYRIES & VI TEAM VS HONG KONG NATIONAL 7’S TEAM

VALKYRIES & BC TEAM vs HONG KONG 7’S

Was a great night of rugby at Westshore RFC, an amazing experience. With a combined team of Valkyries, CW, COW, Comox and UVIC players wearing BCRU jerseys taking on the Hong Kong National 7’s team in 4 games.  There was many Canadian National Senior Women’s team members, present representing for Team Vancouver Island side.  There was 4 games played with lots of speed and agility from both sides under the lights on a warm rainy night!!!    With longtime Westshore RFC sponsor Sizzling Tandoori providing meals for hosting after the game.

 Team was made up of the following BC/Canada members
Westshore Valkyries
  • Amanda Thornborough
  • Caity Mattinson
  • Clare Akuma
  • Erin Geddie
  • Elissa Alarie
  • Nakisa Levale

Cowichan

  • Laura Russell

COMOX

  • Paula Simpson

CW

  • Julia Folk
  • Britany Gardiner
  • Danica Pedrick
  • Sara Einarson
  • Sya Trafford

UVIC

  • Sydney Burchnall
  • Nicole Gamm

WESTSHORE RFC MEAT DRAW FUNDRAISER-30TH NOV

Westshore is conducting a fundraiser!!!
1/2 side of organically raised Cowichan Beef!!
Only 250 tickets/$20 each…Going Quick!!!
Draw is 30th Nov 19
See Barbara Mervin on Thursdays at the club, 250-661-0974 or PM her to get your tickets!!

Westshore Junior Team Coaches 2019-2020 Season

Westshore RFC has an amazing Junior program with incredible coaching staff.  Resulting in many of our players making Canadian age grade teams, as they make their way into the senior ranks.  We are very proud to introduce our Junior Boys and Girls Coaching Staff for the upcoming 2019-2020 Season.

 

Westshore Women’s Team Coaches 2019-2020 Season

BARBARA MERVIN

Barbara Mervin, a Flanker/Backrow player was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and raised in Peterborough Ontario. She is affiliated with the Peterborough Pagans RFC in Ontario. She won her first provincial title in the U19 Ontario league in 2000.  She attended and played for the Western University Mustangs RFC from 2002-2006, winning the CIS Rookie of the Year award in 2002, and Player of the Year Award in 2005.  While winning 2 CIS National Titles during her time at Western, and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in art history.  She was also selected for the Senior Ontario provincial teams in 2006 and 2007. In 2006 she moved across Canada to Victoria, BC, joining the Velox Valkyries RFC for the past 13 years to present day (2019), earning 6 BC Provincial Championships and 9 BC runner up Finalist appearances.  She has been the team Captain from 2008-2010, and again in 2015-2016.  Moving into the Coaching roles as well in 2017-2018. During these years Barbara made the Rugby Canada national senior team debuting in 2005 against New Zealand and with the Sevens team in 2008 in Amsterdam. She has earned a total of 25 caps for NSWT 15’s and 7 caps for NSWT 7’s play, including winning the Las Vegas 7’s Tournament in 2012  .  She was selected for 3 RWCs, playing in the 2010 in Spain, 2014 in France earning a silver medal for 2nd place finish, and ending with the 2017 RWC in Ireland. Winning Rugby Canada’s Gillian Florence Award in 2015 for the RC Women’s Player of the Year.  She has been a staple on the BC provincial teams since 2007, and has won numerous premier BC provincial championships with the Velox Valkyries’ team.  She established herself in the field of sports modeling career as well, with features such in Beauty of Sports edition for Sportsnet Magazine in 2013.  Barbara is currently married to long time Velox/Westshore Men’s and NSMT alumni player Clay Panga.  She earned a diploma in fashion design from the Pacific Design Academy in Victoria and is now the founder of APTOELLA  RUGBY APPAREL, a rugby clothing line for women. Here is her website; http://aptoella.com/

Westshore Men’s Team Coaches 2019-2020 Season

Westshore would like to announce Aaron Frisby as the Men’s Head Coach, and Nanyak Dala as Forwards Coach for the 2019-2020 season.

AARON FRISBY

Aaron, originally from NZ, first joined Velox Valhallians in 2004 at the Gordon Head facilities as a starting player on the Men’s Premier teams, continuing to play on both Premier and 1st Div teams until 2015 in the backfield and full back. During this time he started his coaching career in 2004 with age grade teams for the youth/junior programs for Velox in the grass root era coaching every team up to and including U18’s. Aaron was part of the Executive Council as the Director of Rugby Operations for 2 years from 2009-2011, before taking over as the Head Coach for the Velox Premier Women’s Valkyries team, leading them to a BCRU Provincial Title in 2011. He has represented four Super League teams as a player over his career: Crimson Tide, Vancouver Island Raiders, Calgary Mavericks and the Prairie Fire. Aaron took on the role as Player/Head Coach for the first time for the Velox Men’s program from 2011-2014, winning both the VIRU Times and Cowichan Cups, with multiple semi-final BCRU Provincial finalists during this time frame. He was then selected by BCRU Staff as Head Coach to lead provincial teams, starting in 2015 with the BC Men’s and Women’s Next Gen 7’s Teams, and BC Women’s 15’s Team: positions he continues presently to this day. Which lead to him to be included as the 2018 Crimson Tide Men’s 15’s co-Coach. During the past 3 years Aaron has again taken on his Player/Coach role leading the Westshore Velox 3rd Div Men’s team to back to back BCRU Provincial Champions for 2017 & 2018 seasons. Before taking the reigns as the Head Coach for the Men’s Premier team last season, narrowly missing a playoff spot in the BC Provincials.

When asked about his coaching history listed above, he responded “I started my coaching career at Velox in 2004 with age grade teams, coaching every team from the U18s, Third div men, premier women and the top men’s side at the club over a 9 year period. After some successful years coaching provincial 7s and 15s programs, it’s great to be able to step back into the club at an exciting time at Westshore.” When asked further on the direction of the club, he stated “Things are starting to click at the club with the premier women on top, the third div on top and the men returning to the Premiership, everything is heading in the right direction at Westshore. We have a core group of players within the men’s program that can start to make waves in the premier division and I’m excited to see what they can do this coming season.”

NANYAK DALA

Nanyak Ponzin Gideon Dala was born in the central plateau state in the city of Jos, Nigeria in early 1980’s.  Moving to the city of Durban, located in the eastern province of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa with his family at the age of 12 in 1996. It was here that he started playing rugby for Glenwood high school team in the #8 position, lacing up for the Glenwood Falcons – the High School Old Boys team as well.  Nanyak quickly achieved selection for higher play for age grade levels representing Kwazulu-Natal provincial teams through much of his high school years, and being selected as the MVP for the provincial U20 team in 2003.

His family immigrated to North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada also in 2003 due his father’s profession in the medical field. Where in 2004 at the age of 20 he moved to nearby Saskatoon to start his higher education at the University of Saskatchewan.  Nanyak continued his love for rugby again joining the Saskatoon Wild Oats RFC as a Flanker for the next 4 years, reaching the provincial finals with his team every year, and capturing the provincial champions in 2005.  He was a member of the Saskatchewan Prairie Fire in the Rugby Canada Super League (RCSL) for the 2005 to 2007 seasons where they were the Western Champions and runner ups for the national title each year, and winning the McTier Cup as National Champs in 2007.  Nanyak had caught the eye of Rugby Canada (RC) through all this hard work, but passed up the opportunity to go to the Rugby World Cup (RWC) in 2007, choosing to finish his studies instead, graduating with a Bachelor of Commence in early 2008.

Nanyak moved to Victoria, BC in 2008 to continue his playing career with RC, as he started playing club rugby for the Oakbay Castaway Wanders in premier Men’s action as a flanker, winning the Rounsfell Cup as the BC premier league provincial champions in 2011.  During this time Nanyak was also a member of the newly formed Canadian Rugby Championship (CRC) (replacement for the RCSL) Prairie Wolf Pack team from 2010-2016, winning the McTier Cup as a national champion once again in 2015, with achieving runner up for 5 additional years at this level.

Nanyak joined the RC national 15s team with his 1st cap on 02 Jun 2007 at the Churchill Cup in Twickenham, England with a sound win over the USA.  He continued to represent Canada at 2 Rugby World Cups (RWC) in both 2011 and 2015, earning 37 caps and scoring 4 international tries before playing his last 15s match on 6 Oct 2015 with a win over Romania.  Nanyak was also a member of Canadas National 7s team at the same time starting in 2008, playing in the 2010 Common Wealth Games in India, and winning a gold medal in Mexico at the 2011 Pan Am Games.  He played in the RWC for 7’s action in both 2009 in Dubai and 2013 in Russia, captaining the team from 2012-2013 seasons. Finishing his last international 7s game for Canada in Sydney, Australia in Feb 2016.

He coached at St. Michaels High School from 2008 through to 2017 focusing on grades 10-12. As well at CW in the 2017-2018 season as an assistant Coach and player for Men’s premier action. Before joining Westshore Velox RFC for the start of the 2018-2019 season as a an assistant/forwards coach, where he will continue on with Men’s team for 2019-2020 Season.

Nanyak was self-employed as a contractor for RC over the past many years, before currently working for Capital City Fire and Safety as a Fire and Safety Technician.  He is very passionate about junior development and involvement, looking forward to growing the junior catchment of players in the Westshore area through club and schools academy programs with the grass root rugby type of sessions. He is enthusiastic when asked his thoughts, stating “Was excited to work with some top rugby minds and people to help build a strong rugby foundation in the Westshore, spearheaded by the ME’s and championship winning Women’s premier teams at Westshore RFC.”

 

DAVID “TITO” PHILLIPS

Westshore Board of Directors would like to announce the clubs new Men’s Premier Reserve Coach, David ” Tito” Phillips.  Who is also the Director of Men’s and Junior Boys Rugby for the 2nd year now on the Board of Directors.  “Tito” is a long time Velox/Westshore player for over a decade, who has held positions on the Board of Directors, most recently as the Director of Fields and Equipment. Has volunteered in coaching our junior program for many years, as well assist with the Men’s senior teams. Tito graduated from Massey University in NZ with a Bachelor of Business Studies, majoring in Sport Management with a minor in Marketing & Sports Performance. Tito was the Community Engagement and Market Research Coordinator for 2 years with the Manawatu Turbos RFC, while also conducting match day liaison between Sky TV media and the teams. He also spent a year as the Director of Event Planning for Sport Manawatu. He has always worked hard to support youth/junior rugby programs, as he was the Youth Tournament Coordinator for the Manawatu Basketball and Volleyball teams: as he continues to now take the reins for the Westshore Junior program. Tito will be a great asset with his skill sets and love for grass roots programs!!!

Westshore represents on Crimson Tide Teams 2019

Westshore RFC was proudly represented with 16 players and 4 staff members for the 3 teams of Crimson Tide Men’s U23, Snr Men’s, and Snr Women’s.  All teams solidly won out over Vancouver Island North Tsunami to represent the island against Vancouver mid May.  With results from last weekend in Vancouver: U23 team won over Vancouver Wave 26-24.  Men lost 46-18 to Vancouver. Womens win 6 straight Ruth Hellerund Brown Championships with 2 wins over Vancouver 87-12 and 85-17.

 

CRIMSON TIDE MEN’S U23 TEAM

Westshore members (8): Kyle White, Desmond Downer, Aaron Hersant, Oli Adams, Isaac Gonevou, Jonny Buck, Gavin Kilpatrick, Jordy Makela.

CRIMSON TIDE MEN’S TEAM

Westshore members (15): Saman Repazoul, Aaron Hersant, Jason Gagnier, Ben “Mingie” Brill, Cole Mosychuck, Jordan Tait, Shane Dagg, Desmond Downer, Bryce McKinnon, Thomas Isherwood, Isaac Gonevou, Neil Hagerty. Coach Clay Panga, Nanyak Dala. Manager John Lyall.

CRIMSON TIDE WOMEN’S TEAM

Westshore members (6): Chelsey Minter, Val Wideski, Amanda Thornborough, Paige Farrier, Elissa Alarie. Coach Char Haley.