Velox Alumni Dean Budd retires from international rugby as current team Italy Captain

New Zealand-born Dean Budd, a Velox Valhallian Alumni, announced his retirement from the international stage as Captain of the Italian National Rugby Team, where he has been a member of since 2017 collecting over 30 caps for his team.

Dean represented Auckland from 2008-2010, before making 5 appearances for the Blues in Super Rugby forum. He took a break and  came to Victoria, Canada playing for the Velox Valhallians in the sand box on Gordon Head Rd for the 2009-2010 season as Lock in BC Premier league. He went back to NZ to represent Northland Rugby 13 times in the summer of 2011, before moving to Japan for action in the Top League with NEC Green Rockets.  Budd arrived in Italy and to play for Benetton initially in the 2012/2013 season, where he remained to this year. He gained eligibility to play for Italy by way of residency in 2014, making his debut on the international stage for the Italian national team verses Scotland in 2017, Captaining the squad in the RWC 2019 in Japan.

“I want to thank all Italian rugby for these eight years spent together,” said Budd, who is also departing Benetton after making 115 appearances in eight seasons.  “When I arrived from Japan in 2012, I would never even have dreamed of being able to live the fantastic adventure that Italy, adopting me both in sport and humanly, put my way.  I am proud to have represented this country internationally, to have had the privilege of being captain of the national team in a Rugby World Cup match, of having helped Benetton Rugby achieve an historic qualification to the Guinness PRO14 semi-finals.  The last few months have changed the lives of all of us, it’s the right time to look forward to what life has in store for me and my family.”

He was also quoted on social media chatting with fellow Velox teammate Eric “E-Rock” Lopatinsky as stating “It has been a never ending hunger since I left VV, always feasting but never full.  The VV and W will always be my mountain peak!”

Westshore Velox RFC wishes Dean Budd many successes in his future endeavors.

George Jones – A Rugby Man – Tribute by Jim Hume

George Jones – A Rugby Man – Tribute By Jim Hume

It had been a long game played in its final quarter against insurmountable odds and with the referee in charge making some hard to understand calls.

But all his life George Jones had played in odds-against contests as a rugby player on fields home and foreign, and as a lawyer in the highest courts in his homeland Canada and abroad. His reputation on the playing field and in the courtroom was the same: you never quit seeking a way to win; never concede until the final whistle has blown or a high court has pronounced a verdict.

And that’s the way it was for George until Monday, May 25, 2020, when the final whistle blew 86-years after it started with his birth in Victoria on September 22, 1933. His father was Vice-Admiral George Jones, chief of the  Royal Canadian Navy during WW2. His mother was Helen Fordham Johnson, daughter of  B.C’s Lieut.-Governor (1931-38),John William Fordham Johnson.

George junior went “gently” into what Welsh poet Dylan Thomas described as “that good night”  – but not until his greatest game and trial were declared over by the unchallengeable time-keeper.

He had fought for many months, losing a little ground each month and year as time moved by, but never his courage in fighting the odds. What he displayed in those final months was what he had always displayed in law and at play: integrity, perseverance, and the ability to call up the George Jones grin in adversity.

Andrew Hume, former President of the old Velox Rugby Club and scrum-half and team Captain, remembers George and his philosophy as coach. Andy was playing for the Third Div squad when George listed him for a Second Div game. “One sparkling moment in the game,” he recalls “came when a gap opened just a few yards out from the goal line. An easy try….but I spotted my winger alongside and slid a pass to him – a pass he obviously wasn’t expecting. It was a knock-on and we lost the ball. After the game George put his arm around my shoulder and quietly said: “There’s a time to give and a time to go. Remember that and you’ll be a better player.”

It’s a lesson he taught generations of players and young lawyers. One remembered still by once young, now elderly, teammates who still stand a little taller when remembering George’s “totally disarming chuckle – even after games had gone badly.” He knew when it was finally time to go for touch and the final play of the life-long game.

The chuckle along with the famous George Jones’ combined cheeky grin and smile were lifelong trademarks, shared freely and as often as his good works – which were many.

George had a long experience with James Bay and players from both Velox and JBA never hesitated to tap him for legal advice on everything from speeding tickets to disorderly conduct following game winning celebrations.

He was generous with his time. Always.

There was a time when the Second Division Velox RFC – having lost half a team of key players to First Division players– fell on hard times with a season of disastrous losses. Time,some surviving members felt, to disband and join a time tested club.

Coach Jones thought otherwise. He thought what the team needed was a morale booster shot and that an international tour would be just the thing. Within a year infused with never ending Jones’ enthusiasm, the team was ready to travel to the Caribbean for a series of games organized by George in Jamaica,Martinique, Barbados and other exotic tropical points– but there was a problem. One or two of the players couldn’t raise the cash to make the trip.

“Tell them not to worry,” George told the captain. And the full team made the trip and one player still tells part of the story. “His tour message to us on rules and behaviour were simple: “Drink after the games, not before  — and let’s have fun playing wide open rugby. And we did. The team came back stronger than it had ever been and although we still were not winning many games there wasn’t any doubt which club in town was having the most fun. George’s spirit and his zest for life held the club together through its darkest time. It stands strong today because new strengths have been built on pretty solid George Jones’ foundations.”

And one of the strongest blocks in that foundation is the George Jones creation of a Female 15 playing wide open rugby. It was treated – or greeted – with smiles when it began, regarded as a feminist fad doomed to flash and fade.

George taught his students well and his players soaked up the lessons. They wanted to learn; they wanted to play better. They studied and their practices were dedicated affairs. Other teams sprang up around the province and in recent years around the world.

From full 15 rugby sprang Seven-a-side aside. Women now dazzle in both – Valkyrie championship trophies overshadow the mens’ Valhallians. No one was prouder of their victories than George – the rugby lawyer who in the eyes of one observer “practiced law like take-no-prisoner rugby and played rugby like a lawyer always looking for the opportunity he could use to advantage.”

I don’t know if George had any love for poetry but a dozen lines written by John Masefield would be the kind of thought I think he would like to pass to those who loved him. Masefield was in his late Eighties when he died in England in 1867 at – “a ripe old age”of 87. George was a year younger.

In the spring of 1986 Velox started to fall on hard times on the field and this coincided with the impending graduation of a number of Vikings from Uvic.  The Uvic graduates did not want to play for the existing clubs in town . In typical fashion George saw an opportunity and invited a few players including Mark Wyatt, Tony Arthurs and Mike Holmes to his basement in Broadmead. On the strength of many memorable whiskies, “donated” by one of his clients, the idea of Velox-Valhallians was borne. It was not a perfect marriage,  bikers and eggheads, but George helped keep it together and the two partners soon learned and grew to appreciate each other’s strengths. There is no doubt that without each other the club would not have survived.  George went on to make some noise and with connections help the club secure a long term lease on the old house and field of the Hume family.

George was always a great promoter of player’s welfare and rights and when Rugby Canada fired peremptorily beloved National Team coach David Clark , George sprang into action and organized a player’s strike.  This was the impetus , after a long drawn out battle in the press and in rugby boardrooms, to a long needed change of governance at Rugby Canada and the re-hiring of David Clark.

One of George’s well known talents was the penning of nicknames for friends and enemies alike. Among the classics, the red jacket brigade ( for allicadoos at Rugby Canada) and the headless bunyon. These often coloured his public letters to the powers that be to great outrage.

George was ultimately proudest of his contribution to the establishment of the Canadian Rugby Foundation.  George persevered , with others,  through much opposition to secure approval to the establishment of the Foundation in 2002.  With his persuasive charm Georgie helped convince Gren Thomas to donate a million dollars to establish the endowment.  It was George’s dream to see rugby promoted in the poorer communities in all of Canada and to give opportunities to all young people to play the game he loved so much. In that spirit a scholarship has been established in his name.

A Song at Parting

The tick of the blood is settling slow, my heart will soon be still.

And ripe and ready am I for rest in the grave at the top of the hill;

Passing of a legend-George Jones

It is with great sorrow that a Velox Icon/legend George Jones has passed away on Monday 25 May 2020. George was a club member and founder for many decades from player to coach to board member and a Life Time Member for all his efforts of the original Velox RFC and into the Velox Valhallian and eventually Westshore RFC transitions for the club. Also Resulting in a club award being created in his name for what he represented and stood for. Westshore RFC passes our condolences on to his family and friends. He made a positive difference everywhere he went and everything he touched or was associated with, a true legend and gentleman.  RIP George.

Below is an article by the Times Columnist local newspaper, as presented by his son Brett Jones.

https://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/obituary-sports-loving-lawyer-george-jones-marched-to-his-own-beat-1.24141760

 

Velox 1st President Jim Hume, wrote a touching piece of that was “George Jones-A Rugby Man”

George Jones – A Rugby Man by Jim Hume

 

Below is a brief bio of George with more of a focus on his Velox RFC roots. Which is the prologue for the winners of the prestigious George Jones Award; A coveted award to active players only (still playing) who displayed leadership and volunteer work on and off the field to better the club and community above their peers, demonstrating and personifies the clubs core values.  George Jones himself switched the award from a single recipient to a male and female representative starting 2012.

George Jones Award Winners 1975 to present

Rugby Canada suspends rugby until 10 Apr 20 due to Corona Virus outbreak

15 Mar 2020
Due to the Corona Virus/COVID-19 health situation in Canada and world wide, Rugby Canada has directed its provincial rugby unions (BCRU for us) to officially suspend all rugby across the country.  This includes all practices and games for all interclub activities as well, until at least 10 Apr 2020.
Westshore RFC will comply with these directives for ALL activities for all programs (Youth, Junior, Adult) due to public safety. We will not know the consequences or the plan for the future with regards to schedules or playoffs, until such time that the regulatory bodies give direction in early to mid April.
 
We will keep our members updated through social media of further future developments. Both BCRU and RC links for this situation are listed below.
 
____________________________________

12 MAR 2020

LETTER FROM BCRU CEO Annabel Kehoe

With many developments over the last 24 hours relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, please read the following carefully.

  1. Inter-Club Activity within BC for March 14 & 15 is Suspended

While the COVID-19 risk remains low within Canada and British Columbia, all inter-club activity is suspended for this upcoming weekend.  This decision has been made in response to the concerns and well-being of all BC Rugby Members. This applies to ALL age-groups and divisions. Clubs may arrange supplementary training or inter-squad matches at their own discretion, maintaining safe and hygienic practices.

This cancellation gives us all an opportunity to practice self-care and BC Rugby will re-evaluate the situation early next week and provide a subsequent communication.

  1. Out of Country/Province Rugby Travel is Not Recommended to High Risk Countries/Areas

Yesterday, the World Health Organization announced that the COVID-19 virus is now considered at the pandemic stage.  We have been informed by Rugby Canada’s National Insurance Policy underwriters that this new status impacts all Members’ Emergency Travel Medical coverage. Specifically, since COVID-19 is a known pandemic, emergency coverage would not be considered unforeseen and therefore coverage would not apply and not be considered eligible at this point.  This means, all other travel insurance remains in place except for the scenario of a travelling member becoming infected with COVID-19 while on that tour.

Therefore, any Clubs or Associate Members with an out-of-country tour planned in the immediate or near future should review the Government of Canada’s Travel Advisories to find out if your destination is affected by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and read the Safety and security, Entry/exit requirements and Health sections of the Government’s Travel Advice and Advisories. If you have any concerns or wish to discus the implications of this, please contact me directly via email or phone.

Any team currently on tour out of country will be contacted directly by Rugby Canada.

  1. Further clarity for Rugby in Washington State

In addition to our communication from yesterday, we are prohibiting any BC Rugby Club or Associate Member to take part in any rugby activities within Washington State while their event restriction remains in place.

  1. World Rugby Level 1 Referee Course planned for March 15 Cancelled

While we could modify the course to provide ‘social distancing’, we feel that it would compromise the learning experience. Therefore, this course is cancelled. We will aim to reschedule this and will be in contact with all registered participants to explore an alternative date.

All Clubs and Affiliate Members are asked to reinforce the following health advice to players, team personnel and spectators:

  • Wash your hands frequently (it is the single most effective way of reducing infection spread).
  • Practice other good hygiene habits:
    • do not touch your face/eyes/mouth with your hands;
    • cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough (ideally with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow);
    • restrict sharing of water bottles.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, e.g. tackle bags
  • Maintain good general health (eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise in moderation).
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Contact 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) or your health care provider for questions about your personal health situation.

BC Rugby will continue to monitor the situation, relying on the BC Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Washington State Department of Health, and the World Health Organisation and their published guidance.

Best wishes & good health,

Annabel Kehoe
Chief Executive Officer, BC Rugby

Westshore’s new Director of Men’s Rugby-Ray Barkwill

Ray Barkwill was born in Niagara Falls Ontario, taking up rugby in high school as a hooker while playing for the Niagara Wasps RFC senior men’s team through his summers. He made the Niagara Thunder regional team that competed in the Junior Rugby-Canadian Super League many times. At the age of 25, Ray completed his post secondary education in Physical Geography at Brock University in St. Catherine’s, Ont. Where he was both captain and MVP for finals leading the university’s rugby team to its 1st OUA (Ontario University Athletics) rugby championships in 2007. Ray ventured to Perth Australia to complete his post graduate studies by 2010, focusing on teaching skill sets. While down under, he played for the University of Western Australia (UWA) in Perth for 36 caps from 2009-2010, then represented Western Australia for 12 caps in regional action from 2010-2012. Ray was the first Canadian player to be selected for Super Rugby Union in 2012 with professional team Western Force out of Perth with 8 caps. He moved back to Canada in 2012, after completing his education, and catching the eye of Rugby Canada (RC). He debuted for his 1st cap for Canada verses Samoa in Nov 2012 in Wales at the age of 32. Earning 56 caps in total, with 44 starts as Hooker, scoring 5 tries before playing in his last game for RC by winning the RWC 2019 qualifier verses Hong Kong in France in Nov 2018. He was a member of the 2015 RWC in England as a player, and Captain for 2 games, before winning the RC Shield award for Most Inspirational Player in 2017. During these years he was also a member of the Ontario Blues in the Canadian Rugby Championships (CRC) from 2012-2018 for 34 caps and scoring 8 tries winning 3 CRC Mactier Cups. In 2015 he moved to Victoria, BC to continue his training with RC, while suiting up for Castaway Wanders for club level play. Ray for the 2nd time in his playing career signed for professional action with the Seattle Sea wolves for the inaugural Major Rugby League (MLR) action, winning back to back MLR Championships for 2018-2019. He signed with the Toronto Arrows before retiring from playing in Apr 2019. Ray next stepped into the coaching stage next as the Canada U18 Boys head Coach for a 3 game international series in Spring 2019, before assisting RC RWC 2019 team as an assistant coach. Ray currently is a teacher at Royal Bay High School in Victoria, and is engaged to RC NSWT Captain/Member Laura Russel (who is also a Velox Valkyrie alumni). Westshore RFC is very excited to announce Ray recently joined the Westshore Velox RFC Board of Directors as Director of Men’s Rugby in Jan 2020.  Welcome to the family Ray!!

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/