AMANDA THORNBOROUGH SELECTED FOR WOMEN’S BARBARIAN TEAM FOR 2ND TIME

Amanda Thornborough was selected for the 2nd time for the Women’s Barbarian Rugby Team. The first time was for the inaugural women’s team for the first time in the club’s history, with a 19-0 victory against Munster on 10 November 2017. She and fellow Canada National Teammates Andrea Burk from Capilano RFC (Vancouver), and Julia Folk from Oakbay CW RFC (Victoria) will face the USA Eagles in Denver, Colorado on 26 Apr, and England at Twickenham on 2nd June. 

 

The Barbarians or Baa-Baas for short is based out of Britain, play in black and white hoops, though players wear the socks from their own club strip. Membership is by invitation, and as of 2011, players from 31 countries had played for the Barbarians. Traditionally at least one uncapped player is selected for each match.  It was started by William P Carpmael in 1890 in Leuchters Restaurant, Bradford, England: at a time when practically every club ceased playing in early March.  There were no tours and players just “packed up” until the following season, but his scheme for collecting a touring side from all sources; to tackle a few leading clubs in the land, instantly received support from the best, and today this support is as strong as ever.  His great idea that the Barbarian Club should be absolutely cosmopolitan with the aim of spreading good-fellowship amongst all rugby football players has been rigidly adhered to by those who have followed him in the management of the club. Membership is by invitation and the only qualifications considered when issuing an invitation are; that the player’s football is of a good enough standard and secondly that they act professional on and off the field. There is no discrimination whatsoever by race, colour or creed. That an immense amount of good has been done cannot be disputed. Players from different clubs and countries rarely had the opportunity of playing on the same side, they were always opponents, and the chance of now and again playing with, instead of against, one another was welcomed.  Many invitational clubs are based on the Barbarians, including the French Barbarians, Australian Barbarians, New Zealand Barbarians and South African Barbarians.  Quoting an article by long time Valkyrie Barbara Mervin, “The introduction of this inaugural women’s side speaks to the growth of the women’s game and the demand for quality games following the high caliber of the Women’s World Cup in Ireland. This movement is bridging the gap between the men and women’s game and is developing a rugby community that is supportive of the sport regardless of the gender of the player. The Barbarians club has always tried to personify the incomparably inclusive and good-hearted culture of rugby and what better way to do that than after 127 years giving the women their chance in the legendary jersey.”

Amanda Thornborough completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science at St. Francis Xavier in NS. Originally from Brandon, Manitoba she has now experienced life on both sides of the country and now lives in Victoria and trains with Velox/Westshore Valkyries when she is not training with the Canada women. Amanda helped the National Women’s Sevens team to an undefeated win at the Hong Kong Sevens Tournament in 2013. Later that year she received her first National Senior Women’s Cap in at the 2013 Nations Cup. Amanda was also featured in the 2014 CAN-AM Series where Canada’s Women defeated USA.  She was a member of Canada’s Women’s Rugby World Cup team that finished second at the 2014 WRWC, and the 2018 WRWC. Amanda has been a member of the Velox/Westshore RFC family since 2013.

 

Westshore RFC Whiskey Tasting Fund Raiser – 2019

Westshore held a fund raising event for the 2nd year in a row, which was an absolutely amazing social night.  A huge fundraiser for the club, and a great time had by all attending.  A big thank you to James Buchanan, owner-operator of Buchanan’s Whiskey Chophouse in Calgary, who played with Velox in late 2000’s for 4 years.  The event was held at the Bear Mountain resort, which saw players alumni of many through all the decades of the clubs history, including current players and supporters.  Such as Langford Fountain Tire-Mike Doughty, H.I. Mechanical Inc-Craig Inglais & Tristan Hall, and Brian “The Silver Fox” Scanlan.  This year marks the 50th anniversary of the club, you can read about this historical past at the following link: http://westshorerfc.com/index.php/history-2/

 

50th Anniversary-Velox Retro Jerseys

Celebrating our 50th Anniversary!!!! Westshore Velox RFC commissioned Aptoella Rugby to create the original black jerseys worn by Velox RFC from 1969-1988 with the original crests.  All jerseys numbered 1-25 have sponsors initials on the right sleeve from various alumni through the years.

From our History Page: http://westshorerfc.com/index.php/history-2/

It is important to know where a club began and came from through the years, now passing its 50th anniversary in 2018.  It allows for further generations to appreciate the historical significance of the identity they wear proudly into a game. Velox RFC was created/established back in 1968, playing its first season in VIRU 1969.  The club has transformed a few times since then and over the years:  with the merging of Velox and UVIC Valhallians into 1 club/team in mid-1987, and relocating in 2015 to the Westshore.  Each of these milestones was under a new name, crest and colours.  These events are available to read below from first-hand accounts as they occurred from prominent leaders of the time.  The club now known as Westshore Velox RFC has continued to thrive and prosper due to the many leaders as players, managers, directors, volunteers and fans/supporters for over 50+ years.

Westshore RFC Players represent in the MLR 2019

With the second season of the newly minted Major League Rugby (MLR) already in session, do you know where your Westshore RFC players with professional contracts are running? With 9 teams in the league, and over 30+ Canadian players signed within, our club accounts for 7 of these high performance athletes on 3 different teams.  Being New Orleans Gold and  Seattle Sea wolfs each with 2, and Toronto Arrows with 3. Check out the links below for each team, which have a section to meet the players/rosters. And get to know some of our top players with mini bios for each!!!

 MLR website link : https://www.usmlr.com/

 New Orleans Gold: https://www.nolagoldrugby.com/

 

Kyle Baillie Flanker position has 22 caps with 16 starts for Canada, making his debut on NSMT in CAN vs USA in Feb 16.

o   From Summerside, PEI

o   Signed with NO Gold RFC

o   Has played with pro team Ohio Aviators in 16

o   Member of the Rock Atlantic CRC team.

o   Played for Westshore RFC, St Alberts (SAR) RFC, London Scottish in Ontario,

Eric Howard– Hooker position has 17 caps with 2 starts for Canada, debut on NSMT Feb 16 in CAN vs Brazil.

o   From Kanata, Ont

o   Member of the Ontario Blues from 13-16.

o   Signed with NO Gold RFC in the MLR, now starting in his 2nd year.

o   Played for Westshore RFC, University of Guelph, Brantford Harlequins

 

Seattle Sea Wolfs: http://www.seattleseawolves.com/

 

Brock Staller– Wing/Center position has 16 caps with 13 starts for Canada-scoring 69 points, debut on NSMT Feb 16 in CAN vs Brazil.

o   From Vancouver, BC

o   Member of Vancouver Wave all star regional team, as well as BC Bears provincial team in the CRC.

o   Was a member of the UBC Thunderbird from 14-16.

o   For 2 yrs straight was the BC Premier Division leading scorer.

o   Played for Westshore RFC, Meralomas RFC, Oakbay CW RFC.

Nakai Penny Backrow positions, has 2 caps for Canada.

o   From Penticton, BC

o   Played for UBC Thunderbirds from 14-17, winning 3 Rounsfell Cups.

o   Member of Canada U20 team in 16.

o   Member of the BC Bears in 17, winning MacTier Cup.

o   signed with the Seattle Sea wolfs in the MLR last year, now starting his 2nd year.

o   Played for Westshore RFC

 

Toronto Arrows: https://torontoarrows.com/

Spencer Jones– Flyhalf/Center signed with Toronto Arrows RFC in the MLR, 1st year. Made the MLR 1st 15 of the week for his outstanding play.

o   Born on Vancouver Island, Canada, but raised from young age in Cambridge, NZ.

o   Attended the Waikato University from 15-18.

o   Member of the Waikato Developmental Academy Squad.

o   Played semi pro rugby for Austin Blacks.

o   Played for Westshore RFC in Canada, Hamilton Old Boys in NZ.

 

Andrew Ferguson– Scrum Half position has 11 caps with 2 starts for Canada, debut on NSMT Feb 16 in CAN vs USA.

o   From Mississauga, Ontario.

o   Went to McMasters University from 09-15.

o   Was member of Canadian U20 team for 2 years in 11-12.

o   Member of Ontario Blues from 11-17.

o   Selected as member for national University 7’s Dream Team in 15.

o   Signed with Toronto Arrows RFC in the MLR, 1st year

o   Played for Westshore RFC, Oakville Crusaders.

Tom Dolezel Prop position has 16 caps for Canada, making his debut on NSMT in CAN vs Russia in 09.

o   Played in the CFL for Calgary Stampeders as defensive Tackle in 2008.

o   Played pro in Colwyn Bay, Wales in 2009.

o   Member of the Ontario Blues from 09-16.

o   Signed with Toronto Arrows RFC in the MLR, 1st year

o   Played for Westshore RFC, Western University, Otago University (NZ)

Westshore RFC Players make NSMT for ARC 2019

Westshore was well represented with 4 members selected for the Canadian National Senior Men’s Team for the America’s Rugby Championship 2019 this year.  Kyle Bailie in the flanker position has 22 caps with 16 starts for Canada, making his debut on NSMT in CAN vs USA in Feb 16.  Now signed with NO Gold in the MLR.  Eric Howard as hooker position has 17 caps with 2 starts, debut on NSMT Feb 16 in CAN vs Brazil.  Also signed with Kyle with NO Gold in the MLR.  Prop Ryan Kotlewski has 5 caps with NSMT, debut in CAN vs Chile on Mar 16.  And Nakai Penny, a member of CAN U20 Team starting in 2016, before signing with the Seattle Sea wolfs in the MLR last year.

Canada played in South America for the first leg of the ARC,  initially facing Uruguay on 02 Feb losing a close one 20-17, also lost to Brazil 18-10 on 9 Feb.

Next Canada faces Chile on 22 Feb and Argentina on 01 Mar in Langford, Canada.  Before facing the USA on 8 mar in Seattle.

Westshore RFC would like to congratulate all 4 players and wish them luck in their upcoming games!!!

https://rugby.ca/en/news/2019/02/canada-defeat-brazil-in-their-second-match-of-the-2019-americas-rugby-championship

Men’s Premier Team Coaches-Frisby & Dala

Westshore would like to announce Aaron Frisby as the new Men’s Head Coach, and Nanyak Dala as Forwards Coach for the 2018-2019 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.

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.

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.”

New Director of Mens Rugby-David Phillips

Westshore Board of Directors would like to announce the clubs new interim Director of Men’s and Junior Boys Rugby: David “Tito” Phillips. 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!!!

Velox 50 year anniversary- first season recalled by Stephen Hume

Velox is celebrating its 50 anniversary this Sept, here is a blast from the past…..

Velox, Season One, Victoria Rugby Union-1969 by Stephen Hume

Velox played its first official league game in the Victoria Rugby Union on September 28, 1969, against James Bay Athletic Association at Macdonald Park and won 14-3. I confirmed that with a look-up in Victoria Daily Colonist which said Velox was new to the VRU.

The club actually formed in the winter of 1968 when a bunch of the JBAA juniors staged a revolution and asked Gordie Hemmingway to coach. But I wasn’t there for that part.  (The details of that story can be found at this link as recalled by his father Jim Hume: http://westshorerfc.com/index.php/history-2/history-of-velox-101-by-first-club-president-and-founding-member-jim-hume/ )

In October, 1969, Velox beat Castaways 53-6 in a friendly. It was a harbinger of what came with Gordie Hemmingway’s wide open “attack from everywhere” style of play because in the first half of the season, in the age of the three point try, the club had scored an astonishing 143 points and led the league in scoring by far.

In November Velox moved into second place with a 37-6 win over Cowichan, John Howe had four tries, Tommy Carson had three, Bob Hissink had two, Rick Hughes got one and kicked a convert and Lorne Bunyan kicked a penalty.

In December, Velox beat UVic. Darryl Noulette and Bob Hissink had two tries each. Mark Hume, Steve Hume, Paul Burgoyne and Rick Hughes each got a try. Lorne kicked three converts.

The following week Velox lost 6-5 to Nanaimo but then dumped Oak Bay Wanderers 25-15 just before the Christmas break.

In January, Velox travelled to Seattle and knocked off Seattle Rugby Club 19-5. Bob Hissink scored three tries, one of them an 85-yarder.

March 1 Velox defeated JBAA again 24-6. Doug Hannah, Jack Clarkson, Mark Hume and Paul Burgoyne scored tries. Lorne Bunyan kicked two penalty goals and three converts.

March 15 Velox played UVic at Centennial Stadium in the Island semi-final and advanced to the final with a 23-16 win. Lorne Bunyan kicked for penalties. Bob Hissink had two tries and Paul Burgoyne got one.

In the Island final, Velox played JBAA yet again at Macdonald Park for the Times Cup and won 14-9. With Mark Hume (Stephens brother) scoring the winning try minutes before the final whistle to defeat James Bay.

The following week Velox lost 6-3 to Renfrew Trojans in the B.C. Championship on a long penalty kick from the touch line with 10 minutes to go. Lorne Bunyan almost saved the day with 40-yard kick from the touch line with three minutes left but shaved the post wide.

Stephen Hume

BR L-R: Jim Hume, Wally Laughton, John Howe, Mark Hume, Doug Hannan, Steve Hume, Ralph Delisle, Bruce Johns, Bob Hissink, Tom Carson, Ian Hughes, Leon Dalman, Gord Hemmingway (Coach)

FR L-R: Rick Childerhose, Al Perry, Ian Lendrum, Paul Burgoyne, Brian Butters, Lorne Bunyan, Rick Hughes, Daryl Noulette, Blaze McDonald, Dan Coleman

Westshore RFC Junior Phoenix Skailes makes BC U15 team

Westshore RFC would like to congratulate junior girls player Phoenix Skailes on being selected for the U15 BC Provincial team for the upcoming Canadian Rugby Championships. Phoenix spent the beginning and most of her life raised in Dawson City in the Yukon until age 10, when she moved with her family to Victoria.  Her father Jimmy has been playing the sport of rugby for many years, and is currently a member of the Ebb Tide RFC.  This prompted her to want to follow in her fathers foot steps and take up the sport.  She started with the Westshore RFC Family by joining the junior girls program for the U14 team at age 12.  She continued to play rugby at Spencer High School, coached under long time Westshore Valkyrie senior women’s player Brittany Sims.  For the past 2 years Phoenix has made Junior Crimson Tide for the U14 all star team.  Now at age 14, she has made the BC U15 provincial team for the first time being held in Kelowna, BC from 26-29 July.  Her father stated “I am super proud of Phoenix.  Watching my daughter set her goals for a passion and achieve them, she works very hard due to her own drive to succeed.  We are honoured to be part of the Westshore family!!!”  Everyone at Westshore RFC family wishes Phoenix luck at the CRC’s in upcoming weeks.

 

5 Westshore RFC members join Crimson Tide All Star team

Westshore RFC was well represented on Men’s Crimson Tide this year. Congratulations on Players selected: Taylor McGuire, Foster Dewitt, Jason Gagnier, Ryan Waldriff and Aaron Frisby as Coach. Tide unfortunately lost to Vancouver Wave 52-32 final score.