Category Archives: Featured

Mark Wyatt Inducted into Local, BC Provincial and National Sports Hall of Fames

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Mark Wyatt is a long time member of the Velox Valhallians and newly minted Westshore RFC.  As a player, Coach, Board of Director, President of our club and as a developer/builder of the rugby community at all levels.  He was inducted for his individual efforts and career into shaping and contributing to the sport of rugby as a player  into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, UVIC Sports Hal of Fame in 2005, BCRU Hall of Fame in 2007, BC Sports Hall of Fame in Dec 2016.  He was once again inducted as part of the 1991 World Cup Canadian Team in May 2018.  With the latest induction into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame in Mar of this year.  Below are the various articles documenting these events.

VICTORIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME-PLAYER-2002

He was first inducted as an individual player into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.  Article link below:

https://www.gvshof.ca/inductees-2/all-inductees/32-rugby/93-mark-wyatt-2002.html

UVIC SPORTS HALL OF FAME-PLAYER-2005

Next Mark was inducted into the University of Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, after playing for the Vikes from 1982-1987:

https://govikesgo.com/hof.aspx?hof=21

BC RUGBY UNION HALL OF FAME-PLAYER-2007

Mark was one of the first players inducted into the BCRU Hall of Fame upon its inception in 2007.

https://www.bcrugby.com/hall-of-fame/

BC SPORTS HALL OF FAME-PLAYER-2016

http://www.bcrugby.com/news_detail/10016466/?tag_id

Vancouver, BC – December 20, 2016: With 29 international caps for Canada between 1982 and 1991, Mark Wyatt recently joined the BC Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Inductees. Wyatt started his rugby career playing at Victoria High School. He later on played for James Bay Athletic Association, University of Victoria (where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Coaching Studies), Velox Rugby Football Club and Vancouver Island Crimson Tide.

During his illustrious rugby career, Wyatt represented Canada with 30+ caps, including at the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cups and less than a decade ago was inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame. Known for his kicking skills, Wyatt set a Canadian record in 1987 against Ireland when he scored 21 points including 6-for-6 penalty kicks. In 1991 during the Rugby World Cup, against Scotland, Wyatt set a world record with 8 penalty kick goals. As Captain, he led Canada to its best ever World Cup finish, reaching the quarterfinals before falling to the New Zealand All-Blacks.  Mark was very active with Canada 7’s play as well in the pre-circuit era.  Amassing over 40+ caps with 8 years with Hong Kong 7’s, 2 years playing for Sydney and Scotland 7’s.

After leaving the National Team at age 30, Wyatt acted as a rugby coach at Shawnigan Lake School. He now serves as the President of the Westshore Velox Rugby Football Club as well as a board director of the Canadian Rugby Foundation.

The 51st Induction Class will be formally inducted to the BC Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the annual Banquet of Champions at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.

BC Rugby would like to congratulate Mark Wyatt on this amazing honour and thank him for being a loyal and outstanding member of the BC Rugby community.

BC SPORTS HALL OF FAME-1991 CANADIAN MENS RUGBY TEAM-2016

http://www.bcrugby.com/news_detail/10040318/?tag_id

Vancouver – May 31, 2018: Last night, in a star-studded gala at Parq Vancouver, the BC Sports Hall of Fame inducted the Canadian Men’s 1991 Rugby World Cup Team as part of their Class of 2018.  This was a fantastic piece of recognition for a side that was chock full of BC players (23 of 26 individuals) and produced Canada’s best ever result in a Rugby World Cup, reaching the Quarter Finals.

The Class of ’91 are the stuff of legends in the rugby world, household names for rugby families not just in this country, but around the world, particularly the UK where a number of them consolidated their careers.  Looking down the roster, names leap off the page as if someone has constructed a Dream Team of that era.  While some of these individuals have already received personal induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame, it was a particularly proud moment to see this team being recognized for its achievement.  At the packed Induction Gala last night, almost a third of the 90 tables in the venue were taken up by members of the Canadian rugby community, gathered to celebrate this wonderful occasion.  The significance of what the Canadian Men’s team achieved at the 1991 Rugby World Cup was reiterated to all in attendance.  A “minnow country” in world rugby at that time, defying the odds to qualify for the Quarter Finals for the first time, outscoring reigning champions New Zealand All Blacks in the second half of that match and securing a record high world ranking of 8th.  Canadian rugby royalty seems a suitable moniker given the success that this team achieved and the lasting impact they have had on the sport, not just in Canada, but worldwide.

What is especially noteworthy of this list of players, is how many of them have spent significant chunks of their lives giving back to the sport that we all know and love.  Gareth Rees, one of Canada’s most well-known players and the country’s first inductee in the World Rugby Hall of Fame, has been involved in various guises with Rugby Canada.  David Speirs dedicate himself to fostering young rugby talent via the BCSSRU, Paul Szabo works tirelessly at Burnaby Lake RFC, while Mark Wyatt coached at Shawnigan Lake and currently serves as president for Westshore Velox RFC. Gary Dukelow was on hand in Dublin this summer as Assistant Coach to the Canadian Women’s XV during the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Patrick Palmer coached the Canadian Men’s Sevens prior to his current role at St George’s School.  There’s Eddie Evans, a huge supporter of developing rugby across the province and internationally, past President of BC Rugby John Lecky and Tom Woods, who is heavily involved in developing the youth program at James Bay AA.  Rod Holloway, Forwards coach for the team is still very much involved in the game, notable now as the Chair of BC Rugby’s Appeals Committee.

 

The 1991 Canadian Rugby World Cup Team:

Bruce Breen                (Meraloma)

Al Charron                   (Ottawa Irish)

Gary Dukelow             (Cowichan)

Glen Ennis (VC)           (Kats Rugby Club)

Eddie Evans                 (UBCOB Ravens)

John Graf                     (UBCOB Ravens)

Steve Gray                   (Kats Rugby Club)

Norm Hadley              (UBCOB Ravens)

Dan Jackart                  (UBCOB Ravens)

Jeff Knauer                  (Meraloma)

John Lecky                   (Meraloma)

Dave Lougheed          (Toronto Welsh)

Gord MacKinnon        (Ex Brit Lions)

Patrick Palmer            (UBCOB Ravens)

Roy Radu                     (James Bay AA)

Gareth Rees                (Oak Bay Castaways)

John Robertsen           (UBCOB Ravens)

David Speirs                (Meralomas)

Christian Stewart        (Meralomas)

Scott Stewart               (UBCOB Ravens)

Karl Svoboda               (Ajax Wanderers)

Paul Szabo                   (Ex Brit Lions)

Chris Tynan                 (Meraloma)

Ron van den Brink      (Kats Rugby Club)

Tom Woods                 (James Bay AA)

Mark Wyatt (C)            (Velox Valhallians)

RUGBY CANADA HALL OF FAME-PLAYER-2019

Mark will be inducted into the Canadian Rugby Sports Hall of Fame as a player on 26 Apr at Fairmont Empress Hotel.

https://rugby.ca/en/news/2019/01/2018-hall-of-fame-inductees-announced

Tickets for event:

https://www.ticketrocket.co/event/details/111620/rugby-canada-annual-awards-hall-of-fame-induction-reception

Ryan Kotlewski Playing for Canberra Royals in Australia

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A re-post from the Canaberra Times on Westshore RFC Prop Ryan Kotlewski.

How Canberra Royals can help launch Canadian World Cup dream

Playing against the All Blacks? Piece of cake. But the dreaded slope of Campese Field and the fierce Queanbeyan fans? That’s the sort of World Cup test that will prepare Ryan Kotlewski for his Test hopes this year. Canadian prop Kotlewski is back in Canberra for the second time, linking with Royals to help them win a premiership in their 70th season and at the same time trying to force his way into World Cup contention.

If successful he will join Canada in pool B at the World Cup in Japan later this year, lining up against the two-time defending champions New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Namibia.
But it all starts with a roadtrip to Campese Field to play against the Queanbeyan Whites in the John I Dent Cup season opener after a chance phone call prompted a Canberra comeback.

“I just want to get as much rugby exposure as possible,” Kotlewski said. “This sort of fell into my lap. [Royals] contacted me three or four weeks ago and said they needed a prop and asked if I knew of anyone. I knew of at least one – me.

“I was in camp with the Canadian team. They sent me a message on the Tuesday, by Thursday I’d spoken to my Canada coach and my wife, they said it was a good opportunity and I committed. Now I’m here and ready to go.”

Kotlewski, who is also a qualified engineer, played soccer and gridiron as a junior in Canada before making the switch to rugby when he followed his brother into the sport. The 117 kilogram tighthead has played Tests against Chile, Romania, Brazil and Russia and his World Cup dream is alive after Canada secured the 20th and last spot up for grabs for the tournament in Japan. Kotlewski’s links to Canberra started when he met Royals coach Wayne Southwell at his club in Calgary. The pair have stayed in contact and are hoping to team up for Royals’ third title in five seasons.

“The club rugby in Canada is good, but it’s not up to the same standard of here,” Kotlewski said.

“There are plenty of games and coaching resources … it was a no-brainer for me coming back here. I just want to enjoy the experience here and work hard to make myself better.”

The Canberra premier division season will start this weekend, but sports ground closures around the capital will limit the round to just two games.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6005306/how-canberra-royals-can-help-launch-canadian-world-cup-dream/

Ryan, a solid 6′ tall – 290lbs Prop is a native of Calgary, Alberta starting his rugby career with the Calgary Saints. He has been a member of the Prairie Wolf pack since 2014, winning the National Championships in 2015 with this team. Ryan then travelled to Canberra Australia, where he went on to win the John I Dent Cup championship with the Canberra Royals. He was then selected for a Canada ‘A’ tour to Fiji. Following this, Ryan was selected to the Canadian NSMT for the Americas Rugby Championships for his international debut in Mar 2016 in CAN vs Chile, as well as matches against Glasgow Warriors RFC, Ulster and Doncaster in Aug 2016. He has been selected for Canada’s Fall 16 tour of Ireland, playing against Samoa and Romania and never looked back. He has 6 caps and with the NSMT for many of the Fall and Spring sessions earning caps against Russia, Brazil and Chile, backing up the front row when required. Ryan joined Westshore RFC as well as the NSMT centralized program in the 2016 season, remaining with the team currently. Ryan will now be travelling back to Canberra with the Royals to play through the spring/summer of 2019.

Mike Holmes Inducted into UVIC Sports Hall of Fame-2019

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Congratulations to Westshore’s RFC Current club President, Mike Holmes on the outstanding news of inducted into the UVIC Sports Hall of Fame as a builder to the sport of rugby. Article from ISN, link below:

VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes are pleased to announce the 2019 class of the UVic Sports Hall of Fame that includes two athletes and one builder. Joining the hall will be two-time women’s basketball national champion Lori Clarke, a member of the inaugural national championship-winning women’s field hockey team Sara Brant Ballantyne and outstanding contributor and champion for Vikes rugby Michael Holmes.

The trio of inductees makes up the 17th class of the UVic Sports Hall of Fame, founded in 2002 to honour those individuals who have contributed significantly to sport or recreation at the University as athletes, coaches, teams or as builders. They will be formally inducted at the annual Celebration of Champions event on April 5, 2019, at the Victoria Conference Centre.

MICHAEL HOLMES
Builder, Rugby

Mike Holmes competed as a varsity athlete for the Vikes men’s rugby team from 1982 to 1987, while completing his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then returned to UVic to pursue a Law degree. Holmes was an accomplished player competing for B.C. provincial and Canadian national teams, while attending UVic, but after graduating Holmes went on to practice law with Emery Jones Law firm, while continuing to be a prominent alumnus working hard to develop partnerships to help the Vikes financially. In 2011, Holmes was recognized with the Times Colonist Publisher’s Award presented to individuals within the community that have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to a varsity program. Holmes and Howard Gerwing, who was previously inducted in to the UVic Sports Hall of Fame as a builder, created one of the first athletic scholarships at UVic in 1987 in memory of Brian Williams starting what is now 31 years of philanthropy for the Vikes.

Holmes is a founding member of the Canadian Rugby Foundation, a non-profit society that uses an endowment to develop rugby across Canada. Holmes serves an executive director, as the fund has raised over 2 million dollars, and now funds many of the youth development programs in Canada, as well as forming the Canadian University Rugby Championship. Holmes has initiated programs to make sure youth representatives can afford to play the sport of rugby. In the recent years Holmes embraced a Vikes challenge to raise nearly $800,000 for the Vikes men’s rugby program and started new campaigns to create a Vikes coaching fund to help fund assistant coaches. He has also started a tour fund to ensure future Vikes get the opportunity to experience international travel and competition.

Vikes Celebration of Champions and UVic Sports Hall of Fame Banquet

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!!!