Westshore RFC would like to congratulate Leslie Cripps for being inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame for his amazing rugby career. Leslie Cripps was a Prop from Williams Lake, BC.  Started playing rugby with the Williams Lake Hustler’s women’s team in the summer of 1996, before going to Victoria and playing for UVIC from 1996-1999.  After finishing her schooling, she transferred to nearby Velox Valkyries from 1999 to 2000.  Making the Canadian U23 Team in 2000, and earning her 1st cap for senior teams in CAN vs USA in 2001.  She earned many caps for Canada appearing in 3 RWC’s: 2002 in Spain, 2006 in Canada and 2010 in England where she was the team Captain.  She moved to London, England in mid 2000’s, and played with the London Saracens until retiring from action in 2012 due to health issues.  She was inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019 as a pioneer of the sport.

Rugby Canada Article

Westshore RFC would like to congratulate Winston Stanley for being inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame for his amazing rugby career.  Winston Ulysses Stanley: He played wing for UBC, JBAA and Vancouver Kats in Canada before later moving to English club Leicester Tigers.  He earned 66 caps for Canada, making his debut on May 21, 1994 against the United States. He played in the 1995 and 2003 Rugby World Cup finals.  Stanley was part of the Leicester Tigers team that won the Heineken Cup, Zurich Premiership, and the Championship play-off in 2001.  He retired from international rugby following the 2003 Rugby World Cup, amassing 66 caps and 123 points in international play. In 2004 he was named as player/coach for the Velox Valhallians club, which he led to the BC Premier provincial championships.  Over the last 5 years, he has coached the Edmonton Gold in the Rugby Canada Super League and the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide Under-20 men’s squad. Last season he was Director of Rugby at Glenlyon Norfolk School in Victoria, Coached the UVIC Norsemen while volunteering coaching with the Velox junior and youth programs as a U18 coach.  Winston was the Head Coach again for the VELOX Valhallians RFC move and rebranding to Westshore RFC from 2014-2016.  Winston was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Westshore/Velox RFC is proud of the 11 Valkyries who played for the 2014 RWC NSWT in France, listed in bold below.  Of these 27 players listed below, 11 have played as a Valkyrie through the years equaling 40% of the whole 2014 team, with 6 active members during the RWC, which is 22% of the team.  Each Westshore/Velox member listed has their bio listed below the Rugby Canada website article which is reposted  along with their original link.

Rugby Canada article link

2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Team  
The 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Team delivered breakout performances in the lead up to and during the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France. This historic group of elite athletes turned in a magical performance in 2014 making it all the way to the Final to be narrowly defeated by England.  Their 2nd place finish is highest Rugby World Cup finish of any Canadian side.  Additionally, six players were named to the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup “Dream Team” as voted by fans from around the globe and following the final, Magali Harvey was named the 2014 IRB Women’s Rugby Player of the Year.

The road to the final game in the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) included many remarkable elements, none of which could have coalesced without the combined talent and commitments of the players, coaches, and provincial unions.

Preparations for the 2014 Rugby World Cup included two Nations Cup competitions held in North America in 2011 and 2013, during which the Canadian squad recorded its first and second-ever victories over England.

During the 2014 WRWC pool rounds, having defeated Spain (31-5) and Samoa (42-7), Canada tied England in its third pool round game. This put Canada ahead of New Zealand in the tally of competition points and sent the Canadian squad to the semi-finals.

Canada met France in the semi-final match in front of 20,000 French supporters walking away with a narrow win (18-16) earning a spot in the final. Canada would conclude its historic run with a hard fought 21-9 loss to England. Nevertheless, the team managed to raise the bar to a level never before reached by a Canadian National Rugby team.  In doing so, they captured the hearts and inspired the entire rugby community and sports fans across Canada.

Canada’s 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Team:  
Kim Donaldson, Mary Jane Kirby, Olivia DeMerchant, Hilary Leith, Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid, Laura Russell, Tyson Beukeboom, Latoya Blackwood, Kayla Mack, Maria Samson, Barbara Mervin, Jacey Murphy, Karen Paquin, Kelly Russell, Stephanie Bernier, Julia Sugawara, Emily Belchos, Julianne Zussman, Andrea Burk, Mandy Marchuk, Amanda Thornborough, Brittany Benn, Jessica Dovanne, Magali Harvey, Brittany Waters, Cindy Nelles, and Elissa Alarie.

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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 2^nd 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/

Eli Alarie

Elissa Alarie grew up in Trio’s- Rivières, Ouebec graduated from Université du Québec à Trois- Rivières with a degree in accounting.  She played for Ste-Anne de Bellevue RFC before moving to Victoria to train with Canada’s Women’s Sevens program. Elissa is one of the veterans, having spent the last decade of her rugby life suiting up for Canada. After breaking in with the U-19 team, she played for the U-23 team before graduating to the Senior National level where she has played for both Canada’s Women’s Fifteens and Canada’s Women’s Sevens Teams.  She made her debut for the national 7’s team in Hong Kong in 2013 and received her first 15’s NSWT cap at National Cup in the same year, where Canada won their first ever tournament title.  She was a member of Canada’s Women’s Rugby World Cup team that finished second at the 2014 WRWC. In the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, in which she has 11 career tries as of 2016. She was a member of the NSWT for the 2018 RWC.  Elissa joined Westshore RFC in the 2016 season and is still currently tearing up the pitch.  Elissa started playing rugby at age 16, was first intrigued by how rugby brought abilities from many other sports into one. She writes an “A” on the inside of her left wrist for luck… On game day will write down two things she’s grateful for. Favourite motto: Doubt your fears, not your dreams…

Amanda Thornborough

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 Thornborough was selected for the 2nd time for the Women’s Barbarian Rugby Team, first selected in 2017 and again in 2019. Amanda has been a member of the Velox/Westshore RFC family since 2013.

Jess Dovanne

Jessica Dovanne of Victoria is presently an active member of the Velox Valkyries Women’s rugby team.  She has been playing rugby for over a decade now, having been honored to wear the jersey of many different clubs; Thomas Haney Secondary School, Burnaby Lake RFC, University of Victoria and Velox Valkyries.  She has represented the BC provincial team many teams, as well as playing for 7 caps for the National Senior Women’s 15 and 7’s team.  Her first time playing for Canada was for the NSWT 15’s in the nation’s cup in 2011, against England, USA, and South Africa; where she commented “It is tournaments like this one that are vital to our continued development as players and as a team as they expose us to rugby from all corners of the world.” Jessica was been selected for both the NSW 15’s and 7’s teams for the 2013 season.

Julianne Zussman

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Julianne Zussman now currently calls Victoria her home, joining the Velox Valkyries Senior Women’s team for the 2013-2015 seasons.  Playing Full back or winger, she has played for the Quebec provincial team since 2005. Julianne debuted with Canada’s XVs team in November 2007 against Scotland and with the Sevens team at the USA Sevens in 2008, including the Rugby World Cup in 2010, earning a total of 15 caps. Julianne holds a Bachelor’s degree in international development from McGill University and was affiliated with the Town of Mount Royal RFC.  She was a member of the NSW 15’s and 7’s teams.  She joined the Oakbay CW RFC team in 2016, where she retired from active playing, and is now a top level referee for BCRU.

Brittany Waters

Brittany Waters a Wing/Center from Vancouver, BC.  Started playing rugby while attending UVIC for her B.A. degree from 2003-2008 for the Vikes Women’s team.  She was named to the CIS All Star Team in 2005.  Which kicked off Brittany into a high performance player, being noticed by Rugby Canada.  She has 16+ caps for National women’s 7’s play from 2007-2014.  Which included 2  7’s RWCs: the inaugural 2009 in Dubai, and the 2013 in Russia winning a silver medal.  She was a member of the centralized 7’s players program for RC in 2013-14.  She earned 26 caps for national 15’s action from 2008-2014, debuting in CAN vs USA in 2008. Including 3 RWC for 15’s: 2010 in England, 2014 in France earning a silver medal, and 2017 in Ireland.  She played club level rugby for UVIC from 2003-2008 in Victoria, Meralomas RFC from 2009-2014 in Vancouver (where she earned her Masters in Occupational Therapy from UBC), Velox Valkyries 2014-2015 and Oakbay CW from 2016-2017 again in Victoria before retiring from play in Dec 2017.  Brittany started coaching in 2011 for UVIC as an assistant Coach, before taking the reigns as head coach in 2015, where she was named Canada West Coach of the year.  Her teams went on to win Canada West Championships in 7’s action in 2015 and 2018, and National university title in 2017.

Latoya Blackwood

Latoya is from Montreal and played with St. Anne de Bellevue RFC, and attended the University of Western Ontario and Concordia University. In 2012 she received Concordia’s Fittest Athletes of  the Year award. Blackwood received her first cap at Nations Cup in 2013 and helped Canada capture their first ever tournament title as a Lock. Latoya was nominated for 2013 Women’s Fifteens Player of the Year and also featured in the 2014 CAN-AM Series where Canada’s Women defeated USA.  She played a key role as a member of  Canada’s Women’s World cup silver medallists in 2015. In the same year, she signed on professionally with European powerhouse French club Stade Toulousain RFC.  She has 31 caps for Canada on the NSWT. Latoya now resides in Victoria, playing for Westshore RFC starting in the 2016 season.  She retired from playing in 2018 and taking up the whistle as a BCRU referee, She now is the assistant coach for the Westshore Valkyries Women’s team.  Of note she is married to long time Velox Valkyrie Charlotte Haley.

Laura Russell

Laura Russell is a Prop from Bolton, Ontario.  She is the Sister of Kelly Russell, also NSWT member. She played for the Toronto Nomads RFC before attending Western University Mustangs rugby team while gaining her secondary education. Moved to Victoria, BC playing for Velox Valkyries in 2010-2011. She has 44 caps for Canada National Team, winning the RC Women’s Player of the Year award in 2016.  She has played many games representing Canada 7’s action, Captaining the squad into the RWC 7’s in 2016. She has made selections for 2 different RWC’s 15’s in 2014 silver medal finish and again in 2017 as Captain.  She has been with Cowichan RFC for the past 4-5 years, while also performing as an assistant coach for UVIC.

Kelly Russell

Kelly Russell is #8/Loose Forward from Bolton, Ontario.  Sister of Laura Russell, also NSWT member. She played for the Toronto Nomads RFC before attending Western University Mustangs rugby team while gaining  her secondary education. Moved to Victoria, BC playing for Velox Valkyries from 2009-2011.  This was the start of her playing for Canada with the National 7’s team starting in 2009 until 2016, earning numerous caps, including 2 RWC in 2009 and a silver medal finish in 2013.  She was also the Captain for CAN 7’s team for the gold medal win for the 2015 PAN/AM Games, and the 2016 Olympic team that won bronze. Kelly’s Canada 15′ action has seen her collect 53 caps, winning RC Women’s 15’s Player of the Year award in 2013.   She played in 3 RWC in 2010 (named to RWC All-Star Squad), as Captain in 2014 with a silver medal 2nd place finish, and in 2017.  Where she made the inaugural International Barbarians Team also in 2017.  She retired from playing in the end of 2017. She moved back to Toronto and is coaching for the Nomads RFC and for Canada’s National 7’s Academy Team.

Emily Belchos

A native of  Innisfill, Ontario, Belchos began playing rugby in high school where she attended Barrie Central  Collegiate, eventually winning the OFSAA championship in 2013. Her play at Barrie Central opened the doors to playing provincially for Ontario’s U20 team. Belchos made her Senior National Team debut during the 2013-14 Women’s Sevens World Series when she was named to the roster for the first round in Dubai. She has also received caps with Canada’s Women’s Fifteens Team, playing a key role in Canada’s second place finish at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup. She also toured New Zealand with the Canadian team in June 2014 in a test match tour against the Black Ferns and the Wallaroos, playing fly half as she did for Markham Irish RFC in Ontario.  Paying for Westshore RFC starting in the 2016-18 seasons.

Mary Jane Kirby

Mary Jane Kirby plays Hooker position from Brampton, Ontario.  She started playing with the Brampton Beavers RFC from 2006-09 for age grade teams and into senior action.  She made the Ontario U18 and U20 provincial teams during these times, before moving on to the Brantford Harlequins RFC in 2010.  She went to and played for the University of Guelph RFC from 2010-2012.  After leaving the school with a B.A. degree, She continued to coach the forwards for the rugby team in 2013, where she played his season for the Highlanders RFC until 2014.  Mary Jane moved to Victoria in 2014 playing for the Westshore Valkyries for club action until 2016.  During her time in Victoria, she was selected for the National Women’s Team earning 30+ caps, including 2 RWC in 2014 in France winning silver medal and in 2017 in Ireland.  Currently she is living in Ontario as the Ontario Representative for Aptoella Rugby clothing, owned by NSWT teammate Barbara Mervin.

Anyone who has visited Velox or Westshore over the decades have either known of or heard Christel Hume.  Her Esprit de Core is as legendary as much as her signature smile is, as she could always be found on the sidelines or clubhouse on gamedays cheering on her team/family with her signature “LETS GO VV!!”.  Resulting in a chant that would pierce into the hearts and minds of everyone present, especially the on field players.  After 23 years as the Clubs Treasurer through thick and thin, Christel has decided to retired and stepped down from this position just before Christmas officially.   This coincides with her retirement from her job with the Federal Government after many decades in Apr 2021.  Christel first started on the Board of Directors  in 1996 as the Velox Secretary, then was asked by the Club President, Barry Wheelhouse to fill into the newly vacant Treasurer position the following year in 1997 until a new person could be found after the following year. I guess a suitable replacement was fund for 23 years until recently with Sarah Levson stepping up as the clubs new Treasurer.  Christel is married to her soul mate and longtime Velox Stalwart Jon Hume, part of the family that helped create the Velox team from back in 1969 and through the years, leading to the creation of the Hume Family Award for clubs best volunteer.

To recognize her years of service and dedication, Board member and CEO of Aptoella Rugby, Barbara Mervin created a “Gift of the Ages” commissioning a handmade quilt for Christel from the Board of Directors and the club as a whole.  It is jam packed with lots of “sentimentality” which includes: Many donated jerseys by Paul Eby,  late Dennis Crawford’s Velcrows jersey,  the first Velox game shirt from 1969 (as the club couldn’t afford jerseys back then),  jersey from Men’s team ascension to the BC finals, a couple of Valkyries jerseys  and Hapu Manu on the side that reads “Thank You For Your Service 1997-2020”

Westshore RFC would like to say THANK YOU CHRISTEL!!! Your Westshore/Velox family wish you the best in your future retirement plans with Jon, and look forward to seeing you at the pitch at the next rugby game!!!

• When you either park your vehicle or get dropped off at the grass field, Please follow the flow arrows for entering and exiting the field as per the 1st photo.
• Look for the On-Site Field Manager in the “ENTER POINT AREA” check-in table/tent.
• Stay in-between the 2 rows of cones. 2nd picture has a player demonstrating the wrong area for players to be when trying to enter the field. (Photo set up intentional).
• Form a line remembering the 2M separation.
• Manager will ensure you completed attestation (COVID-19 disclaimer) in your Sportlomo user account: (https://sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/users/login).
• Sanitize your hands (Thanks Aaron Frisby of The Tube Shack for sponsoring)
• Enter through the gate (just like rucks in rugby) onto the Try Zone part of the field (Cones laid out) and wait for your Coach/Staff to come and get you.
• Personal gear will be stored off  lined field on sidelines between the 2 grass fields.

• All players will exit off pitch to the sideline between the 2 grass fields only.
• Collect personal gear if required.
• Proceed along sideline area straight towards far end of the field into the “EXIT POINT AREA” with the 4 Red Cones and hand sanitizing station (pictures below).
• All players will sanitize hands before exiting through the gate of cones (just like rucks in rugby) onto the pavement “PICKUP AREA”.
• You are not allowed back into the field after this point, and must stay outside the single chain fence surrounding grass field.
• If you parked in parking lot, you must walk around field using road to your vehicle by clubhouse.

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

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;

A big shout out to Westshore RFC Junior player Matt Bennett who has been a dominate force on our U15 Team. Was selected for the BC Elite U16 Team for the Vancouver 7’s Internationals where his team won gold!! Congrats Matt, we are all very proud of you!!