The George Jones Award is one of Westshore RFC’s most prestigious honours, reserved for active players who exemplify outstanding leadership and volunteerism both on and off the field. These individuals go above and beyond to uplift the club and community, setting themselves apart through their dedication and embodiment of our core values. In 2012, George Jones himself expanded the award to recognize both a male and female recipient each year, ensuring a broader celebration of the exceptional contributions within our club.

Born in Victoria, George Jones was raised with a strong sense of discipline, instilled by his father, an Admiral in the Canadian Navy. He began his education at Brentwood College School—then located in Mill Bay—before completing high school at Lakefield College School in Ontario. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1958 and was called to the bar in 1959.

George started his legal career as Senior Tax Counsel for Revenue Canada (1959–1964) before transitioning to private practice. His professional résumé is both lengthy and legendary, marked by appearances at nearly every level of court. In addition to his legal work, he was deeply involved in sports—as a coach, referee, and fundraiser—across multiple disciplines and communities.

For over 50 years, George defended clients in Tax Court and, more than a few times, came to the aid of rugby players in various predicaments—often billing clients sporadically and generously, guided more by Robin Hood principles than profit. He co-founded the Victoria law firm Jones Emery Hargreaves Swan, later stepping down from partner to associate counsel in the late 2000s. He joined Horne Coupar LLP on a part-time basis before retiring from legal practice entirely in February 2015, capping off a remarkable 55-year career. He was awarded the honorary title of Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) early in his career, a recognition given to Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and service to the profession.

George has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours and offered extensive pro bono legal services to clubs and teams across Canada. His involvement includes the Vancouver Island Rugby Union, Crimson Tide, UVic’s Tour of Ireland, Shamrocks Lacrosse, the Junior “A” Cougars, Victoria Athletic Boxing Commission, James Bay Athletic Association, and the Velox Valhallians RFC.

Despite all his professional and athletic accomplishments, George cites his “greatest success in life” as raising his seven children.

A lifelong rugby man, George played both club and representative rugby with passion and pride. Over his playing years, he captained 11 different clubs across four provinces, suiting up as a stand-off, centre, and fullback. His teams included the Vancouver Trojans, Ottawa Beavers, Ottawa Indians, Ottawa Irish, Quebec Provincial Team, Toronto Old Boys, Calgary Hornets, James Bay RFC, and finally Velox RFC in Victoria. He also represented the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide. One of his fondest rugby memories is scoring the winning try for the Ottawa Beavers in the 1960 Quebec Championship—running 60 yards through the snow in extra-time.

When his playing days ended, George transitioned into coaching, administration, fundraising, and community building. He served as President of the James Bay Athletic Association in the 1960s before co-founding Velox RFC in 1969. He coached Velox’s men’s teams through the 1970s and ’80s and played a pivotal role in establishing the club’s first women’s team—the Valkyries—in 1992, coaching them throughout the 1990s.

Among his many lasting contributions, one of the most notable is his role in founding the Rugby Canada Foundation. As its first director, he helped launch the Foundation with a $1 million donation. The organization has since flourished, offering grants to support rugby development across the country. Within the Foundation, the George F. Jones Scholarship was established to support players who may lack the financial means to pursue rugby success. The award, offered nationally, reflects George’s belief in inclusivity and the power of rugby to bring Canadians together—regardless of background or location. Recipients of this award are chosen for their potential to shape the future of the sport in Canada.

In 2012, George was inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame as a builder for his outstanding contributions to rugby.

George Jones Award Recipients 

• 1975-1976: Tom Cooper
• 1976-1977: Doug Branter
• 1977-1978: Nigel Banks
• 1978-1979: Barry Wheelhouse
• 1979-1980: Gordon Litster
• 1980-1981: Steve Neish
• 1981-1982: Barry Kelly
• 1982-1983: Rob Lavoie
• 1983-1984: Bob McCliggott
• 1984-1985: Barry Kelly
• 1985-1986: Denis Crawford
• 1986-1987: Gary Roke
• 1987-1988: Mike Holmes
• 1988-1989: Mike Holmes
• 1989-1990: Joe Mathews
• 1990-1991: Mike Holmes
• 1991-1992: Dewi Griffiths
• 1992-1993: Gareth Rowlands
• 1993-1994: Hans Anderson
• 1994-1995: Phil Cron
• 1995-1996: Pam Ponic
• 1996-1997: Barry Wheelhouse
• 1997-1998: Steve Holmes
• 1998-1999: John Lyall
• 1999-2000: Kim Coyle
• 2000-2001: Paul Eby
• 2001-2002: Linda Lee
• 2002-2003: Paul Eby/Greg Clague
• 2003-2004: Rod Parker/Yosuke Fujishima
• 2004-2005: Anthony Mirando
• 2005-2006: Haley Wickman
• 2006-2007:  Brian Scanlon
• 2007-2008: John Lyall
• 2008-2009: Clay Panga/Aaron Frisby
• 2009-2010: Derek Pue
• 2010-2011: Eric Lopatinsky
• 2011-2012: Phil Erb/ Sarah Levson*
• 2012-2013: Phil Erb/Marlene Donaldson
• 2013-2014: Jay Jimmo/Marlene Donaldson
• 2014-2015: Matt Evans/ Brittany Simms
• 2015-2016: Clay Panga/ Cam Neish/Selina McGinnis
• 2016-2017: Jay Jimmo/Marlene Donaldson
• 2017-2018: James Knowles, Brittany Sims
• 2018-2019: James Knowles, Mellissa Sims
• 2019-2020: George Jones himself-Posthumously on passing on 25 May 20.
• 2021-2022: Jamie Charko, Rosie Lang
• 2022-2023: Sawyer Shmyrko, Chelsey Minter
• 2024-2025: Thomas Heuser, Amy Camicioli