Former Rugby Canada Media Manager Peter McMullan Passes at Age 90
There are probably not many in the rugby community who would remember Peter, but a reader noticed and sent his obituary in. Peter was the Rugby Canada media manager for 10 years, from 1986 to 1996, before Ian Kennedy took over. He was unique in that after working for Rugby Canada in that capacity he went on to work for World Rugby, at that time called the International Rugby Board, iRB. He worked out of Dublin for four years as the iRB Media Manager before returning to Vancouver Island and enjoying his retirement. He was into fishing in a big way and wrote several books on the subject and wrote articles for fishing magazines. I started with Rugby Canada around 1998 as their website manager so I didn’t overlap with him but he followed BCRN and he would frequently communicate his thoughts on rugby, we met up in Nanaimo for a rugby chat and beverage. It’s news that saddens me but he led a full life, if there is a place in the after life for rugby media folk, he’s there enjoying rugby and fishing.
from remembering.ca
Peter Henry McMullan
July 19, 1935 – July 15, 2026
Peter Henry McMullan passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on July 15, surrounded by his loving family. Peter is survived by his wife Daphne; sons Richard (Aurelea) and Conor (Heleen); grandchildren Sarah, Finn, and Jack; and brother David in England. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry McMullan OBE and Roberta McMullan, and his brother Kinley.
Peter was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1935 and educated at Stowe School in England. At 18 years old, he moved to Victoria, B.C., to attend Victoria College (now UVic), living with family members in Oak Bay. Peter’s lifelong love of fishing blossomed during these early years and was documented vividly in his personal diaries.
Upon his return to Northern Ireland, he embarked on a journalistic career in the sports department of the Belfast Telegraph, focusing on angling, cricket, and rugby. In 1960, he met his future wife, Daphne, at a Queen’s University dance. They married in 1962, and their two sons followed in 1965 and 1968. During this period, Peter travelled extensively with the Irish rugby team, writing for a variety of British newspapers and Rugby World.
Always dreaming of returning to Vancouver Island, Peter persuaded his young family to move to Nanaimo in 1971 when an opportunity arose to work as a sports journalist. In 1972, he became Managing Editor of the Nanaimo Daily Free Press before moving on in the mid-1970s to the new campus of Malaspina College as Communications Manager.
In 1981, Peter accepted the position of Manager of Corporate Communications for BC Hydro in Vancouver. The family relocated, and Peter continued his passionate voluntary involvement with Rugby Canada. Serving on the national team’s management staff, he and Daphne travelled extensively with the team and participated in three Rugby World Cup campaigns from 1987 through 1995.
Upon retirement from BC Hydro, Peter accepted a position as Manager of Media and Promotions with the International Rugby Board, based in Dublin. This move brought Peter and Daphne back to Ireland for four years, where they renewed old family connections and friendships.
A man of integrity, Peter greatly valued his family and treasured the time he spent with those he loved. Whether in Ireland, British Columbia, or on his many travels, family remained at the centre of his life.
Peter retired from the IRB in 2001 and returned to Nanaimo to enjoy island life. He continued to pursue his love of fishing, wrote for international magazines, and eventually published two books, including Casting Back: Sixty Years of Fishing and Writing.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Peter’s physicians and the compassionate staff of Nanaimo’s Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care, kindness, and support they provided during his final days.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1pm at the Nanaimo Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to the Pacific Salmon Foundation.