End of Summer Review: How is Rugby Looking in BC and Canada
It’s time for a quick reflection on where we are, rugby-wise, in BC and Canada as the summer of 2022 comes to a close.
Author Archive: BCRN
Canada U20 v Uruguay U20 – August 2022
Canada Lose 45-28 to Uruguay (HT 33-7): Finish 3rd in Tournament
The bad news is Canada lost and finished 3rd behind Uruguay and Zimbabwe, the good news is they won the second half 21-12.
MLR Draft – 2022
MLR Draft: Eight Canadians Selected; Cali Martinez Top Canadian Pick
There were four Canadians drafted in Round 1, Cali Martinez went as 3rd pick to DC, Seth Purdey went to Atlanta as 4th pick, Owain Ruttan was 5th pick by Toronto and Ethan Hager went 8th pick to Dallas.
BC Bears 7s – August 2022
BC Bears Win Shield at RugbyTown 7s – Jesters Defeat USA U23 in Cup Final
The BC Bears won the Shield Final over Team Germany 21-7 to finish 12th in the tournament. Perhaps not the ranking they were expecting going into the tournament but as their tournament description states, “This programs goal is to provide a competition pathway for BC players to gain experience and showcase themselves towards National team selections.”
Westshore 7s – 2022
Thunder Win Westshore 7s Defeating Host Team in Final: Match Videos
The Vancouver Island Thunder defeated the Okanagan Coos in the semi-final and then the host Westshore in the final. Westshore had defeated the Marlins, winners of the Kelowna 7s, in the other semi in extra time. The tournament MVP would have to be Grady Bowd, he’s an exceptional talent.
Canada U20 vs Chile U20 – August 2022
Canada Defeat Chile 25-24 in U20 Tournament
Canada’s support play this match was a lot better, they didn’t leave as many players stranded but their scrum was under pressure for most of the match.
BC Rugby Leagues – 2022-23
BC Rugby League Structure for 2022/23 Season – Key Dates and Competitions
The BC Rugby season is just over 3 weeks away and we’ll take a look at some key dates and changes. The BCRU haven’t filled in their fixtures page yet so always check there for any last minute changes.
Video Analysis – Canada U20
Analyzing the First Zimbabwe Try: Winning the One on One Battles and Maintaining Defensive Structure
In the wake of the Canada U20 loss to Zimbabwe we dove a little deeper into the play and analyzed the first Zimbabwe try. The conclusion is that it came down to winning the one on one battle at the breakdown, coupled with some chaos in the defence.
Canada U20 vs Zimbabwe U20 – August 2022
Canada Lose to Zimbabwe in U20 Tournament 32-24 (HT 20-7)
A disappointing performance by Canada as a well drilled Zimbabwe U20 squad ran out to a 20-7 halftime lead and then weathered a Canadian comeback to close the game with two late tries and claim the win.
Technology in Rugby
Could Unmanned AI Cameras Be the Solution to Clubs Providing Live Streaming: A Look at a Saskatchewan Start Up Company
Live streaming of matches has been an issue in BC Rugby leagues, particularly the BC Premier which should be setting the standard as the top amateur rugby competition in North America. The problems in implementing live streaming in a consistent manner across the BC Premier have been cost and manpower. The industry standard cost for live streaming a match is $500. That includes providing the camera(s), computer, internet access, mics/mixers and technical expertise. The club still has to provide commentators if they want play by play on the match, which is essential in providing a quality live stream. The alternative is to provide an in-house solution operated by technically astute volunteers, experience has shown this is not going to happen on a consistent basis.