There will be 5 match days as the WXV 1 tournament comes to Vancouver in September and October. The tournament features the top women’s teams in the World, competing at the tournament will be #1 England, #2 NZ, #3 Canada, #4 France, #7 USA, #10 Ireland. There will be 6 games at BC Place and 3 games at Willoughby Stadium in Langley. Tickets go on sale on July 25th.
With the Vancouver Highlanders hosting the national German team on Saturday, July 20th, at Burnaby, we decided to take a look at some history between German Rugby and Canadian Rugby.
Canada haven’t beaten a team ranked in the top 20 of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings since they defeated USA 34-21 in September 2021. Romania were ranked 20th (63.59) and Canada 22nd (60.90), this win bumps Canada up to 21st place in the rankings (61.87) which will overtake Chile (61.12). Even if Chile defeats Belgium this weekend they’ll still be knocked down to 22nd place (61.39). Romania will retain 20th spot although dropping to 62.62 in the ranking index.
The BCRU announced their 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees, which included Chris Tynan, Eddie Evans, George Puil, Gary Fumano, Ian Hyde-Lay, Rod Holloway, William Turpin. The event will occur in the fall with dates to be announced.
Canada have named their 13 athletes for Rugby 7s at the Olympics. Only the women’s team are representing, the men didn’t qualify. One of the big stories not mentioned in the official release is that Sophie de Goede tore her ACL in training and the injury took her out of the selection pool. On the good news front Carissa Norsten has recovered from her injury and was selected for the team.
The Provincial Regional Championships for U18, U16 and U14 age groups wrapped up on Sunday with the Island taking four titles and Fraser Valley claiming two.
Canada were pummeled by what was basically a Scotland A lineup with 10 new caps. Scotland ran in 11 tries to Canada’s 2 tries.
Lifetime Meraloma Club member Gary “Gus” Fumano died on June 23, at age 84
GARY WAYNE FUMANO
“GUS”
1939 – 2024
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at 4pm Thursday, July 11 at St. James Community Hall at 3214 West 10th Ave. in Vancouver, which will be followed starting around 6:30pm that evening, as per the instructions set out in his will, with a wake at the Meraloma Clubhouse. People who knew Gus, from the Lomas or any other local Rugby Clubs, are invited to join and wear their Club colours.
We’ll update this article on Summer Rugby Camps for 2024 as new camp information is made available. If you want your camp added to the list, send a poster and a link for more details to editor@bcrugbynews.com
The JWRT kicks off on Tuesday with Canada missing. It’s the first time ever Canada have missed two Trophy tournaments in a row. Is it time for Canada to make a statement of intent that they’re getting serious about the men’s U20 program and host the JWRT for once.