BCRU Updates – December 2025

What’s Happening with BCRU Board? Two Recent Resignations;  Hall of Fame Nominees Not Ratified and HoF Event Cancelled

The recent media release from the BCRU (see below) was short and to the point, Board President Andy Margolis was resigning. I received a message from a long time member of the BC Rugby community shortly after, “Can’t believe the guy quit or was relieved after three months [ed. more like 5 months], I have a hard time accepting someone of his calibre changes his mind about the state of rugby in BC in just three months. Any hard hitting journalism about the BCRU coming out?” I was being called out, probably the only person resembling a rugby journalist in BC nowadays, what’s Patrick Johnston doing these days, and Dan Fumano, they’re real journalists but they have real jobs as well. OK, I’ll spill my guts and tell you what I know.

It started in November, I found out the Hall of Fame nominees for the year had been rejected by the BCRU Board, not only that but the HoF Committee was under review, and the HoF event was cancelled, the reason given, one of the Board members had resigned and the Committee was “out of governance” (see below).

Apparently way back in June the nominees were selected by the HoF Committee and submitted to the BCRU. Selections had already been made and an induction dinner was to be held on January 26th. It was just recently in November that the Board advised the HoF Committee, following its October 28th meeting, that their 2025 nominees were not ratified. This has not happened at anytime since the initiation of the HoF in 2005.

The HOF committee was asked to provide rationale by November 14 for how the nominations were reached. The HOF committee responded immediately to the Board request for rationale, indicating that it had followed the long-standing criteria in selecting the inductees. However, a final communication was issued to the HoF committee on Friday November 7 by CEO Matthew Carter, not the President or another elected Board member, notifying the HoF committee that they were being “reviewed” and the Hall of Fame event for this year was cancelled. To date the Board has not communicated further to the HoF Committee members.

The great shame of it is that 5 deserving inductees for 2025 may not now come into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame.

So that was November, one Board resignation and one Hall of Fame Committee and event cancelled. Then on December 16th it’s announced the Board President has resigned. Those are the dots, are they connected? I’m sure more will come out, what are your thoughts?

BCRU Media Release – December 16th

Dear Members of the BC Rugby Community,

The Board of Directors wish to inform you of a recent leadership transition within the organization. BC Rugby Board President, Andy Margolis, has made the difficult decision to resign effective December 15th, 2025. The Board has regretfully accepted his resignation and extends its sincere appreciation for his dedicated service and contributions to the growth of rugby in British Columbia.

In accordance with BC Rugby’s Bylaws, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Payne as Interim President, effective immediately, to serve until the next Annual General Meeting. Tony’s appointment ensures continuity in leadership, governance, and operational oversight, while maintaining momentum on the organization’s strategic priorities. His extensive experience as Vice President of Finance will enable a seamless transition and continued stability for the organization.

BC Rugby remains committed to strong governance, stability, and service to our Members, Clubs, Coaches, Officials, volunteers, and community partners across the province.

If you have any questions about this transition, please feel free to contact the Board via Theresa Weeks, Vice President of Governance, at tweeks@bcrrugby.com.

Sincerely,

BC Rugby Board of Directors

November 7th from BCRU CEO to HoF Committee

Dear Committee Members,

Following a Board meeting held last evening, it has been decided that the BC Rugby Hall of Fame Committee, along with its governance, composition and overall structure, will be reviewed. The new Board, President and CEO have taken it upon themselves to re-assess all aspects of BC Rugby governance, and the Hall of Fame is one of several areas identified for reorganisation.

As a result of this review, and following the resignation of Nadine Heath from the Board which has rendered the Committee out of governance, the Board has agreed to cancel the Hall of Fame inductions for this year.

The process of re-evaluating the Hall of Fame Committee and its procedures will begin in the new year, with the goal of confirming new inductees in 2026. The Board greatly appreciates the time, energy and commitment shown by all members of the Committee and will advise on next steps once a new process has been agreed.

I would also like to re-iterate that BC Rugby has undergone significant reform over the past four months. All areas of the organisation have been refined and streamlined, and this decision forms part of that broader restructure undertaken for the benefit of all our members and the future of the sport in British Columbia.