Canadian Rugby Foundation Funds Seven Canadian Coaches to Attend Crusaders Coaching Course in NZ
Kudos to the Canadian Rugby Foundation for investing in Canadian coaches. Curry Hitchborn, Scott Manning and Andy Evans are the three university coaches from BC. Jamie Mackenzie and Pat Parfrey are former Canadian national team players who are currently coaching at Laurier and Memorial respectively. Ian McLeod played at Western and now coaches there, Ian Baillie grew up in Ontario and coaches at McGill. Congratulations to all.
from Jeff Chan, Executive Director of Canadian Rugby Foundation
I’m happy to report that the following 7 coaches have been selected to attend the first Crusaders live course to be held in 3 years in Christchurch, NZ.
Curry Hitchborn (UBC)
Scott Manning (U Victoria)
Andy Evans (Trinity Western)
Ian McLeod (Western)
Jamie Mackenzie (Laurier)
Ian Baillie (McGill)
Pat B. Parfrey (Memorial)
Curry and Scott’s attendance (course fee, accommodations, and air travel) is funded through the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s Gerald McGavin Coaching Award Fund, selected by the BC Rugby Union.
Andy, Ian M., Jamie, Ian B., and Pat’s attendance (course fee and accommodations) are funded through the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s University Rugby Supporters’ Fund, with air travel subsidized by Dave Lougheed’s “For the Love of the Game” charity, and selected by a sub-committee consisting of Doug Tate, Mike Holmes, and Dave Lougheed.
This initiative is consistent with 1) the belief that Men’s University Rugby is an essential keystone for the improvement of men’s rugby in Canada, and the advancement of the national men’s team’s performance, just as Women’s University Rugby has proven to be essential to the Senior Women’s 15s performance on the world stage; and 2) that improved coaching in university men’s rugby is a critical step towards improving the depth and calibre of men’s rugby in Canada.
The Crusaders course will take place from May 22 to June 2 at Rugby Park, Christchurch, New Zealand.
https://crusaders.co.nz/contact/
This year’s coaches will be expected to share their learning with other university, provincial, and club coaches in their regions following the camp, so be on the lookout for them.
Dependent on funding, and the success of this year’s initiative, we will work towards a repeat in 2024 with a new group of coaches.
Good luck to our Canadian contingent of coaches this summer, and to all of your teams in the coming 2023 season, playoffs, and road to the 2023 CUMRC in Langley, BC on November 15-19. (More details on the tournament format, seeding process, and TWU’s plans coming soon!)