Squidge Rugby Video Dissects Canada v Chile Plus Article in The Times UK on the Demise of Canadian Rugby
The aftermath of Canada’s loss to Chile and its early departure from World Cup qualifying continues to be felt.
Category Archives: Editorials
From the Editor’s Desk – October 2021
From the Editor’s Desk: Rugby Canada Reviews; Francois Ratier Announces his Next Rugby Chapter; and Reflecting on Dan Baugh – from Edmonton Clansmen to Pacific Pride (CCSD) to Professional Rugby in Wales
With Canada’s recent exodus from 2023 contention, it has prompted some reflection in the Canadian rugby community. Rugby Canada are doing another review, but with their history of committee and review failures, there’s not a lot of confidence this one will make a lot of difference. If you want to read up on it there’s an article in the Canadian Press. Basically “the review panel will consist of Calgarys STRAAD Consulting, led by president and CEO Megan Luu, along with Own The Podiums Mel Davidson and World Rugbys Mike McGovern.” There’s some concern that the review won’t be independent and look at broader issues such as leadership, as Rugby Canada has created a committee to “support and facilitate the review” that includes CEO Allen Vansen and several board members.
Rugby Canada Updates – October 2021
Canada Men’s XVs Program Fail to Qualify for World Cup: The Fallout
Canada have been to every World Cup since it was organized in 1987, that’s 9 in total. They won’t make it to #10. There’s a lot of soul searching going on in the rugby community. Here are some of the on point reactions.
Opinion Piece – August 2021
Is All Truly Equal in the Fight for Equality in Canadian Rugby? Draw Your Conclusions Carefully
Opinion by Lisa Cooper
posted August 6th 2021
In a surprise move late last year, complaints of bullying and mistreatment were alleged against the National Senior Womens Rugby 7s (NSW7s) team head coach and high-performance director, John Tait. After an independent investigation, Tait was cleared of all wrongdoing but left with no choice but to step away from this formerly successful program. Continue reading
Rugby Canada Updates – August 2021
Jen Kish Makes Statement About Bullying and Intimidation in Women’s 7s Program
In Quantum Physics there’s a theory about reality called the Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) which suggests an infinite number of universes are in existence, they’re continually splitting like a many-branched tree.
Rugby Canada Updates – July 2021
Another One Bites the Dust: Jamie Cudmore Fired Over Tweets
The list continues to grow. Damian McGrath dismissed because he supported the men’s 7s team strike. John Tait fired because he pushed the women’s 7 team too hard and was accused of bullying and abuse. Now Jamie Cudmore shot himself in the foot, with anger built up over the way his friend, John Tait, was treated by Rugby Canada and the women’s 7s team.
July Tests 2021
A Look at Weekend Results from the Americas 2023 RWC Potential Qualifiers: How Does Canada Compare?
What is the prognosis of Canada making it through the RWC 2023 qualifying process after the weekend action? It’s too early to tell but the weekend results didn’t alter the opinion held by many, and backed by the ranking statistics, that Canada are ranked 3rd in the Americas qualifying process. A 3rd place ranking in the Americas (Argentina excluded as they’ve qualified already) would mean the repechage again, a repeat of the 2019 RWC qualifying.
From the Editor’s Desk – May 2021
Sevens – A New Model Seems Certain: Article by BCRN 7s Correspondent
[ed. this story seems to be lingering in the news, I’ve had a number of messages and calls with a common theme. Release the report and redact the names for privacy. John Tait has already publicly given his permission, now time for Rugby Canada and the players to follow suit.]
Article submitted by BCRN 7s Correspondent
Its difficult to sit by without a response as turmoil surrounds Canadas most successful rugby program. Rugby fans, followers and participants have never been shy about expressing their view points when issues confront the public domain and certainly this is the case presently.
Coaches in the News – April 2021
A Tale of Two Taits/Tates: Thoughts on Two Good Men and Their Rugby Journeys
[editor’s comments below]
I have to admit when I started BCRN in 2005, I occasionally got the spellings mixed up. Which was Tait and which was Tate again? It didn’t take me long to figure it out. They were (and are) two of my favourite rugby people to meet along the sidelines. They both exuded an honesty and warmth and I was usually met with a wry smile as they anticipated some questions from the “press”.
Rugby Updates – February 2021
The Latest Status Updates on High School, Club, Elite, International and MLR Rugby
High School Rugby
We’ve heard that the OFSSA, the Ontario Federation of School Sports, has cancelled spring sports, so no rugby for a second year. There’s been no decision, as far as we know, about BC School Sports. Under current BC Health regulations, sports wouldn’t be possible, there’s the hope that the BC Health authority will loosen up regulations as the weather warms up and COVID numbers go down. It’s a wait and see situation at the moment.