This is a story about building relationships in the community and looking for win-win outcomes that will benefit rugby in BC. It could be a model for other clubs to follow to build more rugby approved turf fields in the community, something that is much needed as February’s match cancellations reminded us.
BCRN: Hi Robin, I saw you released a new training app called MacDowell Performance, it’s powered by Athlete Health First. Before we get into the app let’s talk about Athlete Health First, I understand there’s an interesting history there with the company and the founder.
by Noah Bain
Kia Ora koutou, hello everyone, and thank you again for tuning in to BCRN, Article 6 of A Player’s Perspective. I cannot believe my blog writing career has made it this far and we are still going strong! I never saw myself doing something like this but look where we are now. To start us off here, there is TONS of test rugby to look forward to. At the time of writing, the Canada boys have not played yet, so good luck in these upcoming matches against Tonga. What an amazing opportunity ahead to test yourself against some extremely renowned players and for some, obtain their first cap. The recent Bledisloe Cup and Summer Test Series matches were a treat to watch along with most international sides naming their World Cup squads in the coming days. Lots of rugby happening and lots more to come with it being a World Cup year.
by Noah Bain
Kia ora and thanks again for tuning in to BCRN for my 5th article of this series. It has already been almost 3 months and time has just flown by; I can’t believe it. Club season is over, and we are transitioning into representative rugby. I want to say congratulations to my fellow Canadian, (who you can get to know more about in Article 3) Callum Botchar, and his NPOB squad for winning the club championship. Hard work pays off buddy! All the best to you, and my other fellow Taranaki comrade, Izzak Kelly, on your trip with the senior men to Tonga. This article, I will be taking a different approach from the rugby recaps and dive a bit deeper into balancing life and rugby while travelling abroad.
by Noah Bain
Kia ora and thanks for tuning into BCRN! My name is Noah Bain, in case youre new here, and this is my 4th article documenting my experience as a Canadian playing rugby for Spotswood United in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand. I wish I had some good news in regards to us getting a win, following up on my last post, but sadly, I do not. The Chiefs lost to the Crusaders, and Spotty lost again. It has been a challenging season mixed with growth and rewards, as I continue to keep learning much about myself and about this wonderful game.
by Noah Bain
Hello again, and thanks for tuning in to BCRN. Congrats to those named for the BC Bears squads and good luck in your comps this summer. I am excited to watch from afar! Another congrats to the many of those being named to PR 7s squads. That is huge accomplishment and is sure to be an action packed few weeks of competition with many Canadians going. Lots of North American Rugby to look forward to this summer, exciting times! Moving forward, this article is going to be formatted a little differently than previous ones.
[ed. Noah will send updates every 2 weeks so check back to read the complete series.]
by Noah Bain
Hello, if youve made it back! Noah here again, and thanks for tuning in to BC Rugby News.
I first off want to say congratulations to the Canadian 7s Men who avoided relegation in London this past weekend. It was by no means an easy task and you made a lot of people, including myself, extremely proud to be Canadian. Every one of you played with so much heart. It’s evident that we are making progress compared to our earlier performances this year, and I’m thrilled to watch the boys in August at the Olympic Qualifiers in Langford. Make sure to get out and support!
[ed. Noah will send updates every 2 weeks so check back to read the complete series.]
by Noah Bain
Hello to whomever is reading this. Thanks for tuning in to BC Rugby News and thanks to Mark for reaching out.
As a short introduction, my name is Noah Bain and I am from Abbotsford, British Columbia. After graduating from the University of Victoria last year and finishing 2nd place at the CUMRCs (Canadian University Championships), I was lucky to be involved with the Mens 7s program for a short stint. Following this, I moved to Vancouver to progress my career and joined the UBCOB Ravens Rugby Club (fitting as a UVic Alumnus, I know). During this past season, I was contacted by Sean White, Interim Head Coach of Canada 7s, who introduced me to the wonderful David Jackson (Jacko), who resides on the East Coast in Halifax. Jacko is from New Zealand and presented me with the opportunity to join a Premier side in New Plymouth, Taranaki.
BCRN: Hi Adam, we heard you’re in Victoria now and have started a business called AZ Elite Performance. Let’s start there and then work backwards to talk about rugby and football, the NFL kind. We saw a couple of announcements on your Instagram account @thezoobs. The first one, from September 5th 2022, I believe. Tell us a bit how things have been going since September. I should mention the website is www.coachzaruba.com.
BCRN: Hi Mariah, when did you first pick up a rugby ball and learn the game?
Mariah: I first picked up a rugby ball in grade 8 at Shawnigan Lake School, so I was 13. I fell in love instantly.