From Canada to New Zealand: Playing Rugby Abroad in Taranaki Part 1

[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 CUMRC’s (Canadian University Championships), I was lucky to be involved with the Men’s 7’s 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 7’s, 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.

Continue reading→

Interview with Adam Zaruba, Owner of AZ Elite Performance: We Talk Rugby, 7s Career, NFL, Advice to Young Players

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.

Continue reading→

Interview with Mariah Charleson, Rugby Player, Coach and Vice-President of Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council

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.

Continue reading→

Introducing BC’s New “High-Performance” Competition and An Interview with Curry Hitchborn

We did a follow up interview with Curry Hitchborn on what was happening with “high-performance” rugby in BC, that interview is below. First some editorial observations, the BCRU, like Rugby Canada, is in some disarray right now. Aaron Takel who was the high-performance lead on the men’s side has left the BCRU to pursue a teaching career at Collingwood HS, we wish him all the best.

Continue reading→

Interview With Brian Moylett on His New Coaching Venture: Off-Field Rugby Coach

BCRN: Hi Brian, I understand you’ve started a new venture called The Off-Field Rugby Coach, could you give us an overview of the concept?

Continue reading→

The BCRN Canadian Player of the Week Highlights – Week One to Week Five: DTH, Hurst, Williams, Ngawati, de Goede

We’ve been selecting a Canadian Player of the Week since March 20th. The following are the highlights.

Continue reading→