BCRU logo 2024

BCRU AGM 2026

BCRU AGM This Saturday: A Look at Playing Numbers and Club Vote Allocations

The BCRU has a membership of 9,598 (members who have paid annual dues to BC Rugby). That number is made up of players, coaches, referees, directors, physios, basically anyone who has to register to participate in rugby in BC. Of that 9,598 there are 8,418 players categorized by senior players 3,276, junior players 3,341, and minis 1,801. Most of the registrations, 7,860, are through the 57 voting member clubs, there are also 10 non-voting member clubs. The Premier league clubs CW, Meraloma, JBAA, Westshore, Ravens, Burnaby, Capilano, UBC (including Thunderbirds), UVic account for 2,721 votes. That could increase to 3,664 if Langley (440), Bayside (437) and Rowers (66) go up to Premier next season. The top 10 clubs in terms of size (members registered with BCRU) are Capilano, Castaway Wanderers, Langley, Bayside, Meraloma, Abbotsford, United, James Bay, Kelowna, Westshore.

Continue reading

Referee News – June 2026

CTV Article on Robin Kaluzniak: Edmonton Teacher Referees Major League Rugby Final

This was a story we missed from last weekend when the Chicago Hounds with three Canadians in the roster won the MLR title. The referee in the match was Edmonton teacher, Robin Kaluzniak. The article from CTV News is posted below. We took a quick look through our recent archives, 2023 he was in Nairobi, Kenya reffing the Junior World Rugby Trophy tournament. In 2024 he was announced as one of the referees in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, then was assistant referee in two USA international tests against Romania and Scotland. Also in 2024 and 2025 he shows up in the archives reffing MLR matches. Going farther back we have an article from 2017 when he was assistant referee in the Americas Rugby Championship held in Langford. The CTV article mentions he’ll be AR at some USA test matches this summer. Congrats Robin!

Continue reading

Summer 7s Tournaments 2026

Sevens Tournaments This Summer in BC Starting in July

The following are a list of summer 7s tournaments in BC that we’re aware of. SFU’s Highland 7s kicks off July 18th, Bayside 7s is August 8th and Westshore 7s is August 22nd. Usually there’s a 7s tournament at Burnaby on the weekend in between, August 15th, but we haven’t seen that posted yet. If we missed one mention it in the comments section.

Continue reading

MLR Final 2026

Chicago Hounds Top Off Perfect Season with Championship Win Over California Legion, 35-17

Chicago dominated the game leading 32-3 through three quarters with California scoring two consolation tries in the last 20 minutes. Mason Flesch was one of the try scorers for Chicago. Chicago opened with a penalty by flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck at 4′, hooker Theo Fourie added a try two minutes later, converted by Hilsenbeck for a 10-0 lead. California closed the gap with a penalty before Mason Flesch scored at 26′, again converted by Hilsenbeck and Chicago led 17-3 at the half. Hilsenbeck opened the second half with a penalty, 20-3. Chicago would score two more tries, the first by winger Peyton Wall at 47′ and the second by second row Nathan den Hoedt at 53′ and it was a commanding 32-3 lead. California would score two tries in the last quarter before Hilsenbeck ended the match with a penalty kick, final 35-17.

Continue reading

Rugby Premier League 7s 2026 – Round 5 Updates

Canadians Shine in HSBC Sponsored 7s League in India

Currently after 5 rounds the teams with the largest Canadian contingents are sitting top of the table. The Chennai Bulls women’s team with four Canadians top the table and Savannah Bauder is the top points scorer with 73 points, 23 points ahead of the next player. Savannah Bauder is 2nd in tries scored with 9, Adia Pye and Eden Kilgour are tied in 3rd place with 5 tries and Lara Wright is close behind with 4 tries. Carmen Izyk is top tackler in the women’s competition with 18 tackles. In the men’s competition the Mumbai Dreamers top the table and have two Canadian players, Demetri Patterson was selected player of the match in Round 5 as he scored 2 tries in Mumbai’s win.

Continue reading

Saratoga Cup – June Updates

Williams Lake Undefeated in Interior, Yeti/Vernon Battle for Top Spot in Okanagan, Rocky Mountain Rogues Dominant in Kootenays

The Saratoga Cup final tournament takes place August 8th/9th in Fernie with the top team from the three regions getting an invite with host Elk Valley automatically qualifying. The current standings for the three regions are listed below courtesy of the BCRU.

Continue reading

World Rugby Updates – Tackle Height in Community Rugby

World Rugby Issued Media Release Today on Tackle Height: Coaches Can Register for Zoom Session with Chris Assmus Tonight at 7pm – Also Included BC Rugby Education Video on Tackle Height and  Head Contact Review

World Rugby issued a media release today (see below) stating they have, “approved adoption into full law a lower tackle height in community rugby, following positive trials over the last two years”. BC have been playing sternum height tackling so there shouldn’t be a lot of impact come July 1st. If you want further clarification, Chris Assmus is hosting a zoom session tonight for coaches at 7pm, you can register at this link. Also the video below featuring Chris on the BC Rugby Education channel covers the topic of tackle height and head contact review, it was posted four days ago so is up to date.

Continue reading

In Memory Of… June 2026

In Memory of Gudmund Gudmundseth – Cowichan Legend Passes Away at Age 81

It was sad news to hear of the passing of Gudy yesterday. Anyone who has visited Cowichan Rugby Club knows Gudy, always there with a smile and a welcome, getting things done behind the scenes from president to coach to barman when required. He was Canada cap #86 according to our records, earning his cap in 1973 against Wales in Toronto. Condolences to the family and club.

Continue reading

MLR Semi-Finals 2026

Seattle Fall to California: Chicago Defeat Old Glory with Flesch and Rumball Scoring Tries

Callum Botchar and Dewald Kotze saw their MLR season come to an end on Sunday when Seattle fell to California 43-34. They’ll no doubt figure in Canada’s matches in July. Chicago hosted Old Glory DC. Chicago have Mason Flesch playing blindside flanker, Lucas Rumball has been moved from his usual #8 to openside flanker and Brock Webster continues his role at fullback. Matt Oworu is not in the roster. Cali Martinez will be starting loosehead prop for Old Glory DC.

Chicago dominated the game leading 59-10 until the last 5 minutes when Old Glory scored two tries to make the game a bit closer at 59-22. Mason Flesch (52′) and Lucas Rumball (61′) scored second half tries as part of the rout. It will be Chicago hosting California in the final next Sunday.

Continue reading

Premier Women’s Rugby – June 2026 – Semi-Finals

PWR Semi-Finals: Fourteen Canadian Players in Action
Ealing Trailfinders Upset Last Season Champions Gloucester, Saracens Come From Behind to Edge Exeter

There were fourteen Canadian players in action in the PWR semi-finals on Sunday. Ealing Trailfinders upset last season’s champions Gloucester-Hartpury in one semi-final 29-26, the Trailfinders had four Canadians in the roster, Gloucester had none. In the other semi-final Saracens, with six Canadians, came from behind to edge Exeter (four Canadians) 40-38 with PWR Player of the Year, Olivia Apps, scoring two tries. The links to the match videos are below.

Continue reading