The Business of Rugby

Vegas Golden Knights Owner Bill Foley Buys Exeter Chiefs Rugby Franchise

This was a news story all over the internet today. Bill Foley, an american billionaire who owns several sports franchises including the NHL Vegas Golden Knights, buys the Exeter Chiefs. Interesting side note is he lived in Ottawa for a while while growing up, his dad was posted there as part of the US Air Force. He also went to West Point where the sport teams are called the Black Knights, he created the Black Knight Sports & Entertainment group in 2016 and Black Knight Rugby in 2026. The inevitable question we saw on social media is, as an american why didn’t he invest in MLR. We turned that question as well as a dive into Bill Foley, Black Knight Rugby and the Exeter Chiefs purchase over to our Ai assistant, Bob. Take it away Bob, and include references.

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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.

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Canadian Classics – April 2026

Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski Memorial Game on Saturday Prior to JBAA v Capilano: Player Spots Still Open

The Vancouver Island Classics vs Calgary Classics game kicks off on Saturday in memory of  Kevin ‘Lunk’ Wirachowski. It’s the curtain raiser for the BC Premier quarter-final between James Bay and Capilano at MacDonald Park. Tom Woods is helping to organize and the Crimson Tide Classics team is still looking to fill the roster, contact Tom at thodeconsulting@gmail.com for more information. The game was first held in Victoria in 2024, we have the write up on that with photos.

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Future of Sport in Canada Commission

FINAL REPORT: Future of Sport in Canada Commission – March 24, 2026

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its final report today, March 24, 2026. It’s titled, “TRANSFORMING SPORT IN CANADA: TIME FOR ACTION”. The commission mandate is listed below and we used Ai to analyze four areas in the 952 page report. The four areas we asked it to analyze were:

  • Implications for Elite Coaching and Athlete Development
  • Funding for Youth Sports
  • Sports Clubs and Facilities
  • Central Funding and the impact on NSOs

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Players in the News – January 2026

Former Canada 7s Player Jordan Kozina Loses Home and Possessions in Fire – GoFundMe Setup

A sad story today about a former Canada sevens player (World Cup 2009) , Jordan Kozina, who had his home burn down before the holidays and besides losing all his possessions, also lost his two dogs who had been long time companions. As well as representing Canada he also was a player at UVic and represented Ontario and his home club Brantford Harlequins. His sister set up a GoFundMe page to help Jordan get back on his feet, this is the link. The GoFundMe article and some of Jordan’s rugby accomplishments are listed below.

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Rugby News from Around BC & The World- January 2026

From CanWest 7s to Six Nations Touching Down on U18 Tours, Rugby Camps, Ravens Women, Bayside Hosting, European Championship Round of 16, SVNS Series, Atlantic Privateers

We took a look around social media today to pick up rugby news of interest to the BC Rugby community. We found posts about the Ravens women’s program, the CanWest 7s series, U18 tours by Abbotsford and Thunder Rugby, Spring Break Camp by Vikes, Bayside Saturday and Sunday hosting, European Champions Cup Round of 16 and the Six Nations Schedule, SVNS Series Singapore, SVNS Vancouver Tickets, Atlantic Privateers roster vs Pacific Pride.

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In Memory Of

In Memory of Mark Abercrombie, Longtime Capilano RFC Member and Active Match Official

Sad news in the BC Rugby community to start the year. Long time Capilano Rugby Club member, Mark Abercrombie, passed away over the holiday period. He was an active Match Official, he most recently showed up in the October 4th match assignments. The messages of condolence from the Capilano Rugby Club and the BC Rugby Match Officials Society are posted below. Use the comments section below to share your own remembrance.

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Who Is Leaving, Staying and Moving On

Kevin Rouet Staying on as Canada Women’s Coach, Phil Berna Moving On from Rugby 7s, Liz Montroy Leaving Rugby Canada for PWHL

This week several announcements about Rugby Canada players, coaches and staff either staying, leaving or moving on came across the desk, hence the “Who is Leaving, Staying and Moving On”. It could become a regular column.

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In Memory Of… April 2025

Celebration of Life for Brent Johnston at Windsor Park on May 24th

There will be a celebration of life for Brent Johnston at Windsor Park on May 24th. There will be drinks and food available. They are expecting a decent crowd so they are advising that besides the usual Windsor Park parking, there is extended parking at Oak Bay Marina with a short two block walk to Windsor. There will be donation jars for a fund that Brent held close to his heart. Drinks have been kindly sponsored by a variety of folks, JBAA and Cowichan each contributed kegs.

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Community Rugby – April 2025

Bayside RFC Student Job Fair on May 14th – Would Readers Like a Virtual Job Fair Section on BCRN

We saw this on Bayside’s Instagram page and thought it was a great idea. We have been contemplating setting up some sort of Job Board on BCRN to serve the BC Rugby community.  The BC Rugby community is fairly tight, if I don’t know you, I know someone who does, 2 degrees of separation. That level of connection between rugby connected employers and rugby connected job seekers offers a built in level of trust and vetting.

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