Former Rugby Canada Media Manager Peter McMullan Passes at Age 90

There are probably not many in the rugby community who would remember Peter, but a reader noticed and sent his obituary in. Peter was the Rugby Canada media manager for 10 years, from 1986 to 1996, before Ian Kennedy took over. He was unique in that after working for Rugby Canada in that capacity he went on to work for World Rugby, at that time called the International Rugby Board, iRB. He worked out of Dublin for four years as the iRB Media Manager before returning to Vancouver Island and enjoying his retirement. He was into fishing in a big way and wrote several books on the subject and wrote articles for fishing magazines. I started with Rugby Canada around 1998 as their website manager so I didn’t overlap with him but he followed BCRN and he would frequently communicate his thoughts on rugby, we met up in Nanaimo for a rugby chat and beverage. It’s news that saddens me but he led a full life, if there is a place in the after life for rugby media folk, he’s there enjoying rugby and fishing.

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In Memory of Joan Porter – BC Rugby Hall of Famer Passes Away at Age 89

The BCRU remembrance is posted below, there’s also a tribute by long time friend Connie McGinley posted on Facebook.

from BCRU

BC Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of BC Rugby Hall of Famer Joan Porter, whose lifelong dedication, passion and support helped shape rugby in British Columbia for more than six decades.

Inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019 alongside her beloved husband, Jim, Joan was a tireless champion of rugby and one of our community’s greatest ambassadors. Introduced to rugby together while attending Magee Secondary School in 1952, Joan and Jim became inseparable figures in BC’s rugby community, with each making an extraordinary contribution to the game in their own way.

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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 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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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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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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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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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 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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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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