Thunder Rugby BC Summer Tour: Camps in Prince Rupert, Shawnigan, Capilano, Abbotsford, Kamloops and Prince George – Sign Up Online

Thunder Indigenous Rugby are on the road in July and August holding camps in Prince Rupert, Shawnigan, Capilano, Abbotsford, Kamloops and Prince George. Although focused on identifying Indigenous athletes all aspiring rugby players are welcome to join in. The camps are free. Youth attending need to be covered by the BCRU/RC insurance, either through their local rugby club or by signing up for the BCRU/RC insurance as a Thunder player. More details and camp signup can be found at: https://thunderrugby.ca/index.php/thunder-rugby-bc-tour-august-16-23-2021/

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Thunder Indigenous Rugby in Partnership with Canadian Rugby Foundation Launch Fund for Annual Indigenous Youth Rugby Tour – National Indigenous Peoples Day

On National Indigenous Peoples Day it merits looking at what rugby is doing to help Indigenous Peoples in BC. That conversation would quickly turn to the Thunder Indigenous Rugby organization featuring former national team players Bobby Ross (Songhees Nation) and Phil Mack (Toquaht Nation) as leading figures. Director of Thunder Rugby is John Lyall, a rugby player for over 25 years, who is of Kwakwaka’wakw descent. They’re focused on creating opportunities through rugby for Indigenous youth.

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UBC Men’s Rugby Academy (16 to 19) Starts May 18th – Options for Tuesday and/or Thursday Evenings: Registration Open

If you’re a young rugby player between 16 and 19 with aspirations to play high performance rugby at university, in the MLR or for the national team then you should probably tap into the UBC Academy.

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BC Grassroots Rugby and Thunder Indigenous Rugby Sign MOU to Promote Youth Rugby in BC

Two organizations focused on youth rugby in BC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to promote youth rugby in BC.

Both organizations have former Canada national team players of Indigenous heritage in leadership positions. Phil Mack of the Toquaht Nation represented Thunder rugby and Clay Panga of Maori descent represented Grassroots Rugby at the signing.Continue reading→

Registration Poster for MacDowell Rugby Academy at Cowichan Secondary School

The registration poster for the MacDowell Rugby Academy at Cowichan Secondary School is below. The program starts September 2021 and runs until June 2022. There are instructions for CSS students and BC residents, also separate instructions for Out of Province and International students.

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Webinar “Beyond High School Rugby” Organized by Adam Roberts for High School Students: Fourteen University Programs Participating – March 3rd 7:30pm

Contact Adam Roberts to register at roberts_a@surreyschools.ca.

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Cowichan Valley Board of Education Partners with MacDowell Rugby Academy to Add Classes on Sport, Leadership & Rugby at Cowichan Secondary School

Congratulations to Robin MacDowell for getting his Rugby Academy program adopted by the Cowichan Valley School District. It means students in Grades 10-12 will be able to add rugby to their regular classes. The Cowichan Valley School District media release is below.

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Thunder Rugby Phil Mack Award Nominations Open

Each year Thunder Rugby awards the Phil Mack Trophy to the Thunder Indigenous Player of the Year.

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BC Grassroots Rugby Foundation Set to Make a Difference Using FIT Touch Rugby Program: 10 Staff Being Trained to Implement Program

There’s a new rugby program on Vancouver Island that looks to “build community through rugby and help build resilience in youth”. It’s called BC Grassroots Rugby Foundation and is spearheaded by former Canada player Clay Panga. Part of their inspiration is the TIRF (Toronto Inner City Rugby Foundation), their motto is “Building Community Through Rugby and Rugby Through Community”.

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BC Announce U16 Teams for Nationals: BC Gold and BC Blue

posted July 31 2014

BCRU Media Release

VANCOUVER, BC – British Columbia’s under-16 men’s provincial program heads into next week’s National Festival Championships in Calgary as the three-time defending champions. The BC-Gold (BC-1) team’s streak began at Calgary Rugby Park in 2011, when the squad downed Newfoundland 88-5 for the national title. BC-Blue (B-2) have also enjoyed recent success at Nationals, having won three straight bronze medals in their division.

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