Community News – December 2020

Rugby Community Saddened by News of Jake Webster’s Passing: GoFundMe Campaign Started to Help Young Family of Former Canada 7s Player

The Rugby Community in Canada is fairly close knit so it didn’t take long for the sad news to percolate throughout the community. Only 27, Jake passed away suddenly on December 7th, according to his home club in Lindsay, Ontario.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help the young family – his wife, Maggie, their son William (2 years old) and their daughter Millie (11 months). You can donate here.

Jake first showed up on our rugby radar in 2013 when he represented Canada in Rugby 7s at the World Games in Cali, Colombia. In 2014 he was part of the Canadian team at the World Club 7s in Limerick, Ireland. He also represented Canada at the Gold Coast 7s and Japan 7s that year. He was on the Canada U20 team that came 2nd at the JWRT in 2013. He played for James Bay during his time on the West Coast with the Canada 7s and Canada U20 team.

The two articles below from the Lindsay Rugby Football Club and Rugby Canada express the sentiments of the rugby community.

Lindsay Rugby Club

It is with heavy hearts that the Lindsay Rugby Football Club shares the news about the loss of Jake Webster. Jake was a junior and men’s player with the club, as well as representing Ontario and Canada in men’s 7s and the world junior 15s.

Jake was a fierce competitor on the pitch and a loyal teammate and friend off the pitch. Jake passed away suddenly on December 7th, at the age of 27. Leaving behind his family, wife Maggie & two young children.

Rest in peace

Rugby Canada

December 9, 2020 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada are very saddened to learn of the passing of former Canada Men’s Sevens player Jake Webster. Jake was 27 years old. A warrior on the field and a beloved teammate off the field. Our deepest condolences go out to Jake’s family.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the Webster family during this unthinkable time. Please visit the following link if you are able to support: https://www.gofundme.com/f/amdpwn-webster-family

Originally from Woodville, Ontario Jake was a member of the Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Jake was also a member of Canada’s U20 men’s team that competed in the 2013 IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy where his highlights included a hat trick of tries against Japan.

Calum Ramsay, Head of Performance Analysis at Rugby Canada, and the sevens squad who worked closely with Jake remember him fondly. “Jake was a huge personality within our team. He loved physicality in his rugby as much as he loved entertaining teammates in his spare time. Never a fan of fancy words or fancy footwork, Jake lived at full throttle. He was impossible to ignore and now is impossible to forget. I’m grateful for the impact Jake had on myself and our team – he’s missed already. Our love and sympathy goes out to his wife, children, and extended family.”

Rugby Canada CEO, Allen Vansen said, “On behalf of the Rugby Canada Board, staff, coaches and athletes our deepest condolences to the Webster family. Our thoughts are with you. Please know you have the support of everyone in the Canadian rugby community during this difficult time.”

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