Message of Hope Over the Holiday Season
There’s been some gloom in the rugby community going into the holiday season, especially around the hope that Jamie Cudmore would be the new Canadian coach, that Canadians would take back the men’s XVs program going into 2025. It wasn’t to be this year however there are some positive thoughts to share over the holiday season.
We saw on Linkedin that Jamin Hodgkins is returning to the island to be with the Canada Development Academy (Pacific Pride). He’s also starting a position at QMS school as Sports Intern and the new headmaster at QMS will be Ander Monro, the former Canada #10 who played 2006-2011 and was the starting #10 for Canada at the 2011 RWC where Canada beat Tonga and tied Japan. This is positive news for several reasons, that the new national team coach is encouraging players back to the island to play in the BC Premier. That he’s looking for new options at #10. That he’s actually making an impact right away. I may be reading way too much into this but during the holiday season, I’m looking for reasons to be optimistic. Congrats to Ander by the way, and they’re looking for his replacement as Deputy Head at QMS, rugby guys apply!
Community rugby, another reason to be hopeful, I posted below the Howlers video on their trip to Guatemala just released by Don List, the videographer. It captures the “it’s more than a game, it’s a way of life” message about rugby. So many clubs doing good things across the country, this is the root of community rugby and why Canadian rugby will succeed, in spite of the errant steps of a few people in power. Canadian rugby has to push from the grassroots upwards, bring in more players, teach them the fundamentals well, spread the word of rugby across the country.
So the holiday message is, enjoy the break with friends and family, rejuvenate and prepare to come back in 2025 with renewed energy and commitment to make rugby great in your club and in your community.
Canadian Development Academy (aka Pacific Pride)
Jamin Hodgkins
I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Canadian Development Academy Rugby Player at Rugby Canada!
I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Sports Intern at Queen Margaret’s School (Canada)!
Ander Monro
I should begin this post by sharing that in July, 2025, I will be delighted to succeed David Robertson as the next Head of School at QMS.
As such, we are excited to begin our search for a new Deputy Head of School, who will have a significant influence on our culture, our strategic goals, and our student experience. Please share this opportunity with your network as you like.
Howlers Tour to Guatemala
Canadian community rugby is unique, from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and a good example are the Howlers in Saskatchewan. Let’s celebrate our Canadian rugby in its many forms, here’s the Howlers trip to Guatemala for the Gran Jaguar tournament in October. Created by Don List with Karl Fix as the producer.