A Review of the 4th Quarter of 2023, October to December, WXV, BC Premier, La Vila Tournament, Arrows, Coaching Extensions, PanAm Games, University Titles, Vancouver Highlanders
We reflect on the last 3 months of 2023, from October to December, selecting 31 stories that highlighted what was happening in local, national and international rugby news from a Canadian west coast perspective.
October
Robin MacDowell showed up again in the news when his U18 boys team won the Kamloops 7s. The World Cup is into the playoff rounds now, the BC Premier kicks off week 1. Rugby Canada extended Kingsley Jones contract for 2 years and Sean White has his coaching contract extended until Paris 2024. The women’s XVs start their WXV campaign with a win over Wales. UBC women win their 4th consecutive CanWest title. World Rugby announces that the 2027 World Cup will increase to 24 teams. Jamie Cudmore is announced as the Toronto Arrows Academy coach and BCRN moves to a new site.
MacDowell Rugby Wins U18 Boys Elite; CW Win Girls U18 Elite – List of Top 3 in Each Division
Quarter Finals Set for October 14th & 15th: Thoughts on RWC to Date?
Rugby Canada Extends Kingsley Jones Contract for Two Years – Reaction from the Rugby Community
Sean White Confirmed as Men’s 7s Coach Through to Paris 2024
Canada Defeat Wales 42-22 in Round One of WXV 2023: Video Highlights
2027 Rugby World Cup to Feature 24 Teams in Six Pools of Four Teams
Jamie Cudmore Named Toronto Arrows Academy Director and Head Coach
England Defeat Canada 45-12 in WXV Match: Match Highlights Video
We’re Moving the Site Tonight – Monday Morning New Look
November
Canada finish off the WXV with a win over #3 France. At the PanAm Games the women win Silver and the men Bronze. Laval repeats as USport women’s XVs champions. Curry Hitchborn and Ralph McRae announce the start of the Vancouver Highlanders team. The men’s XVs team lose to Spain but defeat Brazil. UBC claim their 5th men’s University title with a dominant win over UVic. BC Premier wrap up the first half of the season at Week 6, eight more weeks to come starting February. It’s announced the Toronto Arrows will cease operations immediately and won’t be part of MLR 2024.
Canada Defeat France 29-20 to Finish 2nd in WXV 2023
Canada Women Win Silver – Canada Men Win Bronze at PanAm Games
Laval Repeat as USport Champions – UVic Claim 2nd
Curry Hitchborn and Ralph McRae Start New Vancouver Rugby Team: Vancouver Highlanders
Spain Build 35-6 Half Time Lead and Cruise to 42-20 Final Score
Canada Ride Dominant Forward Performance to a 40-15 Win Over Brazil
UBC Claim 5th University Championship Title In Dominating Win Over UVic
Toronto Arrows Cease Operations and Will Not Compete in 2024 MLR Season
December
At the Dubai 7s the Canadian women finish 4th, the men 12th. The Youth Club championships wrap up with Ravens, CW, Langley and Bayside claiming titles. Tom Larisch is named as Head Coach of the Vancouver Highlanders. Rugby Canada announce their 2024-2027 strategic plan. At Cape Town 7s the men finish 7th and the women 6th. Rugby Canada announce the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees. World Rugby announces the repechage tournament for the Olympics, June 21-13 in Monaco. The MLR 2024 schedule is released. We review Damian McGrath’s book “Can You Be Fluent in Success”. We list our MVP hoodie winners over the years.
Canada Women Finish 4th in Dubai, Men Finish 12th
Rugby Canada Announces Strategic Plan for 2024-2027
Men Finish in 7th Place; Women Finish in 6th Place in Cape Town
BC U18 Girls 7s Return from Australian Tournament with 2-2 Record: Photos
A Review of Damian McGrath’s Book: Can You Be Fluent in Success
World Rugby Announces Repechage Tournament for Paris Olympic 7s Qualification: June 21-23 in Monaco
MLR Announces 2024 Schedule – 18 Week Regular Season Starting March 2nd