For nearly as long as there has been rugby played in British Columbia, the question of where the province’s best players hail from has captivated and polarized fans.
The Vancouver Rugby Union (VRU) has been organizing Representative teams since 1906 to take on challengers ranging from Vancouver Island to the BC interior to international touring sides like the New Zealand All Blacks. This year promises to usher in another group of talented local rugby players.
With club rugby competitions wrapping up in early May, the focus will shift immediately to Representative Rugby matches taking place in the coming weeks, including fixtures for the VRU’s Senior Women, Senior Men and U23 Men. The players suiting up for the VRU will be in and ideal position to make a positive impression on BC Rugby selectors in attendance, with enticing provincial team opportunities on the horizon.
SENIOR WOMEN
Rugby fans will be treated to yet another edition of the classic Vancouver vs Island rivalry on May 12 as the Vancouver Wave Women battle for the Ruth Hellerud-Brown Cup. The venue for this match has been confirmed as Westshore RFC, located at 1767 Island Hwy, Victoria, while kickoff time is to be announced.
The Wave team has historically been a springboard for Vancouver-based players aspiring to play provincial and national rugby, with nationally capped players such as Andrea Burk, Hillary Leith, Carolyn McEwan, Demi Stamatakis, Gillian Boag and others having made their mark with the Vancouver Wave in recent seasons.
Training
The women will be training on April 25, May 8 and May 10, starting at 7:00pm, at Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. All Senior Women’s rugby players who aspire to represent their city, with an eye toward provincial and national team opportunities, are strongly encouraged to attend these sessions.
For more information about participation, senior women’s players should visit the VRU Women’s Facebook Group or contact Coach Walt Brandl at [email protected].
Results
Vancouver Wave 38-31 VI Crimson Tide
SENIOR MEN
The VRU Men square off against the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide on May 26 for the McKechnie Cup, with the match to played at the home grounds of Cowichan RFC, located at 1860 Herd Road in Duncan, BC. Kickoff time is scheduled for 2:45pm.
The McKechnie Cup has a long and storied tradition, stretching back over a century. It has historically been awarded to the top regional representative men’s rugby team in BC. Vancouver Wave players who have gone on to represent BC and Canada in recent seasons include Admir Cejvanovic, Callum Morrison, Harry Jones, Connor Trainor, Jordan Sandover-Best, Brock Staller, Jared Douglas, and others.
“We’re very lucky to be able to draw from a load of excellent rugby athletes here in Vancouver,” said Coach Curry Hitchborn. “This game is important for players who want to be seen, represent their club and city, and put on the jersey. Vancouver won this competition last year, and that will go a long way to building momentum and interest among our local players.”
Training
Training for this year’s squad will take place on the following dates and locations:
- Tuesday, May 15, at Klahanie Park (home of Capilano RFC), starting at 7:00pm
- Thursday, May 17, at Klahanie Park (home of Capilano RFC), starting at 7:00pm
- Tuesday, May 22, at Jericho Park (home of UBCOB Ravens), starting at 7:00pm
- Thursday, May 24, at Jericho Park (home of UBCOB Ravens), starting at 7:00pm
Interested players are encouraged to attend all four sessions.
For more information about participation, senior men’s players should contact Coach Curry Hitchborn at [email protected].
Results
May 26, Vancouver at VI Crimson Tide
U23 MEN
Vancouver will be fielding a U23 Men’s Team for this year’s edition of the Dunbar Keg.
Two games are being scheduled – one on May 12 and one on May 26 – with both games on the Island. Player transportation costs are totally covered. Jerseys will be supplied. Players will wear their club shorts and socks to round out the kit.
These will be critically important selection games, as players will be evaluated and scouted for inclusion on additional provincial pathway teams.
“I’m keen to see which players perform well in this U23 group, as opportunities could easily open up at the senior level in the near term for those with the right skills and attitude,” said Vancouver Senior Men’s Coach, Curry Hitchborn.
Opportunities will also be available for selection to an elite U23 BC Provincial Team which is set to compete against the Canada U20 side. That match is scheduled for Friday, June 1st 2018, during the BC High School rugby (BCSSRU) championships in Abbotsford.
The Vancouver Rugby Union U23 Men’s team will be coached by Bruce Bowman.
Training will take place as follows:
- April 30 at Capilano
- May 2 at Capilano
- May 8 at Capilano
- May 10 at Capilano
- May 15 at Prince of Wales Secondary
- May 17 at Capilano
- May 22 TBD
- May 24 TBD
All sessions are from 7:00pm to 8:15pm.
Interested players are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible and should contact Coach Bowman if they would like more details at [email protected].
Results
May 26, Vancouver at Vancouver Island, Cowichan, BC
May 12, Vancouver 48-10 Fraser Valley
For more information and updates
Visit our website www.vancouverrugbyunion.ca
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Contact the VRU Communications Representative
Brendan Munro
[email protected]
604.349.3104