Friends of Rugby Newsletter April 2019

FRIENDS OF

RUGBYNEWS Spring rugby season is here!

April 2019

Latest News

from www.shawnigan.ca/news Shawnigan Lake School is proud to have formalized its longstanding relationship with Rugby Canada through a Memorandum of Understanding that reinforces the mutual support and connections that exist between our programs. Read the full story here, along with our efforts to grow the game through a community rugby jamboree and our sponsorship of Thunder Indigenous Rugby.

Our spring season kicked off early this year, with six Shawnigan squads competing under the baking sun at the Las Vegas Sevens. Two senior boys’ teams, two senior girls’ teams, and two Grade 8 boys’ teams joined 250 other squads for a three-day event spanning 10 fields.

Director of Sport Tim Murdy reports that all teams represented the school well while playing against slightly older competition. The Boys’ Elite U-18 team led the charge, losing in the Bowl final of their division, while the Girls’ Elite U-18s reached the semifinals. The group also enjoyed a few cultural outings, including taking in a Vegas Golden Knights NHL game and Cirque du Soleil’s O. Three players – Tom M., Ryan S., and Gerry A., played for their BC Elite U-16 teams in Las Vegas. In addition to their contributions to school teams, a number of students have also been representing British Columbia at the Las Vegas Sevens, the Western Canadian Championship, and the Vancouver Sevens. These athletes include Ciaran B., Brenner K., Sammy L., Gracie M., Sydney H., and Chloe S.

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ISLAND SEVENS 4/18/2019

Seniors win on home turf READ MORE

RUGBY JAMBOREE 4/16/2019

Growing the game READ MORE

RUGBY CANADA AT SHAWNIGAN 4/10/2019

Shared training with big goals READ MORE

RUGBY SEVENS CELEGBRATIONS 3/11/2019

Great weekend of rugby at Rugby Sevens in Vancouver!

READ MORE

GROWING THE GAME 1/17/2019

An agreement with Rugby Canada READ MORE

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Team Updates Tim Murdy Director of Sport

Shawnigan Rugby is looking strong again this year with great male and female programs. We have had some amazing successes over the past 10+ years, but I feel it is important for us to not spend too much time patting ourselves on the back over these accomplishments. In order to remain successful we must look forward and focus on the task at hand with a new year and a new group of athletes!

On the next page, Head Coach Shannon Atkins’ outlines the girls’ recent successes and this season’s exciting outlook with fellow coaches Laura Russell and Dani Robb, both of whom bring impressive experience to the program having represented Canada in the sport internationally. On the boys’ side, Jeff Williams has taken on the role as Head Coach for the 1st XV, where he will work with Andrew Doyle. Jeff brings a wealth of experience having been an international player and coach in both sevens and XVs rugby. For a preview of this year’s 1st XV , read Grade 12 student and Prefect Nathan Goliath’s view of this year’s Senior Boys squad.

The 2nd XV will be coached yet again by the wise and seasoned partnership of Graham Linn and Justin Wilke. The Colts A squad has added Remi Anctil to their coaching team this year. Remi is a former UVic Vikings Captain and has been doing outstanding work with our younger developmental sides.

He will join Head Coach and former international player and coach Ander Monro and Wes Plater.

Rounding out the staff is Assistant Head and former UVic Viking Matt Clinton-Baker and one of our gap students, who will be working with the Colts B side.

These coaches are the backbone to a program that is set up to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for all of our players, whether they are novice or elite level athletes. For more on the coaches’ impressive bios please visit https://www.shawnigan.ca/programs/athletics and follow the Rugby link.

Thank you to all of our coaches and athletes, and best of luck to both the boys and girls sides during this spring term!

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Shannon Atkins Head Coach, Girls’ 1st XV

Shawnigan Girls’ Rugby has recently enjoyed great success on the pitch. After winning the BC High School Girls Rugby XVs AA Championships in 2016, the decision was made to move up to AAA. In 2017, the ‘Ironwomen’ won the Island Championships and placed third at the XVs Provincials. They also secured third place at the Senior Sevens Championships. With an eagerness to do better, they set their sights higher for the 2018 season. In preparation for this, they embarked on a UK tour to help develop all the new players in the program, and this made a big difference. They finished the year with gold at the Junior Sevens Provincials, silver at the Senior Sevens Provincials and gold at the XVs AAA provincials, outscoring their opponents 58-7 in the Championship game. They head into the 2019 season with the hopes of continuing this success but with the realization that it will take continued hard work to try to knock off their adversaries. They started the season with two teams entered in the Invitational Las Vegas Sevens Tournament, one in the Open and one in the Elite Division. Our Elite team placed third, competing against very skilled American academy teams, and the Open team played some great rugby despite being fairly new to the game. All of the travelling teams, regardless of gender or level, bonded and became closer on this trip, and the tournament was a success for the girls’ program. This spring, Shawnigan also hosted and won the Island Sevens Championships on April 16 and looks forward to doing the same at the BC High School Girls XVs Championships on May 23-25th. Our girls have some big shoes to fill, but they are up for the challenge. We hope you will join us!

Nathan Goliath Prefect & Athlete, Boys’ 1st XV

Shawnigan prides itself on a century-old rugby tradition, to which every generation of player strives to add in their own unique way. This year’s team contains a highly skilled and agile back line, and a large, mobile forward pack with a backbone of various Provincial and National level players such as Ciaran Breen and Brenner Kelava. With our pace, size, and skills, we hope to continue the Shawnigan legacy as a dynamic team that has the ability to combine physical expertise with skillful play. Compared to last year, what we may lack in individual skill we make up with team play and cohesiveness. This was on full display in our hard fought stint against the world’s best sevens academies and teams at the Las Vegas International Tournament. Our focus now shifts from sevens to XVs. It is our goal this season to strive for excellence and battle our way to another Provincial final. As we draw closer to the conclusion of our Grade 12 year, we want to make a lasting impression in the Shawnigan and broader rugby communities.

Rugby at Shawnigan Lake School is more than just a sport - it is a tradition which we plan to uphold as we take up the torch and prepare to bring it to extraordinary heights. We hope you will be with us in spirit and/or cheering from the sidelines as we pursue our quest.

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Senior Boys

Q & A with Ciaran Breen What does Shawnigan Rugby mean to you?

Tell us about your role as a team captain.

Among all that Shawnigan has to offer, it is the

My selection for the Captaincy of this year’s

prestige and legacy of the rugby program that initially brought me to the school. Before my

team is one of the greatest honours that I have ever received. Thus far, it has been deeply

time at Shawnigan, I remember watching the 1st

humbling and a tremendous privilege. That

XV in a match against Saint George’s. In one of the most jaw-dropping games my eyes had ever

being said, the Captaincy does not make me any different from my teammates. Each individual

seen, Shawnigan mounted a crucial comeback

brings unique characteristics that only add to

to win the match. It was a memorable display of

our dynamic. Each member has a job on and off

passion, determination, and a hint of something

the field, and I am lucky that mine is to lead them

which I could not comprehend at first. What made Shawnigan so vastly different from its

into our season.

competitors? I wrestled with this question for years. It was not until I had the privilege to pull on one of the black jerseys for myself, and place my hand on the plaque that sits outside our dressing room that I understood what made us different. The plaque reads, “To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.” It is the sense of belonging to something much greater than oneself; an indescribable energy which is actualized in the way Shawnigan plays the game. We play for the ones who came before us, and the ones who have yet to come.

That is Shawnigan Rugby.

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A special thank you goes out to all of our supporters and donors.

We are extremely grateful for the commitment that you have shown toward our rugby program. As you continue to further our legacy, we will strive to do the same.

s’ Spotlight How is the team looking so far this year?

Shawnigan Senior Boys had two teams representing the school at the Las Vegas Sevens, with one in the Open and one in Elite Division. Our Elite team suffered a close loss in the Bowl Final and placed 9th in a very strong division, while the Open team had a good showing in their pool. Both teams gained valuable experience and enjoyed the challenge of playing against strong teams from across the US and as far away as Australia. Both teams are looking forward to supporting each other and working hard to prepare for the upcoming season.

At the Junior level, the Colts fielded three teams, with a highest finishing placement of 3rd. Many athletes gained valuable experience at the tournament, and exciting new talent showed us that the future of Shawnigan Rugby is looking bright.

Ciaran Breen is a Grade 12 student and Prefect who represents Canada on the U18 squad

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Senior Girls

Q & A with Maggie Banks What does Shawnigan Rugby mean to you?

Tell us about your role as a team captain.

The rugby legacy is a strong one at Shawnigan

Having been on the team for three years now,

and it and has become something truly special in my life. I feel so honoured to be given so many

I’ve seen many leaders come and go, and I am beyond honoured to be chosen as a Captain

opportunities and to be able to continue to pull

during my final season. As much as Ciaran and

the black and gold jersey over my head for my fourth and final season. Shawnigan Rugby has a

I can talk about how special the Shawnigan Rugby program is, only present and past players,

very special reputation and successful history,

coaches and staff will ever truly understand

and I have recently begun thinking why this has

the legacy. We are looking forward to not

been the case. Although we may not have the

only building our own teams, but building the

opportunity to train as much as other schools we compete against, the bond we share with

program as a whole and strengthening the Shawnigan Rugby legacy.

our teammates is so special, and that’s what sets us apart from the rest. Not only is there a great amount of pride that comes along with playing on the 1st XV and calling yourself an ‘Ironwoman’, there is a massive amount of support. At Shawnigan, our teammates are also our classmates, our roommates, and our family at our home away from home. These tight bonds drive us to put our bodies on the line and give everything we have for our teammates.

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Many of our successes would never have been possible without the help and support of our families, friends, coaches, alumni, and donors, and for that we could never truly express our gratitude.

Thank you so much.

s’ Spotlight How is the team looking so far this year?

The female 1st XV team is looking stronger than ever going into the season. We are looking to build on last year’s success, after winning the Provincial Championship in Williams Lake last spring. The team hopes to capitalize on our speed and skill, and we feel we have a stronger team dynamic this year than ever. Having a tour at the beginning of our season has put us on the right foot, and we couldn’t be more excited to start our season.

Maggie Banks is a Grade 12 student and Prefect who represents Canada on the U18 squad

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Upcoming Events On May 11-12, as part of the international HSBC Canada Women’s Rugby Sevens event in Langford, Shawnigan will host a premium suite at the weekend event as part of the first annual Spring Festival of Sport (https://www.shawnigan.ca/festival-of-sport). Tickets are available through a draw and access to the box is available to parents, alumni and supporters who donate to the girls’ rugby program.

On May 23-25, we co-host the Provincial XVs Girls’ Rugby Championship with Brentwood College School and have high hopes for the tournament. The team is looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd, and the seniors are excited to play their last game in the Shawnigan jersey on home soil. All ‘Ironwoman’ alumnae are invited to a special reception at the Pavillion on Saturday, May 25. We hope you will come out and support.

For more information, please contact events@shawnigan.ca or call 250-743-6235.

Schedule April 25-26

Senior Girls’ Provincial Sevens Tournament in Burnaby

April 26-28

Senior Boys’ Provincial Sevens at St. George’s

April 29-May 4 U20 Rugby Canada women’s training camp at Shawnigan May 2

Senior Girls’ and Junior Boys’ Rugby in Nanaimo

May 3

Boys’ 1st XV at Carson Graham

May 4-7

Spain Women’s Sevens training camp at Shawnigan

May 9

Colts A Rugby North Island Finals Day, location TBD

May 9

Girls’ 1st XV at Cowichan

May 10

Boys’ 1st XV vs EMS at Shawnigan

May 11-12 HSBC International Women’s Rugby Sevens, Westhills Stadium in Langford May 16

Girls’ 1st XV vs Kelsey at Shawnigan

May 16

Senior Boys’ Rugby Island Semifinal, location TBD

May 18-22

U20 Rugby Canada men’s training camp at Shawnigan

May 23

Senior Boys’ Rugby Island Final, location TBD

May 23-25

Senior Girls’ Rugby AAA Provincial XVs Tournament, Vancouver

May 26 June 9 U20 Rugby Canada men’s training camp at Shawnigan May 29

Senior Boys’ Rugby Provincial XVs Tournament in Abbotsford

June 4 & 8

U20 Canada vs USA test matches at Shawnigan

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Friends of Shawnigan Rugby Broad-based community support is essential to thriving school sports programs, and our donors have provided the resources necessary for Shawnigan Rugby to perform at the highest level of secondary school rugby. From our annual international tours, the Hyde-Lay Pavilion and the four full sized international pitches including the world class venue of the Canada Field, we have enjoyed uncommon support. Please consider joining this important cycle of giving by becoming a Friend of Shawnigan Rugby. Friends can simply join the rugby club, or contribute toward athlete travel and equipment renewal. All gifts are appreciated and Friends will be recognized annually online and in the Pavilion.

GIVING LEVELS CLUB MEMBER Alumni, $10/yr since grad | Non-alumni, by donation

TRAVEL UNIFORMS $200 - $4,000 donation

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE $500 - $4,000 donation

EQUIPMENT $500, $1,500, $5,000 or $10,000

Donate Now: www.shawnigan.ca/friends-of-rugby

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Alumni Profil

Where are they now

Avery Champion (Kaye’s ‘18) Currently at University of Victoria

The rugby opportunities I had at Shawnigan were indescribable. Coming from Hong Kong, I was fortunate enough to be able to continue playing the sport I love. When I was in grade nine, we only played one game on the Canada field, which is the main rugby field. The following year, we played every single game on that field, with the whole school supporting us from the sidelines. Hearing the school erupt in cheers after we scored a try was the best feeling ever. We ended my Grade 12 season with a provincial title and the largest team we had ever had. Being able to play at such a high intensity for four years enabled me to continue that drive, and I was able to make the varsity team at the University of Victoria. The coaches at Shawnigan, Shannon Atkins and Laura Russell, were a huge component of my journey; they helped me through ACL reconstruction, reminded me to run straight, and helped me to build skills all the while ensuring that we had fun. These are memories and bonds that will last a lifetime.

Holly Henderson (Renfrew ‘16) Currently at Queen’s University

The rugby program at Shawnigan taught me important life lessons that I have carried throughout my life outside of high school, including hard work, discipline, and teamwork. I made lifelong friends during my three years playing there, and rugby allowed me to break through my shell to become the person I wanted to be. I owe a lot of the direction in my life to playing rugby at school, and I only wish I started playing earlier!

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les & Updates Brett Beukeboom (Lake’s ‘08) Currently plays for Canadian National Team & the Cornish Pirates Former UVic captain; Canada U17, U20 and Men’s professional player

Playing and training while at Shawnigan Lake School allowed me to enhance my rugby career by being in a daily high performance environment. Not only did it help my rugby career progress, it instilled values that are extremely useful in a variety of different environments. The rugby coaches will do anything to ensure you progress, not only as a player but as a person.

James O’Neil (Lake’s ‘15) Current Captain of Canada U20 and player on University of Victoria 1st XV

Getting the chance to attend Shawnigan and play rugby at the school gave me opportunities that I would have never had if I stayed in Alberta. Being in a high-performance environment for three years improved my game tenfold and had an effect on the person I am today. The biggest thing that improved my game and me as an individual was the culture of the program. Being surrounded by quality coaches, current players, and retired players that were always willing to sit down and talk to me about rugby or life in general really made the difference. It built my character like nothing I have ever experienced and, besides being with the national team, I have not since been in as intense an environment.

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