B.C. Bears Announce Squad Vs Ontario Blues

August 28, 2013 Posted in B.C. Rugby / CW Rugby / News / Victoria BC

Adam "The Beardo" Kleeberger is the major newcomer to the Bears side announced to play Ontario at Westhills Arena, Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Kleeberger last played for BC in 2011 prior to his departure for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. One of three iconic Canadian 'Beardos', Kleeberger's epic facial hair, ferocious tackling and a man-of-the-match performance in Canada's win over Tonga saw the flanker get plenty of attention at the international level. Kleeberger went on to play a season for the London Scottish in England's RFU Championship but was then sidelined for a lengthy period through injury. The 29-year-old is now making a come back and recently featured for the Canadian Maple Leafs Sevens team in their third place showing at the World Games in Colombia this past August.

"We are very pleased to have [Kleeberger] back and it will be great to have his experience," Dixon said. "We want him to play to the standard that he is capable of and know that he will be there to lead by example."

"We were very mindful of our opposition when selecting this squad and realize there is a lot of rugby to be played in the next few days. Ontario are a very big and physical side and like to assert themselves up front," Dixon added. "We want to be able to deal with that and provide our own pressure. That will hopefully give us the opportunities to let loose in the backs and use our pace."

The starting lineup will be selected from:

Forwards

Alex Boyd (Meraloma Rugby Club)

Chris Chalmers (Abbotsford RFC)

Jim de Goede (James Bay AA)

Dustin Dobravsky (UVic Vikes)

Aaron Flagg (Abbotsford RFC)

Adam Kleeberger (UVic Vikes )

Andrew Lackner (Burnaby Lake Rugby Club)

Scott Mackay (Burnaby Lake Rugby Club)

Ryan March (Abbotsford RFC)

Callum Morrison (Meraloma Rugby Club)