Bonus For B.C. Bears - Argentina in June?

It seems that finally the emphasis placed on the CRC's by Rugby Canada as a pathway for elite senior mens players, is starting to stick on the west coast.  It is a rather unique year for B.C., as we celebrate the 125th year of rugby in the Province and a number of special events are in place.  So it was with interest that we read the following release from B.C. Head Honcho, Jim Dixon, last week;

The 2014 Bears calendar will kick off on May 31st against the Canada Selects at Klahanie Park in the official 125th Anniversary Fixture. The program will then gear up for a tour to South America before returning to home soil in pursuit of their first Canadian Rugby Championship MacTier Cup since 2009.

“We are very excited to be taking the Bears program overseas for the first time in many years,” said Dixon. “Again, the 125th Anniversary was a catalyst for this move. Touring is a large part of rugby; the friendships and memories of rugby tours are rarely forgotten and we felt it was important that the players had the opportunity to experience them.”

Under Dixon’s leadership, 2013 marked the return of the Bears and the coaching staff are now looking to improve on last year’s runners-up performance with a national title.

“Touring will only strengthen our group and hopefully assist us in the CRC in 2014 and beyond,” Dixon added. “Mark Winokur of the Ontario Blues (Manager) has assisted me in making this tour come to fruition. Mark said the value the Ontario Blues experienced in South America a few years back could not be underestimated as it galvanized their squad. He believes it provided a foundation for their recent success in the CRC.”

Ontario has lifted an unprecedented three straight MacTier Cups and will have their hands full when facing the Bears this season. The Bears will have tested themselves against the Canada Selects (May 31st) before heading to South America to take on Buenos Aires (July 16) and the Uruguayan National Team (July 19).

“The fact that it's the 125th Anniversary of BC Rugby provides even more motivation for the team to succeed and win the CRC,” Dixon added. “The coaching and management team invested an immense amount of time and energy last season, bringing pride back to the program and re-establishing the faith of the players in what is an important and worthwhile competition. We have a lot of work to do this season to ensure we progress and succeed, but I’m very confident we have the player nucleus and support team to lift the title in this milestone year.”

The route to the Bears will go through McKechnie Cup teams and club performances, so it will be with interest that we will watch the selection of all players but particularly CW guys during summer action.  Best of luck to all Tricolors giving it a shot.