Deux Decades of Christmas Luncheons

Heartfelt thanks to begin the festive season. As is the custom, attendees at the full-house Annual Guido Luncheon shared an event from their lives this past year for which they were thankful.  This is a very solemn part of a very joyous occasion.  Although this writer was unable to attend, today’s post includes my thanks for family and friends and another year of being cancer-free.  A special shout out to Guido’s Elves, Jonesy and Knaggsy, both who are still actively involved with coaching in the club.  ‘onyas, the Elves.

On the rugby front, I thank Kingsley Jones for seeing the light that his progress with the NSMT could go no further and he has resigned from the role.  It is only fair that he is thanked for his seven years of tenure, acting in a means that he believed would produce results.  Selection of a NSMT’s coach over the past 24 years has seen many come and go.  It is of interest that of the eight coaches, only one was Canadian born, that being Rick “Sluggo” Suggit. Once again there is a strong argument to select a Canadian coach.  It can be argued that there are candidates who are qualified and capable.  I offer the following letter in its entirety as one point of view.

An open letter to Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada and the Rugby Canada board

I’m writing this to you as a devout but concerned long time supporter of Canadian rugby.

The rapid decline in world rankings with our men’s programs (both 7s and 15s) has stood in stark contrast to the remarkable successes of the women’s program and I’m cautiously optimistic that a coaching change will re-ignite some of the passion that our men’s 15’s program has had in the past.

I sincerely hope that the coaching choice made by the Board and Selection panel for the next Men’s National 15s coach knows and understands the geographical challenges faced by this massive Nation, is familiar with players from Coast to Coast, is connected to knowledgeable rugby people for counsel/player identification in Canada and abroad, possesses the intrinsic ability to re-ignite Canadian Rugby Passion and has a proven track record of success in Canadian Rugby.

To this end I would like to voice my support for Jamie Cudmore to assume the role of Canadian Head Coach to lead the National Team into the next stages of World Cup Qualification. Jamie exemplifies the spirit and fortitude we need to compete internationally and has a playing/coaching resume that I believe will inspire our players to take the next competitive step and get the ship going in the right direction again. He has also paid a very heavy price for ill-advised tweets from almost 4 years ago and, even though he saw a few red cards in his playing days, we believe a lifetime ban from coaching professionally in Canada is egregiously heavy handed. He has done his time, and we need Jamie now more than ever!!

Thanks, and sincerely,

Karl Fix, President of the Dog River Howlers Rugby Club and former:
– member of the Rugby Canada, Sask Rugby and Regina Rugby Union boards
– director of the Rugby Canada’s U17 and U19 national men’s programs
– coach of Saskatchewan’s U17, U19 and senior men’s teams
– CEO of the Prairie Fire Rugby Club in the former Rugby Canada Super League

I was apprized during the week of some facts that give even greater magnitude to the U18 Boys title won by CW last weekend.  The opposition, UBCOB Ravens were gunning for their Four-peat and this past season, and it may have been the past two seasons, they went undefeated in the Vancouver League.  Interestingly enough, it was CW who was their opponent in three of those Finals.  So, it was some hurdle and bogeyman that the Tricolors had to overcome.  Savor the moment, lads.

 

[Matters expressed are solely the opinions of the writer.]