Hubert Back to N.Z.

Canada's loss has become Manawatu's gain with the news that Hubert Buydens has finally inked a pro contract.  In this writer's opinion, the man that most consistently stood out in the last RWC games for Canada was Big Hubie and it seems that he has finally received just reward with a two year contract.  Buydens last Canadian club was Ceedub, a side he has plied his trade with, on and off for the past 5/6 seasons.  This means that he will not be available for selection for RWC playoffs against the U.S.A. next month. Similar to club level play in Canada, someone will now have an opportunity to step to the plate.  He has been dubbed "Moose" by his new team, a fitting monicker both related to size and province of origin (Saskatchewan), Hubie currently scales at 125 kilos and stands 1.93 metres tall.  Palmerston North will get to see this favorite son in action.  Next time we see him, no doubt Hubie will talk a little Keewee to us and he had already told his new club that; "B.C. is the centre of Canadian rugby, because they can play there all winter long".  'onya, Hubie, you good thing!

Speaking of good things, it looks like finally, the B.C. Bears have managed to motivate a considerable talent pool for upcoming CRC action.  Dixon, Goodland and De Goede seemed to have scoured the pot far and wide to gather a group that has been training regionally and will come together for a trial game prior to selection for the season opener on August 9th.  We congratulate these CW boys who have been included in the squad - Clayton Thornber, Jonny Morris, Gordie Kehoe, Riley Ilnicki and Matty Buckley. The squad is fairly experienced and of good size featuring players from James Bay, Burnaby, Lomas, Caps, Abbie, UVic, UBC, Rowers, Ravens and Velox with further talent being added after Canadian Maple Leafs Sevens action and RWC qualifiers. It is to be hoped that this season, Buyden's statement of B.C. being the "centre of Canadian rugby" might be proven by results in this competition. Good luck to all.