Monday's Musings

CW is pleased to congratulate KEN GOODLAND on his recent appointment as Rugby Canada’s Coordinator, National Player Development and Talent ID.  Although Kenny is not a west coast native son, he could almost be deemed to be after 14 years in Victoria.  Ken came to CW after he had finished his time with Clarkey’s Pacific Pride.  Ken had joined the Pride in 1996 along with playing mates from back east to check out what this west coast “Rugby hot bed” was all about.  I caught up with Kenny recently and managed to fire a couple of questions.

CW: Ken, you had played with the Rock in National Junior and senior campaigns, just what was it that triggered you to play “out west”?

KG: What people may not know is that I played half a season for the Meraloma club in Vancouver, I was playing for Canada U20 and Ted Bishop asked me to come out and play. We won a 2nd Div championship in the spring of 1996 and I then got selected for the original version of the Pacific Pride, which was originally labelled CCSD and based here in Victoria. The Commonwealth Centre for Sport Development, borne out of the Commonwealth games legacy, was the first full time rugby program of its kind in Canada and I feel very honoured to have been part of that. Admittedly I didn't quite understand what I was getting into at the time. I think about 85-90 percent of us from that original squad went on to play for Canada. David Clark was the coach of that and he brought an approach to rugby we had never seen before. Once I got to CW I found a second home and the support shown me over the last 14 years has kept me on the left coast and been a huge part of my rugby development. 

CW: What did you enjoy most about David Clarke’s Pacific Pride tutelage?

KG: Retrospect is a funny thing, it can offer great perspective but also let you know about some things you could have done differently. During my two years with that team I had great fun, the guys were fun to be around, we won almost all of our games and I think we helped jump start a professional approach that clubs eventually developed. The other side, for me, was that I probably could have taken a more professional approach from the very beginning. What I ended up enjoying and appreciating about David and his approach was that commitment to professionalism. Ultimately, I learned that professionalism is an attitude, not a paycheque. If you approach your goals with the proper attitude they become reality, and its never too late to adopt that focus! Its something I try to get across to the teams I coach and has helped my in various roles over the years.

CW:  Following your apprenticeship, you decided to hang your hat with CW.  You have now been with us for 14 years.  Just what is it you think are the highlights about our club?

KG: The people. When I arrived in the fall of 2000 I immediately felt welcome and I'll never forget the ride in from the airport. Alun Rees picked me up in his old convertible Le baron and I couldn't believe I was getting driven around by Gareth Rees' Dad! My naivety I'm sure was apparent. I was nervous for my first training session but the guys made me feel right at home. And by that I mean they didn't take it easy on me! Ed Knaggs got a couple good shots in and Roger's big smile could be seen end to end. To Brent, Bailey, Pegger, Roger, JC, Troy, Macca, The Carsons (they gave me my first job washing cars), and all the others too numerous to mention, I thank you for the friendships and support. I hope to see you all around the pitch very soon. The people make the club.

CW: What are some of your most memorable achievements?

KG: My first national title with The Rock is right up there. It was pretty special because we had lost two finals to the Crimson Tide, which Troy McDonald and Roger Robinson aren't afraid to remind me of; but the core of that team had gone to high school together and we went on to win 3 more, matching Roger's kit-kat. CW's 2011 CDI title was huge as well, for different reasons. It had been almost 10 years since the previous title and for those of us that stuck it out through the lean years it was a special day indeed. Actually it was special for about 3 days running! The individual achievements of getting capped at 15's and 7's are a highlight but those wouldn't have happened without the support from CW and The Rock, it takes a village they say. 

CW: You now have an exciting future, to bring a Canadian aspect to aspiring players that can be identified, trained and promoted on a continuum to the NSMT level. Just what are a couple of your personal goals in your new position?

KG: What I want to do is make sure we don't miss anybody. I want to have a wide, open door policy that enables me to touch all corners of the country and build relationships that result in expanding our player pool with quality men and women. To be blunt, we need to improve our world standings in senior and U20 mens categories. That means having quality age grade systems feeding into the upper tier programs, strengthening the base with athletes that take rugby seriously and understand the culture and preparation involved in readying oneself for international honours. It doesn't happen overnight and commitment is essential.

Canada is an enormous country with two separate domestic seasons, these are the facts and they play a huge part in the obstacles that confront development. I am going to concentrate very hard to get people on the same page, working together to move our programs forward.

Ultimately its about the athlete and we need to do everything we can to make sure he/she is given the best opportunities to succeed. That goes for life and rugby, I firmly believe that better people make better players. That means we have to ensure a well rounded development process so they are physically and mentally prepared for whatever gets thrown at them. 

Thanks, Kenny. We know that even though now, you must see a far bigger picture, there always will be a little of The Tricolor left in that corner.  We know your passion and your desire to do your best.   ‘onya and the best of luck.

P.S. We would be remiss in not mentioning Jeff Williams as Kenny's partner in this new role.  Well deserved, Jeff. We have a sense that you will make a great team.