Rees Honoured

In a wonderful evening, celebrating all that is good about rugby, CW’s Gareth Rees was honoured prematurely to his upcoming induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. The evening was well attended including a “who’s who” of Rugby Canada – past and present; ex-team mates; family; coaches; friends and local club members. A great video of Gareth’s career highlights was shown. After an introduction by club president, Don Swainson, brother-in-law, Spenny Robinson took the mike to M.C. with a measure of humour, roast, seriousness and respect. Garth then entertained a series of questions from Twitter and the floor and answered all with, thought, emotion and his own brand of humor. Topics ranged from a 35 year old, Elementary School 4 X 100, 9 yr. olds relay record that still exists in Victoria schools; career highlights; disliked and respected opposition and state of the game. Gareth was humble, respectful and grateful with his responses. One of his responses relating to the future of the game, included a guarded sense of the physicality and loss of space with organised defences; “space needs to be gained, perhaps by reducing the size of a team by two players”, certainly food for thought.

Notable guests; family, Gil, Alun, Jane and Dariel; CRU President, Pat Aldous; IRB Rep, Tom Jones; RC NSMT Coach, Kieran Crowley; RC’s General Manager Mike Chu; former coaches of Gareth’s, Gary Johnston and Dave Docherty, former Men’s Captains, Mark Wyatt and Pat Riordan; school mates, Andrew Heamon, Bud Patel (Brentwood Principal), Barnabus Clarke and Nick Grant; John Lyall, President V.I.R.U. etc. At the end of the evening, President Don gifted Gareth with a wonderfully framed and subscribed “action” photo, along with a glass encased rugby ball signed by all present. Gareth concluded with his sincere thanks to all assembled, specifically, the clubhouse, the place of his roots. A great night, celebrating a great man and our great game. ‘Onya, Gar! "Thanks for the memories".