Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

May 14, 2014 Posted in Canada Rugby / CW Rugby / Fifteens / News / Rugby Club / Sevens / Victoria BC

We kick off today's news with our best wishes to the NSWT Sevens, playing the IRB final leg tournament in Amsterdam this weekend. The ladies, looking to retain their current third place standing, find themselves in with England, Brazil and hosts, The Netherlands. We will keep tuned for their results - go, girls, go!

Speaking still, of Sevens. We query; "What price citizenship?" This, after spotting an article at Rugby Heaven website about Australian Sevens. The article is regarding the availabilty of Aussie players for the upcoming Commonwealth Games team. We quote;

"Just 70 days out from the start of the Glasgow campaign, the ARU is in a race against time to make sure Tongan-born rising star Afa Pakalani can play in the Australian jersey. The New Zealand-raised winger, who spent two seasons at the Waratahs, was signed by the sevens side a year ago but had to undergo a knee reconstruction before making his debut in March. With "a starting seven all sitting in Australia", according to outgoing coach Michael O'Connor, Pakalani's seven tries across four tournaments was a crucial contribution to the team's rally late in this year's world series. But the 24-year-old is not yet an Australian citizen and must be by the time the squad goes to Glasgow. He is not the only player battling a mountain of paperwork to make the Games. New Zealand-born Pama Fou, a sevens regular since switching from representative volleyball to rugby five years ago, has only just gained Australian citizenship. And newcomer Allan Fa'alava'au, New Zealand-born and one of a small handful of the side's world class players, is not only out of contention until October because of a shoulder reconstruction but also not yet a citizen."

Those Kiwis and Aussies sure make things difficult....perhaps we should ask; "What price gold?"

("Jab" in action for NSMT) For Your Calendar.... Canada's NSMT play Japan at Swanguard Stadium on Saturday, 7th June at 6:00 p.m. We have not heard of any buses going from the Island but will keep an ear to the ground. Making your own way would make it difficult to return on the 9:00 p.m. ferry....a point taken for Rugby Canada, perhaps not taking into account a strong Island support contingent. Parochial but true. One would think that as big a crowd as possible should be mustered for it has been yonks since we have seen a Test on the west coast.

A CW Apology - to JBAA. We note you have won 25, not 24 Rounsefell Cups...'onyouse!

CW Play Visiting Team from Bedlinog.

On Tuesday May 20^th, Bedlinog Rugby Football Club (Bedlinog RFC) arrives at Windsor Park in Oak Bay to take on the Castaway Wanderers Rugby Football Club (CWRFC) and play on the home turf of rugby legend Gareth Rees. Bedlinog RFC, a Welsh side on a North American Tour, specifically targeted CWRFC as a priority destination given our deep connection to Wales. Few players are as idolized in Wales as much as our very own Gareth Rees, former Team Canada Captain. Bedlinog RFC can hardly contain their excitement about the prospect of playing on Gareth’s home pitch.

“For many of us growing up as young rugby players, Gareth was a tremendous source of pride and admiration,” said Toni Wiltshire of Bedlinog RFC. To visit Canada and play on his home pitch is truly something special for all of us involved, many of whom have named their children after the legend that patrolled the pastures of Newport RFC for so many years.” Gareth’s Welsh heritage is something he’s long been proud of. In fact, his father Alun Rees was born less than 30 km from Bedlinog. His remarkable playing career included the opportunity to play from 1993 to 1996 in Wales for Newport RFC scoring over 600 points.

Gareth is equally excited about a Welsh touring side visiting Victoria to compete against his home club and expects it will be an experience they won’t soon forget. “I’m delighted Bedlinog RFC will get to experience our famous CW hospitality,” said Gareth Rees. It is great for me to know that the Welsh people who were so supportive of me , Rod Snow and other Canadians in our pro rugby careers over the years will get to play our great game at Windsor Park.”

“Castaway Wanderers RFC are proud to host Bedlinog and ensure their tour is a special one,” said Matt Gordon, event organizer and executive member of Castaway Wanderers RFC. This is a special opportunity to celebrate the connection between our two countries through the best sport on earth.”

Kickoff of this rugby friendly is Tuesday, May 20^th, 6pm at 2451 Windsor Rd, Oak Bay, BC. No charge for rugby fans from across the city to come cheer on CW and our guests from Bedlinog, Wales.

HOWARD RUSSELL CUP. This venerable trophy casts back to 1876. Missed the game but congratulate The Barbs (OBHS) on their one sided victory over Spectrum...heard it was a bunch to a bagel. 'onya, Barbs!