Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

September 11, 2024 Posted in Sevens / Canada Rugby / CW Rugby / Giving Back / Men's Reserve Div / Prems / Rugby Club / Victoria BC / News / Juniors / Community / Fifteens / NSMT / Clinics / NSWT / Senior Women / Boys U18 / Boys U16 / Boys U14 / Senior Men / Boys Rugby

Last weekend saw the return of rugby to CW. Coach Ken Goodland took his senior men to MacDonald Park on Saturday where the two clubs, (JBAA) had a good run out. The afternoon started with two thirty-minute periods of full contact. This was followed by specific opposed work with separated backs and forwards. The afternoon concluded with further full-team contact. It was a high-spirited day with plenty of ‘run and gun’ action and even some ‘argie-bargie’! Both clubs had some of their senior players suited up with several new lads and even some raw beginners on show. The afternoon concluded with some pitchers and dogs, even the traditional Boat race. Thanks to the Bays for hosting. Congratulations to both coaches – Beukeboom and Goodland for the concept as clubs seek to keep up with the advantage that UVic and the Pride have, beneficiaries of the Coastal Cup competition.

This coming Saturday there will be a repeat performance at Westshore RFC, at Juan de Fuca. League play commences on September 28th, with First Division travelling to Port Alberni and the Premiers hosting Meralomas. Go, CW!

Sunday saw our Age Grade boys, U14 – U18 partake in a pre-season “camp”. It was a full-day session with clinicians representing a Who’s Who of Canadian coaching talent and International playing experience. The morning session saw Hubert Bydens (50 caps and Pacific Pride and Vancouver Highlanders coach); Doug Wooldridge (23 caps and past CW player and coach); Dr Michael Smith (4 caps and former San Diego MLR player); Liam Chisholm (6 caps and former CW captain); and John Humphries (current, leading CW player), put the boys through scrummaging and lineout techniques as well as play at the breakdown. Brandon Gerhardt (U18 coach and current CW player) and Olly Winser (Assistant Vikes women’s coach), put the backs through their paces with work on alignment and attack and kicking skills and the place of kicking in team patterns. WOW!

LUNCH BREAK – pizza for all and brickbats to Junior Boys Director for underestimating appetites!

The afternoon session saw Johno provide a little club history and talk about playing for Ceedub; coach Goodland talk about what is needed to transition to the men’s program. Scott Manning (UVic Vikings & former CW men’s coach) talk about the University pathway and what is needed and expected to get there and finally, Jack Hanratty (NSWT 7’s Silver Medalist’s coach), gave a presentation on mindset and a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to win an Olympic silver medal! AND WOW, AGAIN!

Well done, all. This kind of coaching is what it will take for Canada’s NSMT to return to its former position of respect and competitiveness in the world order. Thanks to the players and your feedback on the day, including things that you learned. It was very valuable – spread the CW word. Massive thanks to the coaches, many of whom had worn the Tricolors during a stage of their club playing careers, for your time and concise explanations. Finally, to Brandon Gerhardt. Thanks for your vision and time and effort to coordinate such an All-Star lineup of clinicians. What a start to the coming season. Go, CW!

OTHER NEWS

Congratulations to players who represented the club at the recent Westshore Sevens. The boys won the Plate Final.

WOMEN’S WXVI LONG LIST

In preparation for upcoming world class women’s rugby, coach Rouet has assembled a very strong group of ladies. CW is proud to announce the following players with club connection; Caroline Crossley, Gabby Senft, Julia Schell, Karen Paquin (currently with Club de Quebec) and Olivia Apps (home club, Lindsay RFC). The competition opens with Canada taking on France on Sunday 29th September at BC Place.