Wednesday's Ruck & Maul

February 18, 2026 Posted in News / Victoria BC / Rugby Club / Prems / Giving Back / CW Rugby / Canada Rugby / B.C. Rugby / RWC / Community / Refereeing / Senior Women / Senior Men

NOTABLE ALUMNI IN THE HOUSE

JULLIANNE ZUSSMAN

'Zuss’ has been honored with the refereeing pinnacle of her trade. This week’s announcement from World Rugby that Julianne will be the Woman-in-the-Middle for two upcoming matches in the Pacific Four Series on 11/4, USA vs NZ, and 17/4, USA vs AU, is monumental. In this pundit’s opinion, it is very deserved. Julianne was a mainstay for CW in their inaugural 2015 – 66 season, having transferred from Westshore with Britt Waters and going on to win the BCRU Premier Championship with CW in their first season. How can one forget that memorable final a decade ago?

Following her playing days, when she was selected for three RWC’s and earning Dream Team status in 2014, she took up the whistle and soon rose to the top echelon in BCRU men’s and women’s matches. In no time she earned selection for ‘Tier 2’ men’s and women’s international matches. Her knowledge of law and its application, her fitness and game management are obviously qualities that she has worked hard at and are always creditable. CW wishes her the best of luck in these two matches.

Hubert ‘Moose’/’Beardo’ Buydens. Hubert played his early rugby in Saskatchewan before joining up with CW. He earned 50 caps for Canada and played in three RWC’s – 2011, 2015 and 2019. He was a member of the widely popular ‘Canadian Beardos’ in 2011 – Jebb Sinclair and Adam Kleeberger, all players with CW, completing the trio. Hubert played professionally for Manawatu (NZ) when they won an NPC Championship. This Saturday he returns to the House as coach of the Pacific Pride.

Lauren Sargent came to CW team’s inaugural women’s program from Comox in the 2016 – 16 season. This diminutive, feisty and brave #9 was a force to be reckoned with. A former teammate summarizes Lauren, “a reliable, tenacious player who consistently out worked opponents, who always had fun, and was a positive presence on and off the field”. Lauren returned to Comox to work to coach and grow the game in a community that she loves. We hope to see her on Saturday when Comox bring their men’s and women’s Divvies teams to the House of Windsor.

‘The Don’ Swainson joined CW in 1989, at the inception of amalgamation and Jim Wenman was his coach. He soon left for Toronto but was lured back by the call of his native Victoria and immediately lent his shoulder to the CW grindstone, on and off the field. Don took over the presidential helm for two seasons, 2014 – 2016, leading the thrust of our inaugural women’s program. ‘The Don’ can always be described as a Doer. This season he has stepped to the plate as Director of Senior Men to cover some of the void left by Brent Johnson. He is noted for his passion for the game and our club, and he is not afraid of hard work. This role goes along with that of leading a thriving business. You can thank him on Saturday when you spot him around the ground or on the balcony.

LATE BREAKING

‘Nomad’ Jack hits the road again! CW’s best goes out to Jack Wallace as he carries the CW gospel to Te Rapa R.C., Hamilton N.Z. Wallace mentioned to this scribe some time back about his goal of playing for Canada. As I see it, Jack has many of the attributes necessary, although regularly playing the game at a faster pace would bolster his vitae. Where better to get this experience than New Zealand? Coach Meehan might well have taken a second look at his game clips after his tremendous work rate in a devastating cause against the Bays. Jack returned to CW in January for three games from the Ballina Seahorses in northern N.S.W. where his club, as huge underdogs, won their first Premiership in 18 years, with Jack notching a tally in the final. Good luck, Jack.

Also, on Saturday, AJ Kosemple will wear the Tricolors for the last time. AJ will be off to the storied Melbourne RFC, Victoria, Australia. AJ has stated his plans are then to return to Ontario after the season where he will put his teaching degree into action. Thanks to your contributions to the club, on and off the field for the past two seasons, AJ. Always remember the door will be open whenever you are in Victoria.

GO CW, ONE CLUB