An Inside Look at the Vancouver Highlanders Rugby Team
North Vancouver, BC – written July 16, 2024 – I recently had the pleasure of interviewing four remarkable players and the Head Coach from the Vancouver Highlanders Rugby team on their training field at the Capilano Rugby Club. The experience was both enlightening and inspiring, providing a deep dive into the world of rugby and the personal journeys of these dedicated athletes. Rugby is more than just a sport; it is a powerful tool for personal development, offering numerous benefits to those who embrace its challenges.
Through my conversations with the players, three key reasons stood out on how rugby helps develop a person and why it is such a valuable pursuit. Firstly, rugby fosters teamwork and camaraderie, teaching players the importance of working together towards a common goal. Secondly, it instills discipline and resilience, as the physical and mental demands of the sport require a high level of commitment and perseverance. Lastly, rugby promotes physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, encouraging individuals to stay active and maintain their well-being.
As the Highlanders gear up for their next big match, I encourage you to come out and support these incredible athletes. Bring your friends and family and make a day of it on Saturday, July 20th, 2024. It promises to be an exciting and unforgettable experience for all!
The Highlanders were registered as a club in November 2023, distinguishing themselves from other clubs in Canada by choosing not to play in any of B.C. Rugby’s leagues. Instead, they will operate during rugby’s traditional off-season in the summer. Players who sign on will be guided to play for local clubs during the regular B.C. season. The Highlanders intend to play most of their games at local rugby fields, creating a carnival-like off-field atmosphere — think food trucks and the vibe of Vancouver Canadians baseball games — which will travel with them.
This summer, the Highlanders will compete in the Rugby Players’ Challenge, guided by 10 “commitments” which they will seek out from potential opponents. The Vancouver Highlanders kicked off their Rugby Players Challenge Summer Series against the Canada Selects, with a reserve group who played against Barbados in the second match of a double-header at the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. They won both games!
Financial backing for the club comes from local businessman Ralph McRae, who enlisted former UBC Thunderbirds Head Coach Curry Hitchborn to assemble a staff, roster, and fixture list. The end result is five matches against international competition and a 25-man senior squad largely populated by domestic talent with Canada rep experience ranging from U18 to test level.
Tom Larisch has been handed Head Coach duties. Larisch, a former BC provincial player and coach, was joined by Bill Chamberlain, who provides defensive expertise. Chamberlain was an assistant coach alongside Hitchborn with the Canada U18 side that traveled to Amsterdam last year.
With such a strong foundation and an exciting vision for the future, the Vancouver Highlanders are poised to make a significant impact on the rugby scene. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this dynamic team in action and support their journey.
Buy your tickets today! https://vancouverhighlanders.com/tickets/
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