Vancouver, BC – written July 16, 2024 – In this blog article, we delve into the heart of the Vancouver Highlanders, bringing you an exclusive look at four of the team’s standout players, along with insights from the Head Coach, Tom Larisch, and the Co-Founder, Curry Hitchborn. From their training ground at the Capilano Rugby Club to the broader rugby landscape of Vancouver, we’ll explore the passion, dedication, and vision that drive these key figures in the team. Get ready to meet the people who are shaping the future of the Vancouver Highlanders and learn what it takes to excel in the world of rugby.
Exciting News! The Vancouver Highlanders will be playing against the German National Team “Schwarze Adler” (Black Eagles) on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 5 pm.
Tickets are on sale here: https://vancouverhighlanders.com/tickets/
Head Coach Tom LARISCH
Thomas Larisch grew up as the youngest of three siblings with a German father who was a prominent member of the Vancouver Alpen Club. It is no surprise that he supported the German National Football Team (Deutsche Fußballnationalmannschaft) in the European Championships this year.
Larisch began his sports career at Balmoral Elementary and continued playing soccer, rugby, and wrestling at Carson Graham Secondary School. He made a deal with his coach, Doug Barker, that he would return Carson Graham after graduating with a physical education degree from the University of Victoria.
After ten years at Carson Graham as an athletic director and head coach, Larisch transferred to Collingwood Secondary in Vancouver in 2015, where he is still a physical education teacher and senior rugby coach as of this article appearing on Westcoast German Media.
His parents came to Canada after World War II, and Larisch appreciated how Germans were accepted in the community. Larisch became involved in BC Soccer at first. At some point, he switched to rugby full-time. He has had an impressive sporting career spanning numerous teams and championships, including BC U18 rugby and stints with Capilano RFC and BC Bears.
On December 4, 2023, the Vancouver Highlanders made the following official announcement: “We are delighted to announce that the vastly experienced Tom Larisch will take the reins as head coach of Vancouver Highlanders for their inaugural season in the Rugby Players Challenge. Tom is a proven winner who is respected at all levels of the game in Canada. Welcome, Tom!”
“There’s a strong German presence here in Vancouver,” said Highlanders head coach Larisch. “We hope their passion for sport will help bring out a large crowd for our next match. BC Rugby has fallen behind, but we are hoping to try something different that will allow us to grow the Vancouver Highlanders as the only professional rugby team in Canada.”
James BISS
James Biss grew up in England with a Canadian father. He is currently a UBC student studying geography on a scholarship, having transferred from Durham University in 2022 for a change of scenery. Raised in Southeast London, Greenwich—a borough on the banks of the River Thames—it’s no surprise that he is supporting England in the European Championship final this Sunday, July 14th.
In January 2024, BC Rugby News announced, “James Biss Announced as 3rd Signing for Vancouver Highlanders.” Biss, excited about this new chapter, is hoping to continue playing on the Canadian Men’s National Team and perhaps pursue a career in sports broadcasting after retiring from playing. Additionally, he is interested in promoting sustainability in sports and sees this as a potential career path.
Biss is thrilled to be playing against the German Men’s National Rugby Team and is fascinated by the different styles of play in various countries, such as Germany and Brazil. He learned about the formation of the Vancouver Highlanders from his coach at UBC and was eager to be part of this initiative. His interest in languages adds another layer of excitement when playing against teams that use German or Portuguese.
He loves the mountains and oceans in Vancouver and also spent two years in Victoria, BC. Biss hopes to see many Canadians and Canadian families come out to watch the game on July 20th. According to his bio on the Vancouver Highlanders website, Biss credits rugby with shaping him into the person he is today. He also hopes to give back to the community by coaching or tutoring kids.
Don’t miss the chance to see James Biss and the Vancouver Highlanders in action. Bring your friends and family to support them on July 20th!
Karl HUNGER
Karl Hunger is a proud member of the Vancouver Highlanders, hailing from Montreal. His first language is French, but he also has roots in Germany through his grandfather from Forst-Lausitz, a small town in Brandenburg near the Polish border. Forst-Lausitz was once famous for its thriving textile industry, which began with the opening of the first cloth factory in 1821. However, the industry declined rapidly after World War II and the fall of the Berlin Wall, leading to the abandonment of all factories by 1990.
Hunger is a devoted supporter of Bayern Munich, with his favorite player being Bastian Schweinsteiger. He also admires the style of Manuel Neuer, the acclaimed goalkeeper. With Germany out of the European Championship, Hunger is now cheering for Spain in the final match on Sunday, July 14th, 2024.
Professionally, Hunger is an intervention worker dedicated to helping the homeless and marginalized through an organization called Ricochet. The Ricochet Centre is the only homeless shelter between Montreal’s Verdun borough and the town of Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec. The organization supports the homeless population via a shuttle service that provides food, mail, and supplies. Additionally, Hunger works one-on-one with clients, assisting them with tasks such as applying for medical cards or obtaining driver’s licenses. He aspires to become a psychologist.
Hunger moved to Vancouver just two months ago to play for the Highlanders and plans to stay for the summer. He is excited about the opportunity to play against the German Men’s National Rugby Team, recognizing them as strong players. He believes the key to victory lies in wearing them down over the 80 minutes of play.
He enjoys meeting new people, especially those who share his values. He believes that rugby club members who play, laugh, bleed, and drink together forge strong bonds and create a formidable team.
Before joining the Highlanders, Hunger played in the Major League Rugby (MRL) for the Dallas Jackals in Texas. He lived in Fort Worth and played in Arlington, where the Dalls Cowboys play their games. Hunger brings a wealth of experience and a passionate spirit to the Highlanders, making him a valuable addition to the team.
The Dallas Jackals are a professional rugby team that plays at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Jackals are members of Major League Rugby. The team has played in Dallas/Fort Worth since 2022. More information is available at www.dallasjackals.com.
Hayden MULGREW
Hayden Mulgrew hails from Waitoa, New Zealand, located in the Waikato region on the North Island. Before moving to Canada, he had never seen snow. Arriving on December 1st, 2023, Mulgrew has taken up a landscaping job and works part-time as a bartender at Bagheera, a hidden cocktail bar inside the fictional Happy Valley Turf Club betting shop at 518 Main Street.
Mulgrew’s love for rugby began at a young age, around 3 or 4 years old, as his entire family are fans of the sport. Seeking a change of scenery, he came to Canada to play rugby. He felt very supported by Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, which facilitated his transition by picking him up from the airport and providing a host family.
Currently in his third year of studying Kinesiology, Mulgrew’s coursework is mostly online. He is also enjoying placements in rehabilitation clinics in Vancouver. One of the biggest shocks for him upon moving here was the high cost of farm-fresh food, having grown up on a dairy farm in New Zealand. Additionally, he noted that tipping waitstaff is not customary in New Zealand, whereas in Vancouver, tips can range from 20 to 30%, especially since the pandemic affected the restaurant industry.
Mulgrew supports England in the European Championship and has enjoyed watching games at the Dublin Calling Pub on Granville Street. He also loves playing golf and has visited Whistler and Wreck Beach. However, Tofino and Hawaii remain on his bucket list, as surfing is another of his passions.
Mulgrew encourages fans to watch the Vancouver Highlanders’ games and follow their social media accounts. Mulgrew is very excited to play against Germany on July 20th and looks forward to the continued support of the community.
Jake THIEL
Jake Thiel’s rugby journey is steeped in family tradition and national pride. One of the most exciting facts about Jake is that he is a twin to Joshua Thiel, and both of their parents were accomplished rugby players. Their father, John Thiel, earned 44 caps for Canada’s national side between 1998 and 2008, which included appearances in three Rugby World Cups. Their mother, Jen Ross, also represented the national team in two Women’s Rugby World Cups.
“Josh and Jake grew up around the National men’s team and professional players in France, England, and Wales,” says Jen Ross. “They experienced the ups and downs of being Canadian players overseas. I remember when we returned to Canada, Josh’s school teacher asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up, and he answered, ‘a professional rugby player.'”
Jake Thiel recently retired from the National 7 Rugby Team, six years after debuting with the Canadian Sevens team at the 2018 Sevens Series tournament in Sydney. He made his Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2022, where Canada advanced to the quarterfinals. Now, he is channeling his passion for the sport into coaching and growing the game in Canada, particularly with the Vancouver Highlanders. His dream remains to elevate Canadian rugby to professional levels.
Thiel is eagerly anticipating the match against the German National Team, hoping it becomes an annual tradition. “This team is at a higher level, and playing against them will test our mettle. It’s a great honor,” he says. Jake is inspired by his family’s legacy of coaching at the grassroots level. “My family has been involved in coaching for years. After their respective international careers ended, my parents moved into coaching. I’m excited to follow in their footsteps and continue to grow the game in Canada. I want to help challenge our current youth players to become some of the best in the world.”
Jake Thiel’s impressive rugby career includes:
– First cap in January 2018
– 151 games for Canada
– 39 tournaments
– 29 tries
– Olympic Rugby 7s
– Now a member of the Vancouver Highlanders
In addition to playing, Thiel serves as a Forwards Specialist Coach for the MacDowell Rugby Club. The MacDowell Rugby Academy is a school-based program where students can earn phys-ed and leadership credits towards their high school diploma.
Jake encourages everyone to buy a ticket and show their support for the July 20th game at Burnaby Lake. “After the game, we’ll most likely have dinner with our German counterparts to build community and solidify our relationships,” he adds.
Thiel’s commitment to rugby, both on and off the field, promises to inspire future generations and strengthen the sport’s presence in Canada.
Get your tickets today!
https://vancouverhighlanders.com/tickets
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