Feb 2024 Snr Women’s update

As the spring season unfolds, the Bayside Women’s Senior Rugby Team is eagerly preparing for the next five weeks of intense competition. The past weeks have seen the Bayside Women Senior Rugby Team ramping up their training sessions, focusing on refining their techniques, enhancing teamwork, and building on their physical endurance. The coaching staff has been meticulously crafting strategies to outmaneuver their opponents, ensuring that the team is well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. The support from friends, family, and local fans continues to serve as a driving force for us. The upcoming matches provide a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, cheer us on and celebrate the spirit of rugby. Stay tuned for more updates and mark your calendars for the upcoming matches. Go Bayside!

Snr Women’s 2023 Wrap Up

Our first half of the season has been a wild ride, a bit like a thrilling Netflix series—full of twists, turns, and some moments where you just can't help but laugh.

Kicking off with the gusto of a team destined for greatness, the women sprinted into the season with two victories against Kamloops and SFU which had our opponents seeing stars. Picture this: us, charging down the field like caffeinated cheetahs, leaving our rivals in the dust. It was the chef's kiss perfection.

However, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn't it? Cue the dramatic music as we encountered our version of a plot twist—with four losses in a row., each game proved to be its own battle. It was a bit like slipping on a banana peel while trying to look cool. Yet, amidst the occasional stumble, our team stood tall and didn't lose our sense of humor or determination.

But hey, what's rugby without a bit of banter and camaraderie, right? Our team spirit stayed high, even if our winning streak took a temporary hiatus. We've bonded like a mismatched group of characters in a sitcom—different personalities, but when the going gets tough, we were all in it together.

As we prepare during the winter break and set our sights on the next half, we're armed with wisdom, determination, and a quirky playbook of lessons learned. Think of us as the underdog heroes ready to turn the tide—like those characters you're secretly rooting for in a sports movie.

So, buckle up, because the second half promises to be more exhilarating than a popcorn-fueled movie night. We're set to unleash our new and improved strategies (thanks to our charismatic coaches, Rob and Trevor), with a sprinkle of humour (thanks to the backs) and a truckload of grit (thank you forwards). Get ready for some rugby shenanigans and spectacular plays that'll leave you cheering louder than a stadium full of enthusiastic fans. (Stay tuned for our full schedule)

Here's to more laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments as we dive headfirst into the remainder of the season. The script might've had a few surprises, but the best chapters are yet to come. Let's Go Sharks

Bayside Sharks Senior Women Update

Hold onto your scrum caps because the women’s program is back in action, and we’ve got some thrilling updates for you! Picture this: our fall campaign kicked off with not one, but two pre-season games against Abbotsford RFC and Simon Fraser University RFC. It was like a rugby rollercoaster, with more twists and turns than a muddy field after a rainstorm.

Now, let’s talk results. Against Abbotsford, well, we’ll call it a “learning experience” as we walked away with just one loss. But when it came to Simon Fraser University, we showed them that we’re not just rugby players; we’re rugby magicians, pulling off a big win that left them scratching their heads.

Our practices started back in early August, and let me tell you, they’ve been like boot camp for unicorns – magical! We’ve welcomed some fresh faces to the team, and a few old-timers decided to dust off their boots after a brief vacation. Shoutout to those superwomen who became moms and then decided to return to the field; you’re our real MVPs!

Coaching-wise, we’re still under the expert guidance of Rob Verrelli and Trevor France. The continuity in coaching has been smoother than a perfectly executed pass. This year, we’ve decided to focus on our Division 1 team and skip the second-team shenanigans. What does that mean? More depth in positions than in a submarine, and players dancing around the field like nobody’s business.

So, as we gear up for the regular season, get ready for some more rugby magic. We’re not just chasing tries; we’re chasing dreams, both on and off the field.

Stay tuned for more action, laughs, and maybe a few accidental mudslides – it’s all part of the fun!

Join the team

Women’s Program Update

The women’s season has come to a close. After a hard fought battle against UBC, our only team in playoffs has taken a loss in Quarter finals.
It has been an incredible season of growth, wether it be fielding two teams and welcoming some OG players back, adding more coaches to our roster, gelling and supporting each other like never before, and bringing in new sharks to the family. It has been a season to remember.
The women would like to thank everyone who has supported them this year, from near and far.
We our looking expand our roster the next season, anyone interested can contact Chantalle Bracken at Chantalle.bracken13@gmail.com

Summer Touch Rugby Registration is Finally OPEN

Summer Touch Rugby Registration is Finally OPEN
July 5 – August 11
(Free program)

Bayside RFC is excited to roll out its Touch Rugby League for Summer 2022. The Summer Touch Rugby League will offer players of all skill levels and genders a fast-paced game of touch rugby to develop skills, build on fitness and continue to evolve as Rugby Players.  

This isn’t just a game of touch before practice.  The program will use international touch rules and feature set teams, rolling subs, and everything else a proper league should have!

The mission of this program is to:

– To include all skill levels, ages, and genders opportunities to play alongside each other.  

– To attract new players (touch or contact), social members, and supporters and build a rugby community of fun, fitness, and friendship.

– To offer a proper touch rugby product that is more than just a pre-practice warmup game

– To foster the values and camaraderie that rugby is synonymous with a non-contact, safe, and fun version of the sport.

– To reunite old friends, and make new ones!

Registration is FINALLY Open – Free Program

  • Summer touch Rugby offered at Bayside RFC fields at South Surrey AthleticPark fields 1&2: July 5th – Aug 11th (Nights)
    • JUNIOR BOYS / GIRLS Touch Rugby League; 
      Starts Tuesday, July 5th
      Recommended for Grades 7-9, Grades 10-12: TUESDAYS *6:30-7:30 pm on Grass
    • COED COMPETITIVE Touch Rugby League:
      Starts Thursday, July 7th
      Recommended for Ages 17+ THURSDAYS 7:30-8:30 pm on SSAP Grass #1&2
    • COED SOCIAL incl Masters and Newbies Touch Rugby League:
      Starts Thursday, July 7th
      Recommended for Ages 17+ – THURSDAYS 6:30-7:30 pm on Grass

Register for Summer Touch Rugby:

Complete the following registration form. This program is now free to participate:

[forminator_form id=”3225″]
Bayside Summer Touch Rugby registration is NOW Open!

PRCs are Back

The PRCs are back this year! The 2022 Pacific Regional Championships is a regional rugby championship tournament hosted at UBC over the July long weekend (July 1, 2, 3). Bayside, Britt Lions, and Richmond RFC clubs make up the Vancouver Rugby Unions, Vancouver South Region. The VRU Van South Teams will be made up of 3 Boys and 3 Girls teams competing in U14 (Grade 7-8), U16 (Grade 9-10), and U18 (Grade 11-12) age grade categories. Please note the PRC tournament is open to all players…not just Club players. 

The VRU Van South teams will be conducting tryouts and players will be selected to play on the teams. All players will need to come to the selection tryouts/practices prepared and focused on competing to be selected for the various teams. The start-up and practice dates for each team along with several other details are located on the attached poster. Further info and link to Pre-Register: PRC pre-registration (Free to register and tryout)

Bayside Summer Rugby Registration is Now OPEN!

  • Summer Rugby offered at Bayside: June 22nd – Sept 2nd
    • Minis Coed Touch Rugby: Grades K-7 – Tues 6-7pm on Grass – $50 for new players ($35 for players returning from Fall session)
    • Junior Girls Touch Rugby League: Grades 8-9, Grades 10-11 – Tues *7-8pm on SSAP Grass #1&2 – $70 for new players ($55 for players returning from Fall session)
    • SOLD OUT – Coed Touch Rugby League: (Recommended Ages 17-34) – Thurs 7-8pm on SSAP Grass #1&2 – $75 for new players ($60 for players returning from the Fall session)
    • SOLD OUT – Coed Masters and Newbies Touch Rugby League: (Recommended Ages 35+) – Thurs 6-7pm on Grass – $75 for new players ($60 for players returning from the Fall session)
    • *Junior Boys: Grades 8-11- offered a 3 day training camp Wednesdays’ June 23-July 7th 6-7pm on Grass fields *(No touch league offered for Junior Boys at this time) $25 for New players ($10 for players returning from the fall session)
  • IMPORTANT: for players returning from our Fall program – after selecting the program you wish to sign up for and selecting next, you will be asked to login. Once you login, you will need to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click the RED “Add/Renew” button. Do not click on “Upgrade / Reactivate” – you are not upgrading or reactivating your profile. If your subtotal charge shows less than $10 you have incorrectly completed the registration. You will not be insured and we will not be able to enter you onto a team. Please return to the start and redo. Don’t click the “Upgrade / Reactivate” button…
  • Updated Final league times & schedules will be posted as team numbers & registrations are finalized. Times are subject to changes due to demand. 
  • To register – Go to http://reg.sportlomo.com/rugbycanada – Follow the instructions to register. Choose BC as Province and then choose Club “Bayside”. Select the product you wish to register for. Click Register. Create a new account if new to rugby…or… Login if you’re a returning player (Once you login, you will need to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click the red “Add/Renew” button). You will receive an automatic email confirmation once registration is completed successfully.

Membership Update – Covid19 Season Suspension/Spring Update

Dear Bayside Rugby Family,

On behalf of the Bayside Rugby Club, we want to wish all of our members and their families health and happiness as we go through these challenging times. If there are no other positives, hopefully you at least get some extra time to stay home with your immediate family and appreciate those closest to you. In these uncertain times, we thought it important to reach out and provide clarity to our members on all things Bayside and how we are moving forward.  Also, see what it takes to start a closet design franchise for your home!

Covid-19 Response:

As the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic became very clear very quickly, we decided to suspend all rugby activities on March 12. The league and national union soon officially did the same, suspending, then eventually cancelling the season, and all rugby indefinitely. This was devastating for all of our players and volunteers who put endless hours into having a successful season play out. Senior players were a few games away from the playoffs, and our Minis were just getting into the swing of the jamboree portion of their season. 

Unfortunately this appears to be our new normal with no clear end in sight. The most recent messaging from Rugby Canada is that the indefinite suspension will be reviewed no later than June 30. Until a revision to this position has been published, no rugby will be played at Bayside. No practices, informal touch games, or anything of the sort. We are all champing at the bit to return, but in the grand scheme of things, our inability to play must take a backseat to the needs of our healthcare workers and our vulnerable. Please ensure your friends, club-mates and kids understand that while a game of touch with your friends may seem innocent, at this point it’s irresponsible. We encourage everyone to stay in shape and we will continue to post multiple workouts per week through some of the amazing trainers affiliated with our club. Personally, they’ve been the one thing keeping me from becoming one with my couch. We are still planning as if we will be able to run our Summer 7s and PNW Old Boys touch tournament with the SOBs, both scheduled for August. There is just no way of knowing at this point whether that is a realistic possibility, but we continue to plan for these events in case they can be held. 

In these tough times, we must remember that we have an extremely strong community unit. Never hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is having a tough time, and hopefully we can make the right connection. Look for the Bayside Community Assistance Facebook page if you are interested in helping, or know someone who might need a hand getting groceries, running errands, or anything else in these difficult times. We have been amassing a list of local businesses open and needing your support to publish on our social channels in the coming days. Please reach out if you would like to be included. Our local businesses are our sponsors and our members. They support us when things are good, so we need to support them now when things aren’t. 

Credits/Refunds:

We understand that for a lot of people, their rugby dues are one of their larger purchases for the year. We strive to keep dues as low as possible and offer maximum value. For the majority of members, their season was cut short. We have taken a hard look and are simply unable to return this money. Much of our fundraising efforts over the past year have been refocused towards the field house (after knowing what is best among metal roof vs shingles), and we are operating at tighter margins as a result. As much of our costs are fixed and front-loaded, and our typical fundraising parties and pub nights also have to be cancelled, we can’t make the numbers work and return the Bayside portion of your rugby dues. Start fundraising with dugnad idrettslag sports and more.

For those who signed up for the Spring season and only received a few weeks of play, we will be crediting $50 off of next year’s dues. If you are in a position of hardship, please reach out to us about refunding this amount and connecting you with community resources by sending me an email to president@baysiderfc.com. We wish we could offer better, but this is our current financial reality.

BC Rugby will be offering partial refunds for their portion of the dues to those who registered for Mini Rugby. If you have not been contacted directly, you can contact Marga Sison at msison@bcrugby.com or phone 604-737-3065. They have confirmed that no Sr players who have played any rugby will be awarded a refund.

Rugby Canada has confirmed that their portion of the dues will only be refunded to members in cases where no Rugby was played, including practices or games. This likely does not apply to anyone, but if it does, you can apply through www.Sportlomo.com via your membership profile.

Field House Development: 

Construction continues on the base build of our clubhouse project, with the construction of the deck addition beginning next week. This is one of the final critical path elements that once completed will allow crews to complete the siding, windows, and finish the base build of the project. This will allow the washrooms and changerooms to open below. Siding can make a huge difference, if done by the right people. Go check out
sidingnorfolkva.com for now!

The hard work is just beginning for the Club, as the next phase is our Tenant Improvement on the upper floor for our club multi-purpose space. We are within weeks of receiving our Building Permit for these works, and at that point we will be able to begin upgrades to the inside. Next week, we will be sending out a more detailed history of the project, the steps left to complete, and details of our financial situation. We still have a lot of work to do financially to be able to afford to build our new home properly. We understand that this is not the easiest time to raise funds as many feel the economic impact of the Covid shutdown, but we have to forge ahead so that we can finish this project and realize the dream and efforts of generations of Bayside Sharks.

Bayside AGM:

This is typically the time of year that we announce a date for our AGM sometime in May. We are reviewing different ways to hold our Annual General Meeting under the current circumstances. Likely, we will need to hold this online and devise a system of remotely voting for open positions. Once this has been confirmed, we will provide 1 months notice to all as to the timing and venue, virtual or otherwise. 

Thank you all for your understanding and for your continued devotion to the Bayside Rugby Club. We are determined to adapt to whatever the coming months bring, and continue building this club into one of the top rugby clubs in the Lower Mainland. 

Stay safe, stay home, and stay HUNGRY for the return of Rugby!

Sincerely, 

Kevin Whitmarsh

President, Bayside RFC

president@baysiderfc.com