I moved to Vancouver with my cousin (Jack Knights) and best friend (Rhys Redman) in 2017. I was 3 years out of university (Cardiff Met) and working as a rugby coach in a school in Bath (England). I had always wanted to experience living abroad and knew Jack and Rhys also wanted to, and so the three of us began looking into it. Our criteria were English speaking, skiing in the winter, road trips in the summer and of course, a rugby club to play for. Vancouver ticked all the boxes. I drafted an email explaining who we were and our intentions, and sent it to all of the rugby clubs in the Lower Mainland. Within an hour, I had a response. The response was from Andy Blackburn, Director of Rugby at Bayside Sharks, a club I had never heard of but would very soon become basically my entire life! Andy’s email suggested we should talk over the phone, and shortly after, I was having my first conversation with a future mentor and dear friend. When I picked up the phone, I was unexpectedly greeted by a thick Yorkshire accent. It turned out Andy had moved to Vancouver at a similar age to what I was at the time and had been living there ever since. After an hour on the phone talking all things British Columbia, White Rock and Bayside, I was hooked. As soon as I was off the phone with Andy, I called Jack and Rhys and explained the wheels were in motion, WE WERE MOVING TO WHITE ROCK TO PLAY FOR BAYSIDE SHARKS!

I could easily write a diary of the amazing 2 years that followed my arrival in Vancouver, but this testimonial would be the length of a novel. Instead, I will focus on four things;

1. the wider club, the people and the support we received from them,
2. The standard of rugby and my experience coaching the Bayside Senior Men’s programme,
3. travelling in North America and the countless memorable experiences I had.

Bayside is a truly special rugby club. It is more than a rugby club, it’s a community. Nothing speaks more to this than the countless people who helped us settle in to our new lives. Just to mention a few… Andy picked us up from the airport. The Sullivan family (Lee, Juliet, Kerri, Tom, Liam) let us stay in their family home rent free for the first month, fed us and generally showed us the lay of the land. Lee Sullivan, now known as ‘Uncle Lee’ also lent us his work truck for the entire first month and at any point we needed it during the next 2 years. Kev ‘Grandad’ Whitmarsh picked me up and took me to my first senior men’s training session, followed by a short ride post training to the 3 Dogs Micro Brewery, which became a place we regularly frequented and the owner Turtle/Turkish, another member of the Bayside community became a close friend and future housemate. Grandad Kev also took me to the Prestige Workshop at the end of my first week for post-work beers and pizza. Here I met the Thorpe Twins – Gunner and Zack, long time Bayside members and the life and soul of the club.

When it came to finding a house, Bayside’s best realtor Geof Cutler pointed us in the right direction an helped us find our first house, which became the unofficial club house and was known as ‘Ruckingham Palace’ or the ‘Palace’ for short.  When we moved into the Palace, it had zero furniture, but in true Bayside fashion we had the place furnished in a few weeks. Countless members donated furniture, people we had never met got in touch saying they could drop something off or we could pick something up. We had more sofas that we knew what to do with! Once we had settled in, a job was also provided by community members.

The above examples are just a fraction of the amazing members at Bayside. If you buy into the club, I promise you will get everything you put in and more back from this truly incredible community!

Nothing beats a home game-day at South Surrey Athletic Park, the home of the Bayside Sharks. Unlike rugby in England, where teams are often in different locations, we would regularly have huge club days, where all senior men’s and women’s teams were all playing at home. This often meant 4 to 6 games across the 2 pitches. Staggered kick off’s meant that by the time the men’s 1st XV or women’s 1st XV took the field a huge crowd had gathered on the bank to cheer the club on. On the field Men’s Division 1 Rugby is a good standard. For those of you from England, I would say it’s the physicality of National 3, combined with the skill level of London 1 or another regional equivalent. If you want to see a flavour of Div 1 rugby, click the link to see a try Bayside scored in my first season – https://www.rugbydump.com/news/fijian-flair-in-canadian-club-rugby-sets-up-speedster-out-wide/

The club is the perfect blend between old and new school. It preserves old rugby traditions, like sticking around beyond the full-time whistle for food with the opposition, awards and the infamous boat race. If you lose on the field you can always redeem your performance in the boat race! Going for beers post-Thursday training is a part of the session, everyone who trains goes for at least one drink. At the same time Bayside is very progressive rugby club. There is very little hierarchy in the club and huge equity between the men’s and women’s programme. Socially the men’s and women’s teams are one unit. The committee compared to a lot of English clubs has good representation from both genders as well as a combination of current and former players. There is also a positive connection between the 3 factions of the club; the SOB’s (old Boys), The Seniors and the Mini’s and Juniors. Its isn’t uncommon to see mini’s and juniors supporting the senior teams on a Saturday and then vice versa on a Sunday.

Bayside gave me the opportunity to coach the senior men’s programme after a couple of months in the country. I had coached a good standard previously in the UK, but had never coached senior men’s Rugby. Despite this, the club were willing to take a punt on me. We finished the season with the Div 1 team reaching the championship final and the Div 2 team reaching the semi-final. The following year we were able to go one better with the Men’s 1st XV winning the division 1 championship. I will be forever grateful to Bayside and all those involved in the senior men’s programme during my coaching tenure. This 2 years is without doubt the time period where I developed my craft as a young coach and is the reason I am now a full-time rugby coach of a top schools programme back in England.

Finally, my two years in Canada was packed with so many fun experiences and memories, most of which wouldn’t have happened without Bayside. I will list as many as I can below, hopefully they provide some inspiration for future generations of Bayside imports. These are in no particular order:

• First away trip to Kelowna. Staying in my first motel, plus a class night out at the Blue Gator and Liquid Zoo.
• Beers with the SOB’s at West Beach Bar and Grill on White Rock beach.
• Wings Wednesday at Sawbucks.
• Away trip to Vancouver Island to play Port Alberni. The bus trip back to the Ferry on a Yellow School bus was a first.
• My parents and sister coming over for Xmas. Its snowed.
• Bayside Boxing Day Touch Rugby and the whole club coming to the Palace afterwards for a party.
• Seeing Nickelback at Rogers Arena.
• Going to my first NHL Game – Vancouver Canucks.
• Going to down to Seatle and watching the Seahawks.
• Halloween party at the Filth (you will have to join the club to find out about this place).
• Going to Leavenworth for Octoberfest and joining the annual parade.
• My first ever Silly Sunday. A tradition brought over by the Aussies which still continues every year.
• Cycling the Galloping Goose Trail to Sooke Potholes on Vancouver Island.
• Watching England football matches at the British bar down town.
• Hosting breakfast and six nations games (6:30am KO) that turned into all-dayers.
• Playing for the import team in the Super Bowl Sunday Baby Back Rib Bowl.
• End of season tour to the Williams Lake Rugby competition. Still want to win a belt buckle one day.
• Going to BC place for the Vancouver 7s.
• The imports 7 week Xmas David Beckham Road trip through the Rockies. 12 Ski resorts in 7 weeks, including Banff and Yellowstone national parks!
• Rugby tour to Portland. What geos on tour stays on tour.
• Australia Day fancy dress parties.

The above are just a fraction of things I packed into my 2 years and it was all made possible because of Bayside. I absolutely love this club. If anyone asks me who my club is, I always say Bayside, because I owe the club and the people so much. I wouldn’t be leading the life I live now and I am so grateful for the experience I had and most importantly the friends I made.

Move to White Rock and play for the Sharks. It will be the best decision you ever make.

For anyone thinking of following in the footsteps of former imports like me, I am more than happy to chat. You can contact me at samedwardknights@gmail.com

Joining this rugby club has easily been one of the best decisions I’ve made. From day one, I was welcomed into a tight-knit, supportive community full of great people who genuinely care about each other—on and off the pitch.

The club has a fantastic social scene with regular events that make it easy to connect, unwind, and create lifelong friendships. The atmosphere is always buzzing, and let’s not forget the cheap pints that keep the post-match celebrations going strong!

Living in this area is a dream—an amazing location that offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and city convenience. And the rugby? Top-notch. The coaching is high quality, and the free gym sessions are a huge bonus for anyone serious about improving their game.

What really sets this club apart is the opportunity to give back. Coaching juniors has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s great to see the club investing in the next generation of players.

And if you’ve got the travel bug, the chance to explore beautiful British Columbia through rugby tours is unbeatable.

Whether you’re new in town, looking to get back into the game, or just searching for a great community, this club has it all.

Thinking of a gap year, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

Thinking of a gap year?

Joined for the rugby, stayed for the socials, survived because of the mild weather.

This club has it all: great coaching, free gym sessions (for pretending we lift), and a social calendar so full you’ll need a rest day just to recover from the hangovers. The community’s unreal—like a big dysfunctional family, but with more mud and fewer passive-aggressive texts.

Living here feels like cheating at life: beautiful location, barely any winter, and you can play rugby without freezing your studs off. Plus, coaching juniors is a great way to feel wise and important—until a 10-year-old steps you and scores.

In short: great vibes, great people, and more fun than you can shake a rugby boot at. Get involved—you’ll love it (and if not, at least you’ll have stories).

Thinking of a gap year?

If you’re looking for a rugby club that feels more like a family (but with less drama and way more bruises), this is the place. The people are unreal—in the best way—and whether you’re scoring tries or just trying not to trip over your own boots, you’re guaranteed to be cheered on like a World Cup legend.

Socials? Oh, we’ve got socials. From themed nights that make you question your wardrobe choices to post-match pints that somehow turn into breakfast, there’s never a dull moment. Come for the rugby, stay because you forgot how to leave the party.

Location-wise, we’ve hit the jackpot. We live where other people vacation. Beaches, mountains, and barely enough rain to justify owning an umbrella. Plus, the weather is so mild you can almost pretend you’re in a constant preseason. Almost.

On the field, the coaching is sharp, and the free gym sessions mean you can lift something heavier than your weekly grocery bag without paying extra. And if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a wise rugby wizard passing down knowledge to young Padawans, there are loads of chances to coach juniors.

So, if you’re after great rugby, great people, and the occasional questionable decision at a costume party—get involved. You won’t regret it (except maybe the day after a social… but that’s what brunch is for).

I have played for Bayside for 3 seasons and coming to Canada to play for this club has been my best decision. The club is family-orientated with a large youth section so the chance to help coach the next generation is there, which I highly suggest. Training is 2 times a week with a free CrossFit session to help improve fitness through the season. The standard of rugby is good, we have 2 teams both of which have featured in finals during my time here. The main reason why I am certain you would love the club as much as I do is the boys you play with and the people you will meet, some of which will become friends for life.

Up the shark!

Since making the move over the pond to play for Bayside, I’ve felt nothing but comfortable and very happy with the decision. It’s a very welcoming club which is heading in the right direction on the field. From the players to the supporters, every single one of them will do anything to make the transition as easy as possible for the overseas players.
The culture around the club is one of the best I’ve been a part of, whether that be events, coaching or Thursday touch rugby.
I’ve been very lucky to do some coaching since I arrived, helping the U18 boys for Bayside and also coaching the U18’s south Vancouver side. By doing this it paid for my playing fees and also get some of the young fellas to come up and play senior rugby. I love Bayside as a whole and am hoping to be here for a long time to come.

FINS UP.

I moved to Bayside from Australia at the end of 2022. Leading up to my move I was instantly supported by multiple people in the club who helped me with my Visa process, accommodation, and a place to work when I got here. I was overwhelmed with the amount of support I received from the Bayside members who made me feel at home as soon as I landed. Since the club finished the development of their clubhouse, it has become clear to me that the future is bright. With the quality of Rugby we are producing, and the amount of current and young talent around the club, it’s only a matter of time before Bayside becomes a powerhouse of BC Rugby. 2 years later I am still fully committed to Bayside. The club, my teammates, and other members are the primary reasons why I am looking to extend my time in Canada, as I now see it as my home away from home.

Fins Up!

Coming over to Bayside from Czech Republic after playing rugby in the UK and France, I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. Playing home games in front of the Bayside crowd is something special, and with the new clubhouse, the place is buzzing every weekend! The facilities here are top-notch, and the club is doing fantastic work developing young players. After two years with this incredible community, I can honestly say that the people here are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met!

And aye, they’ve always got a Guinness ready whenever you want!

Up the Sharks! 🦈💙

I arrived at Bayside in 2019 and this club provided more than just an avenue to play rugby. They provided a family.

Andy and Geoff made the transition from halfway across the world as smooth as it could possibly be, having already found me a place to live before I landed in the country The people in the club were very welcoming and made you feel like you were a part of the team for your whole life.

I have made friends that I consider brothers from playing at Bayside, the memories will be cherished forever and it is an experience that I still pinch myself about.

It’s a shame that the pandemic cut my time short. But once a shark, always a shark!!

Up the fins🦈

Bayside Rugby! Where do I start, I arrived at the club in 2018 from Australia. Being a young obnoxious kid, I had no idea how far I was going or what I was getting myself into.

But from the moment I was picked up from the airport, the whole club was so accomodating. I have made so many life long friends, and created many memories. Especially the 2018-19 season becoming Premiers, and scoring a meat pie! Haha (fins up). I personally couldn’t speak highly enough about Bayside Rugby Club, and I want to thank it for everything it’s given me.

It’s one of the best communities I’ve been involved in, during my time playing rugby!

Couldn’t recommend a better place to come

I arrived in Canada in 2019 and even before I stepped off the plane I was reached out to by multiple people from the club asking if they could help with any aspect of the move.
Everything from a ride from the airport, a place to stay and job opportunities. The club culture is unlike no other club in Canada. The men and women grind on Tuesdays and Thursday nights and put it all together on a Saturday infant of decent crowds consistently. And love a beer or two after big wins at the shark tank. I was lucky enough to win a Div-1 championship with the Sharks in 2019 and captain them in the 2021 season.
Since moving on to the MLR and national men’s 15s team I always love to go back down to the club even if it’s for just touch rugby on a Thursday and throw the fin up.
A home away from home for me and many other imports!

UP THE SHARK

My cousin and I moved here together from London.

If decent rugby, lively social, good people, skiing, amazing scenery, fun and adventure are your thing. Then I can’t think of a better place to spend a few years than in White Rock with Bayside. I spent by far the best two years of my life there.

Let’s start with the club, The people really make it. From the younger players to the SOBs (old boys) They will all go out of their way to help you when you need it and alongside this have a genuine interest in getting to know you socially. When you arrive, People all around the club and town know about the “new imports” as you’ll be known, and are proactive in meeting you and usually sharing a beer.

The rugby is good and game days are great with decent crowds and a fun atmosphere. There is an old-school attitude, meaning everyone sticks around for boat races, beers and food with their teammates after the games. Playoffs at the end of each season, give a big ending, with higher pressure games, larger crowds and a feeling of an important climax to the season. As an Englishman, I Think our system lacks this.

We had a class, huge house “Ruckingham Palace” that the club helped us sort. We hosted after-party’s pretty much every week. Think American Pie. The Canadians love to send it, so you’re always in for a large one. Besides the club and rugby. White Rock is a beautiful social and friendly town, surrounded by many truly amazing places. Some of the trips we did whilst there were crazy. RV Ski trip across Canada and America, tubing, saw wild bears, Calgary stampede, Vegas, The Canadian Rockies, summer lakes and lots more.

I honestly couldn’t recommend the place more.  My sister came to visit 4 times she loved it that much. It took me a good 6 months to get over it after leaving, as it did become my home. I made lifelong best friends, and have returned twice on holiday. Whilst writing this I am in Australia for a wedding where 7 of us “imports” that lived together have reunited after 5 years. If you’re looking for an adventure with rugby at the heart of it. Or perhaps are unsure what to do next with your life. Go and play for Bayside, fully immerse yourself in the club, culture and place. I guarantee you will not regret it.

Fins up!!!

Current Club: Bayside

I arrived at Bayside in 2014 fresh off the South African boat. I was immediately met with friendly and like-minded rugby enthusiasts. The battle and beers on a Saturday is what I’ve come to love being part of Bayside. I’ve made brothers for life and a lifetime of memories.

Ex professional rugby player SA, England & France

Just before the onset of the pandemic, I initiated contact with Bayside, considering a potential relocation to join them as a player-coach. However, due to the circumstances brought about by Covid-19, my role shifted solely to coaching. The entire Bayside community has been incredibly supportive in welcoming my family, ensuring our transition was seamless. They arranged accommodation for our quarantine period, furnished our new home through generous donations, and immediately assisted me in securing a job and a vehicle upon my release from quarantine.
New players are embraced with open arms and treated like long-time members of the club, seamlessly blending into the Bayside family the moment they don the team shirt. Bayside boasts an exceptionally devoted fan base and is nestled in the charming town of White Rock, considered one of the best in Canada. White Rock offers a picturesque setting akin to a holiday village, with top-notch restaurants and pubs, just a 5-minute drive from the US border and a mere 45-minute commute from Downtown Vancouver.

Up the sharks!

Current Club:  Edinburgh Academicals, Scotland

After finishing Uni I moved out to Canada with Robbie. We instantly felt welcome, with Jesse picking us up at the airport and taking us back to his place for food and some beers. The club were brilliant, helping us find a labouring job for our time out there and a job at 3 Dogs Brewing. I was invited to join families for Christmas Day and spent New Year with some of the boys. We had a class season on the pitch, only losing one league game and topping the table. All the imports look after each other and make sure we have a home from home, 4 of us lived together and we hosted a lot of club socials. Since returning home I have played for multiple clubs, but Bayside still tops my list. Bayside will look after you every step of the way and you’ll make friends for life if you choose to play for them.

Fins UP

Current Club: Palmerston Crocs

I arrived in Canada, April 2017 and found myself struggling to get anywhere with Rugby League as the season was only a few weeks long. A few of my mates I met through RL were playing with Bayside. After meeting with Andy and some of the committee, moving to Bayside with the lads was an easy decision. I made lifelong buddies that I still keep in touch with today. We trained hard, played hard and celebrated as hard as we could’ve!! The club also helped me a lot with difficulties off the field like finding more work and with homesick situations. I’m glad I hung around as long as I could!

Best club in Canada by miles! FINS UPP BABYY🦈

Current Club: Pingvin RC, Sweden

I moved from Australia to Canada and Bayside Sharks for the 2019 & 2020 season before Covid interrupted. I was lucky enough to win a Division 1 title with the club and bring some of my best friends who now one is a Canadian international player. The club is so supportive with everything from accommodation to work and I don’t have a bad word to say about anyone there met some friends for life who I miss. I have played rugby in 4 different countries and am currently playing in Europe but Bayside and Canada are by far my favourite great lifestyle and support and good rugby. A pleasure to play for this great club and would recommend it to anyone looking to make the move you won’t regret it.

Up the shark!

Traveling to British Columbia to play rugby for Bayside before starting university was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The experience shaped who I am today and gave me a clearer vision of what I want for my life. Even before I arrived in Canada, Bayside Rugby Club went above and beyond to make the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible. From the moment I landed in Vancouver, I felt nothing but support and a warm welcome from both the players and the club. The culture at Bayside was unlike anything I’d experienced before—a close-knit community where I truly felt I belonged. It’s something I continue to cherish and hope to be part of again in the future. Since leaving Canada, I’ve longed to return. While I may no longer play rugby, the pull to be part of the Bayside family again remains strong. I’m incredibly grateful to the amazing host family who took me in and to the many individuals who helped me embrace the full Canadian experience. Bayside Rugby Club will always hold a special place in my heart.