Meraloma Rugby 2021/22 Program
LETTER FROM THE VP RUGBY
When I wrote this letter last year, I was hopeful of a return to rugby in November 2020. How wrong I was! Luckily, with shots in arms, a return to play is just around the corner. The plan from the BCRU, is to allow contact practice to start August 1st, followed by 6 weeks of return to contact before games will be allowed. Although no schedule has been released by the BCRU rest assured we will be ready!
The men’s section has been bolstered by 2 new coaching recruits, Christian Esterhuizen and Jay Younger. The new Head Coach, Christiaan, or Essie as he is affectionately known, comes to us from South Africa where he has been the coach of Rhondebosch High School and the University of Cape Town. During his time with Cape Town, he won the 2019 University Championship, defeating UBC on the way to the title.
Jay Younger, a dual code Australian, comes to us having just finished his playing career with stops at semiprofessional clubs, Eastwood and Sydney. Not at all new to the amateur game he helped start a rugby club in Queensland that made a grand final appearance in their 3rd year in the competition. Both men are great coaches and will be great Meraloma’s. Jay is tasked with getting and keeping the boys in shape as well as defence and some positional play.
Once again, on my final note, I want to say thank you for the incredible support of our sponsors and supporters. Few know the hours that go in behind the scenes to get a team on the field and this year has been particularly challenging. The rugby executive has worked incredibly hard to keep up with Covid-19 protocols and keep the teams engaged and with your incredible support we have weathered the storm better than most. See you on the sidelines soon,
Jebb Sinclair
VP of Rugby and now Assistant Coach