Ken Goodland and Shane Thompson Recipients of Gerald McGavin Coaching Award

(Shane Thompson, Ken Goodland) 

The BC Rugby Union is pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2014 Gerald McGavin Coaching Award,proudly supported by Happy Water – Tackle the World.

This year’s recipients are Ken Goodland (Castaway Wanderers / BC Bears ) and Shane Thompson(Brentwood College / Canada Maple Leafs 7’s / BC Rugby Elite Youth 7’s). 

On Friday, Goodland and Thompson will travel to Wellington, New Zealand, where they will spend a week embedded with the Wellington Rugby Union and the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise. 

“Excitement is at an all-time high,” said Goodland. “I want to come back with a greater depth of knowledge and some new insights about the professional atmosphere, the setup and how they go about their business. We’re going to see a full week cycle and I want to see how they prepare a squad day to day.”

After playing provincial rugby for Newfoundland, Goodland began his coaching career with Castaway Wanderers in 2002. Starting with mini’s, Goodland has progressed up the ranks to become a key member of their senior men’s coaching staff. In addition, Goodland has served as the forwards coach for the BC Bears senior men’s provincial team.

“Once I really got the coaching bug, I approached it like I did my playing career,” said Goodland. “I really wanted to be the best I could be. My goals are to continue my development with the BC Bears and Castaway Wanderers. I would like to coach a national side at some point. That is my ultimate goal.” 

Shane Thompson began coaching in 2005 following his playing career with Rugby Canada. Since that time, he has worked extensively with BC Rugby to foster talent in the 7s game, serving as the Elite Youth 7’s Coach. 

“I am really excited to get the opportunity to go, not only for the professional development but also to represent British Columbia and the work that we have done over the last five years,” said Thompson. “It’s nice to be appreciated for some of the things we’ve accomplished, to go abroad and hopefully make myself a better coach.” 

“I’m open to new ideas and seeing how other people are being successful. I want to see how they integrate 7s and 15s and how they work together. That will be my main focus.” 

Upon their return, Goodland and Thompson will share their experiences with other provincial coaches through technical workshops and reporting.

About the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award:

The award recognizes rugby coaches from British Columbia who play a significant role in shaping young athletes both on and off the field. Gerald McGavin is a former BC athlete who represented his province against world-renowned sides including the Barbarians, Australia, British Lions and New Zealand Universities. Now a Member of both the Order of Canada and Order of BC, McGavin created the Award because of his love for the sport and to acknowledge the role rugby played in shaping his life. Past recipients include Rameses Langston, Jeff Williams, Martin Jones, Jason Young, Adam Roberts and Tom Larisch.

BC Rugby and Happy Water partner to ‘Tackle the World’

Happy Water is a major proprietary brand developed by Leading Brands, Inc. [NASDAQ: LBIX] and is now a Premier BC Rugby sponsor.  In June of 2012, BC Rugby and Leading Brands, Inc. CEO Ralph McRae announced a partnership with TrueBlue® Blueberry Juice to sponsor three specific, age-level programs through BC Rugby.  The partnership has since evolved with Happy Water now the title sponsor for three major programs positioned at a pivotal period in a rugby player’s career; from the introduction to the sport all the way up to international tours.  The motto for the innovative partnership is ‘Happy Water Tackle the World’.  McRae’s initiative has seen Happy Water and TrueBlue® further enhance the Mini Rugby program, as well as provide opportunities for age grade representation through supporting the U15 and U17 men’s provincial teams. The partnership’s third pillar provides opportunities for BC coaches to gain experience at the highest level through coaching development opportunities with the Wellington Rugby Union.

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