Jen’s rugby journey began in the late ’80s in Ontario, where she played, coached, and volunteered. After moving to BC in 1993, she continued to contribute to the sport, playing and coaching on Vancouver Island.

In 1994, Jen played a pivotal role with the VIRU Executive, helping establish the first-ever Women’s Crimson Tide games. By 2000, Jen’s passion for rugby led her to England and Wales, where she played and coached before returning to the Fraser Valley in 2005.

At Abbotsford RFC, Jen’s impact was felt for many years. She served as Vice President for two years and Youth Coordinator for six, founding the first U16 and U14 girls’ teams and competitions in BC. Under her leadership, the U18 ARFC Girls’ team triumphed at the BC Championships from 2010 to 2016. In 2011, Jen retired from playing, having earned 4 Canadian Caps and won 3 National Women’s titles—two with Ontario and one with BC.

Jen’s coaching career flourished after her playing days, with her leading the University of the Fraser Valley 7s program from 2017 to 2021. She also contributed to the Fraser Valley Rugby Union (FVRU) as Vice President and coordinated the PRC teams. Her coaching experience extends to the BC Summer Games teams (2008, 2010, 2012) and Valley U18 teams for PRC. Jen made history in 2013 when she coached the first-ever U16 BC girls’ team, which won the inaugural Canadian Championship. Most recently, Jen has been working with the BC U18 Girls program.

Jen’s leadership and contributions to rugby have been recognized with several accolades. She was honored as the inaugural Rugby Canada Female Coach of the Year in 2013, BC Sports Female Coach of the Year in 2014, the BC Summer Games ProMotion Plus Award of Leadership in 2016, and the Joan Spray Award in 2020.

In 2021, Jen returned to Vancouver Island with a mission to rebuild a Women’s program at JBAA. She continues to inspire the next generation by coaching at Oak Bay High School.

Outside of rugby, Jen works in Victoria as the Canada Corporate Administrator for Bartlett Tree Experts. However, her most cherished role remains as a rugby parent, passionately supporting her three sons, Jake, Josh, and James Thiel, as they continue to grow in the sport.

Peter started playing rugby at University of Waterloo in 1975 at the encouragement of the varsity  wrestling coach. For 5 years Peter wrestled and played rugby for the university.

After graduating in 1980 Peter started the Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) rugby program where he coached the WLU program until 1988. WLUs Rugby program started with a lot of keen players, unfortunately only a handful had any rugby experience. Under Peter’s tutelage WLUs program grew to two full teams and gained entry into the Ontario University (OUAA) league in 1885. They won a total of 2 games in the following two years. The highlight was having Bill Webb join the team.  

Peter moved to Vancouver where he joined the Vancouver Rowing Club (VRC). He played there until 2016, largely in the 3rd division and by his own admission his selection in his later years were not based on merit. He was on the executive of the Rugby section of the VRC for 6 years and was involved with the Vancouver Rugby Union (VRU) for 16 years being the President for 12 of those years.

In 2024 Peter moved to Port Alberni, joined the Black Sheep (as a social member) and has joined the Vancouver Island Rugby Union (VIRU) as Director of Mens Senior Club Rugby.

Kelly’s  mission is to create a thriving rugby community by focusing on the holistic development of coaches and players, ensuring they have the skills, resources, and guidance necessary to succeed both on and off the field.

By championing the growth of rugby on the island, We strive to inspire the next generation of athletes to reach their full potential and cultivate a lifelong love for the game.

With 22 years of rugby experience on the island and a passion for introducing girls to rugby, she looks forward to working with the VIRU and all its  members.

 Gavin was born and raised in Port Alberni BC. He was first introduced to the great game of rugby by his father Jas Purewal, one of the founding members of the Port Alberni Black Sheep RUFC.

 He started playing rugby in middle school before starting in the youth Black Sheep program. He went on to play for years on the NVIU Tsunami Representative teams before heading off to university.

 While in University Gavin continued to play for the Senior Men’s Black Sheep teams as well as representing the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide U20 winning the Dunbar Keg in 2014 and captaining the side in 2015.

Since graduating university Gavin has been teaching at Alberni District Secondary School in their Mathematics and Physical Education departments while coaching the Jr and Sr Boys XV’s teams at ADSS.

 More to come soon

Robin MacDowell

Proudly born and raised in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, Robin MacDowell is a highly experienced coach with over 30 years in rugby. A former Rugby Canada international and World Sevens Series representative, Robin played professionally in France and Italy before returning to Canada to further his education and rugby career at the University of Victoria.

As a passionate Vancouver Islander, Robin is deeply committed to growing the game of rugby and supporting all levels of the sport. In 2016, he launched the MACDOWELLRUGBY Youth Academy, which now operates in four provinces across Canada, connecting coaches and growing the game at the grassroots level.

Robin has coached athletes from youth to elite levels, with a focus on player development and performance excellence. His recent coaching experience includes roles with the Fiji Men’s 7s Team, Trinidad & Tobago, Rugby Barbados, and as Head Coach for the Northern Loonies Professional Premier 7s Women (2x Champions). Additionally, he serves as a Professional Rugby Tens Coach (2021-Present).

Robin has also spent significant time contributing to rugby’s development at the provincial level, serving on numerous boards across Canada, where he has helped shape the sport’s growth across the country.

His extensive coaching background includes five years with the Mexican Women’s National Sevens Team, leading them through the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens and multiple multi-sport games. He has been involved with the Canadian Men’s and Women’s 7s pathway programs for the past six years, mentoring the next generation of rugby talent.

A dedicated coach and advocate for rugby, Robin continues to bring his international experience and expertise to his role with the Vancouver Island Rugby Union, working to elevate the sport and support its growth at every level.

She was at a VIRU meeting at Velox, John Wrafter was President and Treasurer, and secretary…”what a gem”….and she offered to take notes for him.  

Angie got handed Cowichan’s “Women’s Auxiliary” (lol) cash box in the Fall of 1977 with 10 bucks in it.  Back then Women were not “encouraged” to be in the club on Thursday’s. Angle has fed a zillion hungry players for over 40 years with CRFC and was secretary there for about 20.  Angie continues to give to the game of rugby on Vancouver Island. 

 Gavin was born and raised in Port Alberni BC. He was first introduced to the great game of rugby by his father Jas Purewal, one of the founding members of the Port Alberni Black Sheep RUFC.

 He started playing rugby in middle school before starting in the youth Black Sheep program. He went on to play for years on the NVIU Tsunami Representative teams before heading off to university.

 While in University Gavin continued to play for the Senior Men’s Black Sheep teams as well as representing the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide U20 winning the Dunbar Keg in 2014 and captaining the side in 2015.

Since graduating university Gavin has been teaching at Alberni District Secondary School in their Mathematics and Physical Education departments while coaching the Jr and Sr Boys XV’s teams at ADSS.