Rugby Exposure

Local rugby coach gets handpicked to coach at elite level development camp

Jun 30, 2021 | 4:34 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Jeremy Cundy, Head Coach of the Prince George Youth Rugby Association was selected to help coach at a high level development camp down in Kelowna, for rugby players from all across the province.

“I was very excited, it was a humbling experience. I’ve been working hard as a coach and worked really hard with these girls. To be able to coach with BC Rugby [it was] bigger than I could imagine,” says Cundy.

For the PGYRA, the benefit of having their coach get selected for this camp was he’s able to bring a handful of athletes down with him. That means more opportunities for these athletes.

“Definitely opportunities,” says Cundy. “[To] play for BC Elites, Team BC and get picked for the National Team, because there is a lot of junior national teams. These girls will get spotted and they’ll get recognized. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for a girl who’s been playing rugby in the North for the past nine years.”

For the PGYRA and rugby here in the North, having this representation of high-level skilled individuals, has already shown it’s impact on the community.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Prince George Rugby to do this. I already have kids from other cities phoning me and saying ‘hey can I come play for you’ and that’s exciting,” says Cundy. “I think this is our opportunity to shine, Prince George is rugby to be reckoned with.”

For one of the girls going down to these camps within the program, it has given her the ability to pursue the sport of rugby at the university level.

“I’ve always wanted to go to university for a sport, maybe a scholarship of idea. With rugby, they’re recruiting for UBC and [it] seems like I can go somewhere with it,” says Kezia Lizotte, first year rugby player. “With these camps it’s getting out there, more practice, more exposure to the sport and to meet all the other coaches and they can see what I can offer.”