Among the 13 people selected by B.C. Rugby to coach its Representative XVs teams for the upcoming year are a trio from Burnaby. While two of those coaches are new to the XV program, both are members of the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame and well-versed in the game.
Ryan Banks and Walt Brandl were chosen for their experiences on both sides of the oval ball and the unique perspectives they bring to their respective teams.
Banks may be new to the XV coaching lineup, but he has a resume and passion for the sport that has prepared him for the challenge ahead.
The Burnaby Lake Rugby Club veteran represented Canada 36 times with the national XVs team and played for the National Sevens in South America and Japan.
“I am very excited about the
opportunity to lead the under-15 boys at the Canadian national rugby championships and give back the knowledge and opportunities that were passed down to me,” said Banks in a press release. “I love rugby and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the kids are successful, have fun and they continue to play rugby.”
Banks also competed at the Rugby World Cup in 1999 and again in 2003 as team captain.
Brandl, who will be in charge of the U20 women’s squad, has 30 years of coaching experience,
including with B.C.’s first-ever
national women’s champion and coaching a rare win in 2009 over Japan’s national women’s squad.
The other local named to the coaches list was Burnaby native and UBC rugby’s Conan Cooper, who will skipper the U17 boys.
Having a mix of new and returning coaches will benefit the teams, where the goal is to prepare young talent for elite competition.
“This year sees a combination of new and returning coaches,” noted Dean Murten of B.C. Rugby. “With a tour to Ireland for the U18 male and female teams, the U17 male and female playing in the U18 division, and the U15 playing in the U16 division at the national championships I feel we have some exciting challenges ahead.
“We have some outstanding coaches that will provide some great support, guidance, and coaching for all the B.C. athletes.”
Teams will train for a number of upcoming events, including the Canadian Rugby championship for senior women, U20 women and U19 men in July, the National Rugby Festival for U17 and U16 boys and girls and U15 boys, in August, and the U18 boys and girls teams’ tour to Ireland, also in August.
