2012 was one of the most enjoyable years your humble correspondent has spent reporting on Canadian rugby stories, both in this country and around the world. From Oakville to California, from England to Dubai, I was privileged to walk and talk with an enormous cast of characters, who breathe life into the sport we love. Below is a list of 12 of my favourite interviews from this past year in Canadian rugby; with hopefully many more such stories to follow in 2012.
January: In the middle of a strong season for the Bedford Blues, I was able to talk to Canadian fullback James Pritchard; a player who continues to produce solid play for his country, despite mounting pressure from the next generation.
February: At the 2011 USA Sevens, in Las Vegas, I talked to President of the event, Mr. Jonathan First. The Sin City event was a stunning success this year, and it was fascinating to hear Mr. First talk about his future plans for North America's rugby showcase.
March: Canada's Superfan, and rugby "bunny" Erica was pleased to talk about her love for Canadian rugby players and the USA Sevens. It was our pleasure to listen.
April: As Canada's U17's took the field at the Wellington Festival in the United Kingdom, we got a chance to profile and interview one of the biggest prospects in Canadian rugby; Oakville's, Djustice Sears-Duru. Coincidently, Djustice has just signed on for his second consecutive summer at the Leicester Academy, in England.
May: It was a pleasure to join the Ontario Blues for long enough to get to know their new Head Coach, Rob Doyle. The CRC Champions will be touring Argentina in 2012, and seem to be in good hands with Coach Doyle.
June: Mark Kohler is a rising star for the Bedford Blues and in the RFU Championship. We had an opportunity to talk to Mark in-depth about his rugby ambitions, and his hopes for one day putting on the Canada jersey.
July: Canada has had a men's U20 program for many years, but the development of a serious women's U20 program is a project long overdue. Canadian Asst. U20 Coach Beth Barz helped us recap that program's 2011 California Tour.
August: It wasn't a long talk, but the few minutes we were able to spend with Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke were incredibly enlightening. This is a man who cares passionately about the sport of rugby and who shares the warrior heart of those who play.
September: In 2010 there were no Canadians playing in the English Premiership; but that all changed in September, when the news broke of Jebb Sinclair signing with the London Irish. We were thrilled to talk to Jebb about all of his success.
October: If the IRB awards a Sevens Coach Of The Year award, it would be hard not to see John Tait as a hands down winner. Prior to his team's incredible performance in Dubai, we talked to Coach Tait about all of his program's success.
November: Young U20 star Evan Olmstead took another step towards pursuing his professional rugby dreams this year, by getting a chance to work out with the HSBC Warathas, in Australia. Our in-depth chat was very revealing.
December: Was there a better story in Canadian rugby this year then the Canadian Women at the Dubai Sevens? It was amazing to be there to speak with team Captain Mandy Marchak, following the team's big win.
All of these interviews can be found in their entirety on www.facebook.com/proreport.
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