BC Bulldogs Down Under
Donation protected
BCRL is pleased to present an opportunity for you to help support rugby development in Canada. Whether it’s League, Union, 7’s or Touch, when one develops, we all benefit. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “ A rising tide lifts all boats.”
We are looking for sponsors to help us with the costs of sending four of our most deserving players to Australia for the opportunity to gain invaluable training with Australian NRL Rugby League team, Parramatta Eels. Our players will be leaving at the end of January and returning early September. We need help with airfare, work visas, medical insurance and accommodations.
Now is the time to sponsor these fine young men and to know that your sponsorship helped them with their dream of proudly wearing the Maple Leaf and play for their country at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. No donation is too small and it is very much appreciated.
Everyone who makes a donation on this page will be given access to a closed private Facebook group for VIP sponsors. This page will be filled with exclusive weekly updates and pictures from the players during their time abroad. There will also be surprises during the year, only available to you.
Players Bio’s
Steve Bouchard
I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering a donation to help support guys like myself, who are trying to do all we can to become pro-athletes and be a part of promoting Rugby League.
I have been involved in rugby since 2006, playing Union and Sevens for my high school, Earl Marriott, and club, the Bayside Sharks. Before and during my rugby years, I also played (American) football, but rugby soon became a top priority. I have represented British Columbia in two National Tournaments, earning a gold for the U-16 team and a silver for the U-18 team. I have also played a season at John Cleveland College in Leicestershire, England, when I was 15. Once I started playing rugby league, I discovered a new level of passion for rugby and decided to pursue it to a professional level.
Having missed an opportunity like this before, due to circumstance of life, I feel it was a good thing as I am more mature and more focused on what I would love to do with my life. This opportunity to go to Australia is not only great for me, personally, to be able to grow, learn and train with players of the highly competitive Canberra District Rugby League, it will also allow me to learn the deeper, mental aspects of the game at a pro level.
I hope to bring back all that I learn and share it in Canadian rugby circles and help build this sport not only in British Columbia, but throughout Canada.
Having this opportunity to represent Canada, I hope to do you and Canada proud and be able to give back, through out what I hope to be a long and healthy rugby career.
Once again, I’d like to thank you for your time and consideration, as even the smallest donations go a long way.
Steve Bouchard.
Trent Bourke
Rugby league is a growing sport and still new in Canada. I can't wait for this opportunity to help promote and grow this amazing sport. Thanks for taking the time to read this and consider a donation to help make the dream of becoming a pro-athlete a reality.
My name is Trent Bourke, or as a lot of you know me as "Bones". I am 24 years of age and have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity to train and play rugby league in Australia at a professional and semi-professional level. Growing up I've been able to witness my older brother wear the Canadian Maple Leaf on his chest, with pride, in the Canadian Forces and have always wanted to do the same, but in my own way. With this opportunity I get to fulfill the dream to play for Canada and be able to wear the Maple Leaf on my chest.
I first found rugby in high school, at Maple Ridge Secondary, in 2006 and fell in love with it. Throughout the past nine years I have also had the opportunity to play for several great clubs and teams; the Ridge Meadow Bruins, Samuel Robertson Technical Titans, Surrey Beavers Rugby League, S.H.I.T.S. rugby and British Columbia Bulldogs. Currently, I am on my ninth year with the sport and my sixth year with Abbotsford Rugby Football Club.
The best way to grow and develop as an athlete is to play against great opposition. While in Australia, I'll be able to learn and train with players of the highly competitive Canberra District Rugby League. This will allow me to grow as a player, while learning what it takes to be a professional. At the end of this trip I'd like to be able to bring back all the knowledge of what I have learned and share it in British Columbia as well as the rest of Canada to continue to help grow rugby league.
You are invited to join us at our fundraiser on November 29th, at Library Square Public House, 300 West Georgia Street, Downtown Vancouver. Or feel free to make a donation on this page.
Thank you!
Austin Karius
My name is Austin Karius I'm 19 years old and have loved rugby since my first season in 2008. Ever since then I knew who I wanted to be and what I needed to do. I must continue to improve on my skill set and always grow stronger in every aspect I can.
I first started this journey at my high school Argyle Secondary where we attended provincials twice in my senior years. During that experience I was asked to play at my local club Capilano RFC for one of there plenty youth squads. I slowly worked my way up through the ranks and now as of the 2014 season am starting on the top Premier team in the CDI league. Prior to this I've represented Vancouver and won a procincial title, and played on a very talented U20 B.C Bears squad and secured a national title with an undefeated record in the 2013 CRC. I played rugby league for the first time this summer on the Coastal Cougars team and then continued on to represent my province as part of the B.C Bulldogs. I have to thank all my amazing teammates and coaches that I've worked and trained with over the years that have helped me get to where I am and accomplish what we've done. As we all know rugby is much, much more than just one man on a field.
Despite all this I'm still chasing my dream of representing Canada and playing for a professional team. Thanks to the B.C Bulldogs I have recently been give the opportunity to do exactly that. A chance to go experience rugby in a place ive always wanted to visit. As of january i will be travelling to train and hopefully play with NRL teams in Australia. It would be a huge help if anyone could donate as much funding is needed. No donations are to big, or too small and anything is greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance!
Joey Murphy
My name is Joey Murphy, I am 19 years old, stand 6’0” and weigh 215 lbs. I play club rugby for the Surrey Beavers Div. 1 Union and Premier League Teams. I also played all my High School rugby for the North Surrey Spartans and but also played a season with the U-19 Tier 1 Bayside Sharks. I started in rugby ‘union’ as a mini at age 10 and progressed to Senior (Mens) rugby. I have represented regionally in the PRCs with Valley West of the FVRU from U-15 to U-19 and have gained valuable experience playing in 5 International ‘Friendly’ matches for the Rugby Guardians of South Surrey against touring teams from England. I am a natural ‘Loose Forward’ with characteristics of a ‘Centre’ but my Coaches say that, besides my natural attributes and abilities, they value my versatility to play in any of the forward positions if needed. My experience in rugby has been mostly playing ‘Union’ but recently I was introduced to ‘League’ and played a season with the 3 time Grand Champion Surrey Beavers where I was able to train and learn from Provincial, National and International amateur and ex-Pro players.
I love rugby and I want to play at as high of a level as I possibly can. BCRL and Rugby League have given me this opportunity and I am proud and committed to embrace this opportunity of a lifetime. I know that I will represent our region well as one of its ambassadors both here, in Australia or where ever rugby takes me.
That being said, this trip is a costly undertaking so, my team mates and I, are reaching out to ask for all, who are able, to attend a fundraiser being held on Saturday Nov 29, 2014, at the Library Square Public House in Vancouver where BCRL is hosting a fundraiser and League recognition event to help offset the cost of this initiative. Or, if you cannot attend the fundraiser, you can donate here!
I want you all to know that I am sincerely humbled and feel privileged for being given this opportunity and would sincerely appreciate any and all support to help me achieve this amazing opportunity to represent my club, my sport and my country.
Joey M.
Here is the BCRL press release.
The BCRL are pleased to announce the four players who will travel to Sydney, Australia in late January to gain experience at NRL Club, Parramatta Eels. Steven Bouchard, Trent Bourke, Austin Karius and Joey Murphy.
We are excited to be working together with Parramatta in assisting the development of our players’ as their Junior League is one of the biggest development regions in Sydney. Players who have come through their development programs are now spread throughout the NRL. This year we have added new components to the tour to really enable the players to make this a huge opportunity to improve their Rugby League skills. After spending some time at Parramatta, the selected players will represent Canada at the Cabramatta International 9s Tournament. They will play with other eligible Canadian players, who live in Australia. The coach of this team is Aaron Zimmerle, who is also the coach for the Queensland Cup team, the Tweed Heads Seagulls. Aaron will welcome our players up to his club as the guys get further experience training under Aaron and looking around the famous Gold Coast! The players will also get the opportunity to tour the Australian Institute of Sport and the Training Headquarters of the Canberra Raiders! They will then have the opportunity to put their skills to work on a regular basis, as they play for the Goulburn Bulldogs in the highly competitive Canberra District Rugby League Competition, for the duration of the 2015 season.
Canada has climbed the International Rugby League Rankings to 16th position and is guaranteed to rise even further after a huge win over the 9th ranked USA team, this year! Canada will be competing to enter the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the experience our players will gain from this opportunity will assist them when it comes to qualifying for the Canadian World Cup team!
This is an exciting time for rugby in Canada; please join us on this incredible ride.
BC Bulldogs Facebook Page
British Columbia Rugby League - BC vs Utah Avalanche
Thank you so much for your support, Steve, Trent, Austin and Joey
We are looking for sponsors to help us with the costs of sending four of our most deserving players to Australia for the opportunity to gain invaluable training with Australian NRL Rugby League team, Parramatta Eels. Our players will be leaving at the end of January and returning early September. We need help with airfare, work visas, medical insurance and accommodations.
Now is the time to sponsor these fine young men and to know that your sponsorship helped them with their dream of proudly wearing the Maple Leaf and play for their country at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. No donation is too small and it is very much appreciated.
Everyone who makes a donation on this page will be given access to a closed private Facebook group for VIP sponsors. This page will be filled with exclusive weekly updates and pictures from the players during their time abroad. There will also be surprises during the year, only available to you.
Players Bio’s
Steve Bouchard
I’d like to thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering a donation to help support guys like myself, who are trying to do all we can to become pro-athletes and be a part of promoting Rugby League.
I have been involved in rugby since 2006, playing Union and Sevens for my high school, Earl Marriott, and club, the Bayside Sharks. Before and during my rugby years, I also played (American) football, but rugby soon became a top priority. I have represented British Columbia in two National Tournaments, earning a gold for the U-16 team and a silver for the U-18 team. I have also played a season at John Cleveland College in Leicestershire, England, when I was 15. Once I started playing rugby league, I discovered a new level of passion for rugby and decided to pursue it to a professional level.
Having missed an opportunity like this before, due to circumstance of life, I feel it was a good thing as I am more mature and more focused on what I would love to do with my life. This opportunity to go to Australia is not only great for me, personally, to be able to grow, learn and train with players of the highly competitive Canberra District Rugby League, it will also allow me to learn the deeper, mental aspects of the game at a pro level.
I hope to bring back all that I learn and share it in Canadian rugby circles and help build this sport not only in British Columbia, but throughout Canada.
Having this opportunity to represent Canada, I hope to do you and Canada proud and be able to give back, through out what I hope to be a long and healthy rugby career.
Once again, I’d like to thank you for your time and consideration, as even the smallest donations go a long way.
Steve Bouchard.
Trent Bourke
Rugby league is a growing sport and still new in Canada. I can't wait for this opportunity to help promote and grow this amazing sport. Thanks for taking the time to read this and consider a donation to help make the dream of becoming a pro-athlete a reality.
My name is Trent Bourke, or as a lot of you know me as "Bones". I am 24 years of age and have been given this once in a lifetime opportunity to train and play rugby league in Australia at a professional and semi-professional level. Growing up I've been able to witness my older brother wear the Canadian Maple Leaf on his chest, with pride, in the Canadian Forces and have always wanted to do the same, but in my own way. With this opportunity I get to fulfill the dream to play for Canada and be able to wear the Maple Leaf on my chest.
I first found rugby in high school, at Maple Ridge Secondary, in 2006 and fell in love with it. Throughout the past nine years I have also had the opportunity to play for several great clubs and teams; the Ridge Meadow Bruins, Samuel Robertson Technical Titans, Surrey Beavers Rugby League, S.H.I.T.S. rugby and British Columbia Bulldogs. Currently, I am on my ninth year with the sport and my sixth year with Abbotsford Rugby Football Club.
The best way to grow and develop as an athlete is to play against great opposition. While in Australia, I'll be able to learn and train with players of the highly competitive Canberra District Rugby League. This will allow me to grow as a player, while learning what it takes to be a professional. At the end of this trip I'd like to be able to bring back all the knowledge of what I have learned and share it in British Columbia as well as the rest of Canada to continue to help grow rugby league.
You are invited to join us at our fundraiser on November 29th, at Library Square Public House, 300 West Georgia Street, Downtown Vancouver. Or feel free to make a donation on this page.
Thank you!
Austin Karius
My name is Austin Karius I'm 19 years old and have loved rugby since my first season in 2008. Ever since then I knew who I wanted to be and what I needed to do. I must continue to improve on my skill set and always grow stronger in every aspect I can.
I first started this journey at my high school Argyle Secondary where we attended provincials twice in my senior years. During that experience I was asked to play at my local club Capilano RFC for one of there plenty youth squads. I slowly worked my way up through the ranks and now as of the 2014 season am starting on the top Premier team in the CDI league. Prior to this I've represented Vancouver and won a procincial title, and played on a very talented U20 B.C Bears squad and secured a national title with an undefeated record in the 2013 CRC. I played rugby league for the first time this summer on the Coastal Cougars team and then continued on to represent my province as part of the B.C Bulldogs. I have to thank all my amazing teammates and coaches that I've worked and trained with over the years that have helped me get to where I am and accomplish what we've done. As we all know rugby is much, much more than just one man on a field.
Despite all this I'm still chasing my dream of representing Canada and playing for a professional team. Thanks to the B.C Bulldogs I have recently been give the opportunity to do exactly that. A chance to go experience rugby in a place ive always wanted to visit. As of january i will be travelling to train and hopefully play with NRL teams in Australia. It would be a huge help if anyone could donate as much funding is needed. No donations are to big, or too small and anything is greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance!
Joey Murphy
My name is Joey Murphy, I am 19 years old, stand 6’0” and weigh 215 lbs. I play club rugby for the Surrey Beavers Div. 1 Union and Premier League Teams. I also played all my High School rugby for the North Surrey Spartans and but also played a season with the U-19 Tier 1 Bayside Sharks. I started in rugby ‘union’ as a mini at age 10 and progressed to Senior (Mens) rugby. I have represented regionally in the PRCs with Valley West of the FVRU from U-15 to U-19 and have gained valuable experience playing in 5 International ‘Friendly’ matches for the Rugby Guardians of South Surrey against touring teams from England. I am a natural ‘Loose Forward’ with characteristics of a ‘Centre’ but my Coaches say that, besides my natural attributes and abilities, they value my versatility to play in any of the forward positions if needed. My experience in rugby has been mostly playing ‘Union’ but recently I was introduced to ‘League’ and played a season with the 3 time Grand Champion Surrey Beavers where I was able to train and learn from Provincial, National and International amateur and ex-Pro players.
I love rugby and I want to play at as high of a level as I possibly can. BCRL and Rugby League have given me this opportunity and I am proud and committed to embrace this opportunity of a lifetime. I know that I will represent our region well as one of its ambassadors both here, in Australia or where ever rugby takes me.
That being said, this trip is a costly undertaking so, my team mates and I, are reaching out to ask for all, who are able, to attend a fundraiser being held on Saturday Nov 29, 2014, at the Library Square Public House in Vancouver where BCRL is hosting a fundraiser and League recognition event to help offset the cost of this initiative. Or, if you cannot attend the fundraiser, you can donate here!
I want you all to know that I am sincerely humbled and feel privileged for being given this opportunity and would sincerely appreciate any and all support to help me achieve this amazing opportunity to represent my club, my sport and my country.
Joey M.
Here is the BCRL press release.
The BCRL are pleased to announce the four players who will travel to Sydney, Australia in late January to gain experience at NRL Club, Parramatta Eels. Steven Bouchard, Trent Bourke, Austin Karius and Joey Murphy.
We are excited to be working together with Parramatta in assisting the development of our players’ as their Junior League is one of the biggest development regions in Sydney. Players who have come through their development programs are now spread throughout the NRL. This year we have added new components to the tour to really enable the players to make this a huge opportunity to improve their Rugby League skills. After spending some time at Parramatta, the selected players will represent Canada at the Cabramatta International 9s Tournament. They will play with other eligible Canadian players, who live in Australia. The coach of this team is Aaron Zimmerle, who is also the coach for the Queensland Cup team, the Tweed Heads Seagulls. Aaron will welcome our players up to his club as the guys get further experience training under Aaron and looking around the famous Gold Coast! The players will also get the opportunity to tour the Australian Institute of Sport and the Training Headquarters of the Canberra Raiders! They will then have the opportunity to put their skills to work on a regular basis, as they play for the Goulburn Bulldogs in the highly competitive Canberra District Rugby League Competition, for the duration of the 2015 season.
Canada has climbed the International Rugby League Rankings to 16th position and is guaranteed to rise even further after a huge win over the 9th ranked USA team, this year! Canada will be competing to enter the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the experience our players will gain from this opportunity will assist them when it comes to qualifying for the Canadian World Cup team!
This is an exciting time for rugby in Canada; please join us on this incredible ride.
BC Bulldogs Facebook Page
British Columbia Rugby League - BC vs Utah Avalanche
Thank you so much for your support, Steve, Trent, Austin and Joey
Organizer
Dan Bouchard
Organizer
White Rock, BC
