Help me represent Canadian Rugby against Germany this summer

Help Me Represent Canada in Rugby: Support My Journey to Germany!

Hello everyone,

I am excited to share that I have been given an incredible opportunity to travel to Germany with the U18 Dog River Howlers RFC to represent Canada in rugby. The trip will occur from June 25 to July 7, 2025. These dates overlap my grade 12 graduation ceremonies, but I feel that this opportunity is a once in a lifetime trip, so I have made the decision to miss my ceremonies to travel and increase my rugby skills. I am very excited as we will be competing against German provincial sides and the German National team. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to showcase my skills on an international stage and gain invaluable experience.

I have been passionate about rugby for as long as I can remember. Over the past 11 years, I have played with Regina Minor Rugby, MacDowell Rugby Academy, and Team Sask. Currently, I practice and play with several senior men's teams, including the Grads RFC, the Regina Monarchs U23 Rep Side here in Regina, SK, and the Williams Lake RFC in British Columbia during the summer.

"Rugby is more than a game; it’s a way of life." This is something my dad has instilled in my brothers and me since we were born. He always says that every good thing in his life can be connected to rugby in some way, including me and my brothers since he met my mom after a rugby game. When something gives you so much, you have to give back. Inspired by this, I will be completing my Level One Coaching so that I can continue coach with our Mini Rugby Program.

Although I am only in grade 12, I have had a rugby ball in my hands since before I could walk and have been playing and learning the skills since grade 1. Besides rugby, I am also actively involved in Strongman training and Football. After two years of persuasion from the football coach, I started playing football last season for the Miller Comprehensive High School Football team on the D-Line. Despite never having played or even watched football before, I was able to end my grade 12 season starting for one of the best high school football teams in the country.

I am also starting for one of our local Senior Men’s Division 1 sides (Campion Grads RFC) and received Man of the Match honors in our final game of the season, as well as Top Junior Player honors for the season. This fall, I was selected to play for the Regina Monarchs U23 Rep side, and we went undefeated in the Prairie University Men’s Rugby Conference. I was the only high school player selected.

Participating in this tour is a crucial step in my journey to play high-level rugby. It will not only help me grow as a player but also allow me to bring back the knowledge and experience to contribute to the rugby community here in Canada.

However, I need your support to make this dream a reality. The costs associated with travel, accommodation, and training are significant and despite contributions from my parents, my own part time job and an extremely generous sponsorship from Mr. Tim Young with Young’s Equipment, I am seeking assistance to cover these expenses. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring me closer to achieving my goal.

Thank you for considering supporting my journey. Your generosity will make a huge difference and help me represent our country with pride.

Sincerely,

Thomas Kaluza-Hughes