by Natalie Ramsay | Sep 18, 2023 | Game Reports
The Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team traveled to MacDonald Park for the first rugby action of the season. James Bay Athletic Association (JBAA) played host to the opening pre-season rugby tournament over the weekend. The tournament featured five rugby clubs from across Vancouver Island taking part: JBAA, Westshore, Castaway Wanderers, Nanaimo, and Comox. The tournament featured a round-robin format, guaranteeing each team multiple matches and ample opportunities to dust off some rust, work on some chemistry, and showcase their skills. The games were highly competitive, with players displaying outstanding athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the weekend. The tournament provided players with valuable pre-season experience and gave the local community a reason to come together and celebrate the spirit of sports. Spectators young and old came out to support a great day of rugby. Speaking after the tournament, Co-Captain of the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s team, Natalie Nguyen said, “This year’s pre-season tournament exceeded our expectations. The level of competition was outstanding. We are excited to build on this success as we head into the upcoming season.” With the pre-season tournament at MacDonald Park serving as a thrilling prologue, rugby players and fans are both now eagerly anticipating the official start of the season. The regular season starts on October 14. The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s and Women’s teams are continually recruiting players. No experience is needed. Everyone welcomed. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cumberland Village Park. For more information about the Kickers, please visit:...
by Natalie Ramsay | Aug 28, 2023 | Club Events
The Comox Valley Kickers hosted their first-ever Co-Ed Touch Rugby Tournament this past Saturday, delighting players and spectators alike. Lewis Park provided the perfect backdrop for a day of fierce, fun, and friendly competition, setting the stage for what is sure to become an annual tradition. Excitement was in the air as players descended onto the field for a day of thrilling rugby action. Registrants included individuals from all across Vancouver Island - Comox Valley, Campbell River, Hornby Island, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Ladysmith, Cowichan, and Victoria were all represented. Tournament Organizer, Natalie Nguyen was very pleased stating, “This tournament was the perfect blend of competitive and fun, and a great way to end the Summer Touch Rugby season. It was lovely to see people from across Vancouver Island travel to participate in this. It really means a lot. This tournament embodies the fact that rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a community.” The tournament format, designed to encourage participation, communication, and teamwork, saw individuals be placed onto four teams where different skill levels, from novices to seasoned veterans, came together for a display of rugby’s inclusivity and fun-loving spirit. Each team was designated a colour and competed in a series of 20-minute touch rugby matches, playing a total of 5 games. Touch rugby, a variant of the traditional game, places a strong emphasis on agility, speed, and teamwork while removing the more physical aspects, making it accessible to all ages and fitness levels. The event’s success was also a testament to the commitment and hard work of the Kickers’ community. Current players, alumni and supporters rallied around...
by Natalie Ramsay | Aug 21, 2023 | Women's News
The Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Team is thrilled to usher in a new era for our rugby squad. We are excited to introduce our new Head Coach, JB Nikkel, who brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion to our team. Meet JB Nikkel JB Nikkel’s rugby journey is nothing short of inspiring. With over 20 years of experience in the sport, he has worn many hats - player, coach, and mentor. His deep-rooted love for rugby began at a young age and has evolved into a lifelong dedication to the game. JB’s roots are firmly planted in this community. He played for the 2023 BCRU Division 3 Provincial Champions, the Comox Valley Kickers Men’s Team, as well as represented Ashburton Celtic RFC, Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury Māori, and Westshore RFC. He was also recently chosen to join the Canadian Classics for their latest Boston tour. Looking to take a step back as a player, JB’s excited to share his extensive knowledge and expertise with a team eager to learn. JB’s coaching career is a testament to his commitment to the sport. He has served as both a youth and high school rugby coach, helping mold aspiring athletes into skilled players. His coaching philosophy centers around the principles of teamwork, discipline, and continuous improvement, values that align perfectly with the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Team. The New Vision JB Nikkel’s appointment as Head Coach marks a significant milestone for the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Team. Under his leadership, we are eager to pursue new heights in women’s rugby, with a strong emphasis on player development and team cohesion. One of...
by Natalie Ramsay | Aug 17, 2023 | Club Events
As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to cool, the anticipation of the new rugby season builds. After a hiatus that allowed for rest, recovery, and fun, rugby practices are set to kick off once again, signaling the start of another exciting journey on the field. Pre-season training will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Woodcote Park from 6:30PM - 8:00PM for the month of August. The location changes to Cumberland Village Park in September. For ruggers, the return of practices marks a fresh start—a chance to reunite with teammates, dust off the cleats, and rediscover the exhilaration of the sport. It also provides the opportunity for those new to rugby to join and learn the game. The practice field becomes an open door for individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels to embrace the thrill of rugby. For the 2023/2024 season, BC Rugby has introduced Regional play for all teams this year. This play will see some division crossover that is designed to help Clubs build their programs. These games will not impact standings for the regular season. We await the finalized club schedule from BC Rugby but can announce the following Key Dates: Sept 30 – National Truth & Reconciliation Day – No Games Scheduled Oct 7 – Thanksgiving Weekend – No Games Scheduled Oct 14 – 2023/24 Season Begins Nov 11 – Remembrance Day – No Games Scheduled Nov 25 – Final Scheduled Weekend of Fall 2023 Play Dec 2 & 9 – Makeup Weekend for Teams if Required Jan 27 – First Scheduled Weekend of Spring 2024 Play Feb 17 – Family Day...
by Natalie Ramsay | Aug 4, 2023 | Club Events
The excitement is building as the Comox Valley Kickers RFC prepares to host their first Co-Ed Rugby Touch Tournament. Scheduled for Saturday, August 26th, the event promises to bring together rugby enthusiasts from all over for a day of fun-filled, non-contact rugby action. The cost of registration is $20 per person. Teams will be assigned by August 23 and posted on the Kickers Facebook Event Page. This format allows both experienced athletes and newcomers to showcase their skills in competitive matches. This tournament will reinforce the spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship, and provide opportunities to meet and connect with others. Families, friends, and locals are expected to enjoy the festive community atmosphere at Lewis Park. The tournament will also feature a beer garden and prizes, adding to the overall festive ambiance and encouraging more people to get involved with the sport. Natalie Nguyen, Co-Captain of the Comox Valley Kickers Women’s Team and Tournament Organizer, expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the tournament. “We are thrilled to be hosting our Inaugural Co-Ed Rugby Touch Tournament. Our aim is to bring the community together to enjoy a day of rugby. It seems like the perfect way to cap off the summer before our regular season begins. We are excited to showcase the vibrant rugby community we have here in the Comox Valley in an accessible format. We hope that this can be an annual occurrence.” For more information about the tournament, please visit the Facebook Event Page “Comox Valley Kickers Co-Ed Touch Rugby Tournament.” For more information about the Comox Valley Kickers RFC, please visit their website at...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jul 30, 2023 | Club Events
As the days grow shorter and the summer heat gradually gives way to the cool breeze of autumn, ruggers in the Comox Valley are gearing up for an exciting new season. Registration is now open for senior players, both men and women, of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, the Comox Valley Kickers RFC welcomes you to be a part of the camaraderie, passion, and sheer excitement that rugby brings. Register Here Rugby is not just a sport; it’s a way of life that fosters a strong sense of community, teamwork, and respect. The Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club embodies this spirit, creating an inclusive environment where players can learn, grow, and build lasting friendships. The Comox Valley Kickers Men’s Team will be defending their provincial title once again in the BCRU Division 3 Men’s League and the Kickers Women’s Team will be playing in the BCRU Division 2 Women’s League. To register, simply visit Sportlomo. and follow the steps. If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact cvkickers@gmail.com. We look forward to having you join us on the...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jul 7, 2023 | Men's News
This article was written by Olivier Laurin and featured in the Comox Valley Record on June 17, 2023. Sebastian Lambert is what many would call a phenom. Humble in nature, Lambert is a man of few words who maintains a timid demeanour. After speaking with the athlete’s surroundings, one thing comes out again and again; Lambert seems to be the embodiment of Twain’s adage: actions speak louder than words. Upbringing and discovering football Born and raised on Denman Island, Lambert had a quiet upbringing, growing up with his two siblings and his single mother. His first introduction to sports was soccer and swimming. It was only years later that Lambert would find his calling in American football. Showcasing natural abilities from the get-go, the young teenager quickly made a name for himself in the local sports scene. Nicknamed “Ninja” by teammates and spectators, Lambert was known for his speed, agility, and strength. At 14, the young athlete was playing on both offence and defence as well as being the team’s kicker for the Comox Valley Raiders. It is this versatility that ultimately earned him the prestigious title of MVP. Today, four years later, the 6’1” 195-pound wide receiver still wears the Raiders’ jersey and was awarded the provincial MVP for his performance in the 2022 season. However, his time with the home team is coming to an end. Freshly graduated from Vanier, Lambert is set to leave the Valley this summer for Victoria. “He’s going to play this year for the West Shore Rebels of the Canadian Junior Football League,” says Lambert’s mentor Aaron Kitto. “Out of all the...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jun 21, 2023 | Men's News
A Comox Valley rugby player has been chosen to represent Canada at the Canadian Classics Rugby tour in Boston this summer. JB Nikkel, who plays for the Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club, is one of the 41 new players who will join the Canadian Classics, a team of former national and international players who aim to promote and develop rugby in Canada. Nikkel, who plays as a fullback, has been playing rugby for most of his life and has also represented Ashburton Celtic RFC, Mid-Canterbury, South Canterbury Maori and Westshore RFC. He said he was honoured and thrilled to be part of the Canadian Classics and play a highly competitive game against the USA Classics. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to wear the maple leaf on my chest,” Nikkel said. “I’m dedicating this tour to my late brother Konrad, who continues to be my #1 inspiration. He helped shape me into the rugby player and person that I am today. I’ve been blessed with so much support along the way and I hope to make my family, my club, and my community proud.” Nikkel will travel to Boston with his teammates for the Classic Can-Am Summer Series on July 8, 2023, held at the Irish Cultural Heritage Centre. The purpose of this single-match summer event is for the opportunity to trial new players, test new systems, and renew old rivalries in preparation for Bermuda’s World Rugby Classic that occurs each fall. The Comox Valley Kickers Rugby Club President, Aaron L’Arrivee, said he was delighted for Nikkel and his achievement. He said he was...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jun 8, 2023 | Club Events
Last month the Comox Valley Kickers RFC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at the Cumberland Masonic Hall with over 30 members in attendance. The AGM commenced by acknowledging the achievements and milestones of the past year and included reports about the club’s operations and finances. Looking forward to the next season, there was open dialogue, collaborative decision-making and voting to set the path to come. A big portion of the evening was the nomination process for the new members of the Executive Committee. All club members had the opportunity to nominate individuals who they believed possessed the skills, dedication, and passion to guide the team forward. With gratitude, the club expressed their appreciation for the outgoing executive committee members as they welcome the 2023/2024 Comox Valley Kickers RFC Executive Committee: President: Aaron L’ArriveeVice-President: Jenn LundTreasurer: JP LussierSecretary: Jessica LeckDirector of Rugby Operations: Joe GoldesDirector of Socials & Fundraising: Lauren SargentDirector of Sponsorships: Aaron Kitto There were a lot of good ideas put forth during this meeting with renewed enthusiasm to collaborate with the newly elected Executive Committee to achieve the club’s aspirations for the coming year. The AGM reinforced the team’s sense of unity, purpose, and determination to excel. Everyone is excited for the next...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jun 1, 2023 | Club Events
The Comox Valley Kickers RFC celebrated the incredible 2022/2023 rugby season as they came together this past Saturday for the highly anticipated year-end awards banquet, hosted at the lively Beaufort Ave Pub. With over 60 attendees, the evening was a delightful blend of camaraderie, delicious food, heartfelt speeches, and memorable entertainment. The event kicked off with a splendid musical performance by the men’s team rookies, who captivated the audience with their rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the Lion King. The enchanting melody set the perfect tone for an evening filled with celebration and appreciation. Amidst the cheerful ambiance, the main highlight of the night was the prestigious awards ceremony. The deserving athletes who had displayed outstanding performance and dedication throughout the season were honored with well-deserved accolades. Kickers Women’s Award Winners: MVP: Natalie NguyenBack of the Year: Tyra SchaadForward of the Year: Dara DeMarceRookie of the Year: Jess NikkelMost Improved: Kaitlyn HazelmanMost Tenacious: Audrey JonesMost Sportsmanlike: Lauren SargentCoach’s Award: Chloe Speed Kickers Men’s Award Winners: MVP: Brandon HudsonBack of the Year: Devon MooreForward of the Year: Derek McCubbinRookie of the Year: Nate BiceMost Improved: Raffael TonazziMost Tenacious: Joe HurstMost Sportsmanlike: Riley GaudetCoach’s Award: Justin Thomson A riveting performance of the haka was done by Tosh Wilmott and Jim Robertson honoring JB Nikkel for his outstanding contribution to the club. As the evening progressed, the air was filled with shared stories, laughter, and reminiscence of the unforgettable moments that made the season truly special. It was a fun evening had by all and we look forward to the 2023-2024 rugby...
