by Natalie Ramsay | Oct 28, 2024 | Men's News
November 2, 2024 marks the first-ever ‘Konny’s Axes’ Memorial Shield Challenge between Westshore RFC (formerly Velox Valhallians RFC) and the Comox Valley Kickers RFC. This will be a two-game aggregate between these two clubs. Nov. 2, 2024 – Comox v Westshore @ 12:45pm at Cumberland Park Mar. 29, 2025 - Westshore v Comox @ 12:45pm at Juan de Fuca Velodrome Konrad Nikkel started his rugby playing career with the Comox Valley Kickers RFC in the 1990’s until the early 2000’s. Konrad then headed south in 2002 to link up with the Velox Valhallians 1st Division team, now Westshore RFC. Konrad played in many Vancouver Island Finals for both the Kickers and Westshore (Velox) and also made several appearances in the BC Provincial Championship Games. Konrad loved playing for both of these clubs, sometimes even playing 3 games in one weekend as he could never get enough rugby. “He would play for Velox 1st division on a Saturday, bench, and play for the premier team right after. Then he’d wake up on a Sunday and drive up to Comox with a couple of Velox players in tow to help with numbers at a 3rd division Kickers game.” Konrad was instrumental in Westshore’s return to the premier league in 2004, representing the club across all levels in both the 9 and 10 jerseys. A true club rugby man, he contributed in many ways— as both a 7’s and 15’s player, as a coach to the junior team, and socially, proudly joining the legendary “three buckle” squads at the notorious Williams Lake Stampede tournament. Westshore RFC and the Comox Valley Kickers RFC...
by Natalie Ramsay | Sep 22, 2024 | Men's News
The Comox Valley Kickers men’s rugby team kicked off their 2024/2025 season on the road, facing a tough James Bay Athletic Association (JBAA) side in Victoria. Originally scheduled to be played at home, logistical challenges forced the Kickers to move their opening game down island. JBAA were accommodating to Despite the change of venue, the Kickers were eager to test themselves in a new division. However, JBAA proved to be a formidable opponent, delivering a dominant performance and defeating the Kickers 42-0. Kickers’ captain, Kyle Hall, acknowledged the difficulty of the match but remained positive about the season ahead. “We knew it was going to be a tough game. James Bay has a lot of experience, and they showed it today. But this is just the start for us. We’ll take this as a learning experience and bounce back stronger.” The Kickers were able to dominate the scrums and were very strong in the line outs, but they struggled to contain the relentless pressure from James Bay, who used their speed and tactical play to control the game from start to finish. Looking ahead, the Comox Valley Kickers will regroup and prepare for their next match with hopes of turning the tide. The Kickers’ next game will be at home on Saturday, September 28 as they host Cowichan RFC at the Cumberland Village Park, scheduled for a 1PM...
by Natalie Ramsay | Jul 5, 2024 | Coaching, Men's News
Are you passionate about rugby and experienced in coaching? We are looking for dynamic and skilled individuals to join our Men’s coaching staff! This is your chance to work with a proven and dedicated team. Expectations: Attend trainings twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and attend games on Saturdays during the rugby season. Skills: Relevant coaching experience, strong leadership skills, and a love for the game. If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of our rugby family, we want to hear from you! 📧 Apply Now: Call for Coaches + Volunteers...
by Natalie Ramsay | May 3, 2024 | Club Events, Men's News, schedules, Women's News
The 2023/2024 rugby season has been an incredible journey filled with sweat, passion, and many hard-fought matches. The commitment from our players has paid off as for the first time in club history, both the women’s and men’s teams have advanced to the BCRU Senior Club Finals in the same season. The women’s team will look to earn their first championship by facing off against United RFC at 11:00AM. The men’s team will be defending their championship title against Chilliwack Crusaders RFC at 11:30AM. View the Game In Person The 2024 BC Rugby Senior Club Finals will be a ticketed event, with all attendees who are 19+ years old requiring a ticket for entry (admission is free for under 19s). Online Presale tickets will cost $15, with in person tickets costing $20 for admission. https://www.tickettailor.com/…/thebritishcolumb…/1191046# Watch the Livestream Both games will also be livestreamed. Here are the steps to watch the game online: 1. Download the VEO Live App 2. Create a free VEO Live Account 3. Search “BC Rugby” and follow the profile 4. Select which stream you wish to watch Hope to see you there for what is going to be an epic day of rugby! Go Kickers! Thank you to our 2023/2024 sponsors: Courtenay Nissan Beaufort Ave Pub Comox BC The Buddery House Ramsay Lampman Rhodes Pemberton Holmes Real Estate Speedpro Signs Courtenay Coastline Real Estate Group (Chelsea Varney Realtor) Kitto Real Estate Team Mowi Canada West Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal ...
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...
