The Gary Watson award, originally called the club person of the year award was re-named in
remembrance of him shortly after he passed away after a club tour to New Zealand in 1977. The award represents the
hardest worker in the club. It is not for the best player, but is awarded to a person in the club that has put a
lot of work into the club, both on and off the field.
The John Biewald award is given to the active member who displays sportsmanship and
dedication to rugby.
Doug McDonald Award: (Men's 1st XV MVP)
Doug McDonald was not a founding member of the BBRFC, but rather THE founding member of the
Bytown Blues. After a lengthy departure from the game due to professional commitments throughout the eighties, he
returned to coach the Blues and the EORU Senior Men's squad in the early nineties, leading the EORU on their first
ever tour abroad - Europe 1994. Many Blues were selected for that tour and the team's record was two wins from
three games against Holland, Llanelli and Rugby Lions. We lost Doug a few short years later. The Doug McDonald
Award is a memorial award presented to the First Team's Most Valuable Player.
Presented to the club player who represents the club at the highest level of representative
rugby in the current year.
Player Awards (Senior Men):
When I first starting playing for the Blues in 1979, I had just finished grade 11, playing
rugby at Ridgemont High School. We did not have a junior program, I played 3rds. At practice and at games I
introduced myself as Boggy's little brother. My first game at Twin Elm, I stepped into the Blues change room, a
wee bit timid and shy. If you can believe it I was actually quiet.
As I walked into the room, John Russell, probably in his 50s, is lying stretched out, ala
Burt Reynolds, a wry smile, a cigarette in one hand, his knee bandaged up for support and the alluring aroma of
A535 wafting through the room. After the game, I walk back in and the only difference for John was a bit more dirt
on him, a wobbly pop in his hand and a wry smile for a job well done!
Welcome to the Blues!
Blues Minor and Junior Rugby
As we return from our COVID restrictions from the last two years we are hoping to run a more
normal rugby season for 2022. However, not all of the EORU based clubs will be in as strong as a position as the
Blues, we will work with everyone to get rugby back to normal, and we thank you for your loyalty to our club. Our
minors will be returning for U6 to U10 flag rugby and U12 introduction to contact rugby.
Blues Junior Boys Rugby
Even with COVID restrictions, our junior boys numbers were solid last year at U16 and U18,
with many U18s training with the senior men to prepare for their university/college season last fall. We look to
have a strong and fun bunch of U14 to U18 junior boys out this summer.
Blues Junior & Senior Girls Rugby
Our numbers were growing before COVID hit, and we hope to return top those growing numbers
at U14 to U18, including some senior women to train with our U18s this summer. All clubs in EORU at the senior
women's level will be playing in EORU, so our senior women can train together with our U18s and
play as a combined EORU side, with the Ospreys, Lanark, Wolves to form an independent side.
The senior men are back in the LPR Super League for 2022. For this season, the SL will be
club v club format, no team will be travelling with two sides, so our 1sts will play in Super League, with our
2nds playing in the EORU Division 1 or 2 (depending upon the numbers and strength). The other EORU clubs are
rebuilding and hopefully we can grow the game locally and bring quality rugby back to Ottawa.
Blues Classics (aka Old Boys, over 35s)
Still in the planning stages; I believe the best scenario for the future, at the moment, is
to arrange two friendlies and participate in the Fall brawl.
Excited for 2022, Advance!
Jim Shaw
Bytown Blues RFC - President
