BC Grassroots Rugby Foundation Board of Directors
Board President:
Gary Dukelow
Gary Dukelow is a retired Shawnigan Lake School teacher and formerly played prop for Rugby Canada. He is also a rugby philanthropist. He is always willing to help out the community, volunteering twice a week at the soup kitchen. Gary Dukelow is a very passionate and selfless individual, who has had a massive impact on the Cowichan rugby community.
ANDREW HERSANT
Andrew Hersant is a retired lawyer via Cayman Islands and a rugby enthusiast. He is a supporter of the foundation and is also a donor. Andrew has been generous to the foundation in the time he has been a part of it.
ANTHONY LA CARTE
Anthony La Carte is a former Canada 7s and 15s player. He has played a big role in BC 7s Rugby and developing BC Rugby overall. He is currently junior director in the BC Rugby Union.
CHELSEY MINTER
Chelsey Minter is a former Rugby Canada player and is a West-shore Rugby player. She also played prop for the UVIC Vikes women’s team and is currently the team manager. Minter is a fantastic example and advocate for women’s rugby in Canada.
CRAIG LAURIDSEN
Craig Lauridsen is a former UVIC viking. He also coached wrestling and rugby at Cowichan High School, for many years. Craig is currently a Septic field amateur installer.
DAVID ROBERTSON
David Robertson is a large benefactor of BC Grassroots Rugby. He is from the UK and is a former Canadian 7s player. He headed Shawnigan Lake School, and played a pivotal role in the development of Shawnigan Rugby and Canadian Rugby, more specifically, on Vancouver Island. David is currently head of QMS - Queen Margaret School.
DOUG MANNING
Doug Manning is the founder of CORE - Central Okanagan Rugby Enthusiasts. He is a big representative of Kelowna, Okanagan Rugby. He is a former UVIC Viking and a coach at many different levels.
DOUG TATE
Doug Tate coached the UVIC vikings for 25 years and recently retired. He also coached the Canada 7s men’s team and coached in the World Cup. He is one of the most well-recognized and accomplished coaches Canada has had. Doug Tate is a staple of rugby in Canada
JEFF CONSTANTINESCU - TREASURER
Jeff Constantinescu is a former UVIC viking. He later played for the Velox Valhallians and was a Senior Portfolio Manager at BC Investment Management Corporation. He is also the founder of JCIMC Investment Corporation. Constantinescu is BC Grassroots Rugby Foundation’s treasurer and has played a large role giving the foundation financial advice. He is passionate about rugby.
MIKE HOLMES
Mike Holmes is a large rugby humanitarian and donor. He is a former Canada player. His connection to UVIC is substantial as he is a UVIC Vikings graduate and ex-player. Being the president of the Canadian Rugby Foundation, Holmes is a major link between BC Grassroots Rugby and the Canadian Rugby Foundation. He is a founding member of the BC Grassroots Rugby Foundation.
SHANE THOMPSON
Shane Thompson formerly played for Canada and at one point was the top try-scorer for Sevens Rugby. He is currently the head of the rugby program at Brentwood college. He was the head of BC Rugby 7s, and played a considerable role in developing 7s Rugby and coaching the U18 and below, age group. Thompson has a great rugby mind.
SHERRY SPENCE
Sherry Spence coached the Cowichan Rugby Club U19’s and U16’s for the past 6 years! She is the Women’s Rugby Player Rep at the CRFC. Spencer is also currently a member of the Cowichan Rugby Club women’s team , which she has played on for the last 17 years. Spencer coaches the Cowichan Secondary Girl rugby program, and has for the past 5 years. Likewise, she coaches the U19 girls North Island Tsunami during PRC’s and has the past 5 years.
