The Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) has announced the make-up of its new board. For the first time, according to CRLA, "It is a true reflection of the sport in the country, both in terms of geographic representation and the diversity of its newly elected members".
Paul O’Keefe will become the new president and the new members are Paul Buchanan (vice president), Lawrence Ross (treasurer), Andy Blackburn (secretary) and Stu McReynolds. The new Board will begin its two year term immediately. This follows on from the CRLA’s adoption of a new constitution in September that was developed with all members and the assistance of the Rugby League European Federation.
CRLA is now comprised of two full members in the British Columbia Rugby League (BCRL) and Ontario Rugby League (ORL) with the domestic clubs under each of the provincial organizations considered affiliate members. British Columbia has seven clubs - Abbotsford RFC, Capilano Cougars, Surrey Beavers, Valley Warriors, Vancouver Dragons, Vancouver Thunderbirds and Richmond Bears, while there are four in Ontario - Brantford Broncos, Toronto Centurions, Toronto City Saints and newly formed Burlington Centaurs.
The CRLA is also excited about the admission of two new affiliate member clubs from the province of Alberta over the coming weeks. A further affiliate membership is held by Eric Perez and Cory Tukeli, who lead the UK Kingstone Press League 1 team bid group.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked on the CRLA Board and their hard work progressing rugby league to where it is now in Canada,” stated incoming President, Paul O’Keefe. “We look forward to working together for a smooth transition and to continue the growth of the game across Canada.
“We are fortunate to have business focused people on the new board who all share the same passion for rugby league. We all understand the importance of junior development which is a high priority for the new board. I am excited to start working with them and sharing our ideas on how we can take rugby league to a new level in Canada. We hope everyone in the country will support the Wolverines in trying to create history in December in their quest to become the first-ever Canadian team to make the Rugby League World Cup.”
Outgoing secretary Henry Miers added, “On behalf of former president Cory Tukeli and the departing board, I would like to congratulate the new CRLA board for 2015/16 and wish them success with the coming year.”
The Canada Rugby League Association is the official governing body of the sport of Rugby League, in Canada. Based in Toronto, it administers the Canadian national team, "The Team Canada Wolverines", and the domestic club game. CRL aims to create the best elite level rugby league competition in the Americas and maximise the numbers engaged in our sport and the enjoyment derived from participation in it.