2016 ARN Spirit of Rugby Award

This award is different from the others. There is no set criteria, no objective way to measure one against another. Its objective is to acknowledge someone that encapsulates the spirit of the game we love. Rugby is a sport of inclusivity, of respect, of integrity and commitment. Any person who takes the field against another is worthy of admiration. Some, however, have risen above all expectations.

HONOURABLE MENTION

Last year’s award focused on perseverance in the face of adversity, and certainly that was a recurring theme this year when it came to coming up with names of nominees. Ashley Steacy is a textbook example. After a brilliant season with the Canadian Women’s 7s side saw her named to the HSBC Dream Team for the 2014-15 Sevens Series, the Lethbridge native missed the entire 2015-16 season with two separate knee injuries that threatened her participation in the Olympic Games. Having ACL surgery just six months out would have ended the hopes of most, but Steacy’s dedication saw her return in time to play a major role in Canada’s historic Bronze Medal effort in Rio.

Commitment of a different kind came from Todd Clever. After being unceremoniously dumped by Mike Tolkin and missing out on the World Cup, one could have forgiven the long-time Eagles captain had he bid adieu to USA Rugby. Instead he answered the call of new head coach John Mitchell without hesitation and led a hugely inexperienced group of players to a second-place finish in the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship. In June he became the USA’s most-capped player of all time.

There is leadership on the field, and leadership off it. John Moonlight is a class act in both. On the field he leads by example, rarely making a mistake let alone a bad game. His pass to teenage debutante Josiah Morra in Cape Town while already under the sticks was just another example of his character. It was off the field, however, that he shone brightest in 2016. When his team was under fire, Moonlight never once shifted the blame elsewhere. When the players were embroiled in a battle with management over compensation in the off-season, he refused to air his grievances in public when there was every chance to do so. A top man.

Two players achieved notable international recognition in 2016 after years of slogging through domestic rugby. Juan Pablo Estelles made his Pumas debut as a 20-year-old in 2008 and skipped about in development sides for a few years, but never got another look-in with the big guns. Finally in 2016 he made the jump. A standout in the ARC after being a late call-up, Estelles then moved on to the HSBC Sevens Series and was subsequently picked for the Olympics. He signed an Aviva Premiership contract with Northampton Saints and played twice for the Pumas in November, starting on the wing against England at Twickenham.

Perhaps even more remarkable is the rise of Rob Brouwer. After several years toiling as a reserve with the Ontario Blues, the Lindsay RFC stalwart was a surprise selection for the ARC but made the most of his chances. On February 20 he became the oldest player ever to debut for Canada, coming on as a replacement against Brazil at 33 years of age. After being left out of the June tests it looked like his international career might be short-lived, but Brouwer returned for the November tour and earned his first test start against Samoa in France. He is now in the frame to be selected for Canada’s World Cup qualifiers in June. They say props get better with age. Brouwer is living proof.

THE WINNER

Some might grin at our choice, but there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Jamie Cudmore. Despite his well-earned reputation as an enforcer in European rugby, the big man is softly spoken off the pitch and highly regarded by teammates for his knowledge of the game as much as his toughness. Cudmore had a memorable year in 2016. After being sidelined with a neck injury, he turned up to help coach Canada in the ARC, largely on his own dime, and then stepped in as captain in June. At 38 years old he answered an SOS to join the team for their game against Samoa in November. Most notably, however, he has turned his attention off the pitch towards concussion awareness. Along with wife Jennifer he founded the Rugby Safety Network, aimed at supporting and education players on concussion. He helped launch PlaySmart with Rugby Canada, and also made a memorable appearance on hugely popular show Rugby Tonight, talking about his own experiences with head injuries.

For his commitment to his country, and more importantly the long-term safety of all those who play the game, Jamie Cudmore is our 2016 Spirit of Rugby Award winner.