ad and local rugby legend Phil Mack joins the coaching team of BC Rugby Senior Men’s XVs team, better known as the BC Bears.
Mack has extensive BC Rugby experience playing for UVic Vikes, Thunder Rugby, BC Bears and James Bay AA. He made his debut for Canada in 2009, competing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, two Pan American Games and the World Rugby Sevens circuit. Mack is also head coach of the Thunder Rugby team and has worked to grow the game within B.C.’s Aboriginal communities.
“I am extremely honoured and humbled to assume a position on the BC Bears coaching staff for the 2017 season,” Mack said. “Having gone through the B.C. provincial pathway, we understand the significance of having a strong BC Bears team. We plan to engage with all clubs province-wide to ensure we can put British Columbia’s best foot forward. Our aim is to play an expansive, fearless style of rugby. Really looking forward to the challenge.”
Healy played rugby professionally for eight years in France and England and on Canada’s National team 15 times from 1996 to 1999. In 2007 and 2009, Healy coached the Canadian U20 Men’s team and also led the Brentwood College School rugby program to three provincial championship titles in five years.
The province’s top senior men’s rugby players are selected each year to represent their province with the BC Bears, whose 2017 campaign kicks off on May 27 with a game against Rugby Canada Maple Leafs. In July they face the Prairie Wolf Pack at UBC and in August they compete in a three-game series at the Canadian Rugby Championships in Calgary.
