Played some rugby,took some knocks & gave a few out as well.Proud inducted member of a few halls.Married to a rockstar & father to a great son in Rylan.
You never know who you might run into in a big city with multiple pro teams. With the
@penguins
in Detroit, son Rylan got his picture with hockey superstar Sidney Crosby at our hotel. Good on Sid for being a good sport as Dad fumbled with iPhone in front of hockey royalty!
If you had never watched a game of rugby in your life and you had no idea who the best country was....win or lose today... Japan would be the country that would have impressed you and made rugby that much more fun to watch and root for game in and game out!
#SpiritOfRugby
To all the people who have called, emailed, texted, tweeted, messaged via Facebook ,or passed on in person kind comments about my induction, a real big thank you. Truly appreciate it. Big thanks to my many teammates who got me there!
What does it mean to
@TheBlade27
to be inducted into the
@WorldRugby
Hall of Fame on Friday. Read his thoughts & thank you to the rugby community here>
@AllBlacks
Here is the actual picture of the jersey in question from that 1991 RWC match that Zinny wore & exchanged with Glenn & was ultimately given to & worn by Jason Momoa. Though that is me in the line out pic & not Glenn but thanks to everyone who thought I looked like
@GlennEnnis
!!
Off to knee replacement surgery in the early Ottawa hours today. Goodbye left knee you have done well by me... & not so well! No knee model at the best of times...no model period really!
#IFeelTheKneedForSpeed
Well speed would be nice but just pain free mobility would be nice!!
It was an honour and a privilege to assist in the small ceremonies yesterday in Vancouver in the presentation of the red
@RugbyCanada
blazers to the staff and players repping the Maple Leaf at the 2019
@rugbyworldcup
in Japan! Congrats to all !
Pleased to finally hit my loosely based targeted weight goal this AM. From a step on the scale measure of 346 lbs on 04/09/18 & I was probably even much heavier than even this!
Managed to shred via the Keto diet,guidance from my star wife,massive discipline & a work out regime!
Shot in the dark here, but there is a young man out in Newfoundland who is just starting to play rugby. He’s a big boy, 6’’8 with massive feet. He is seeking size 18 ( yes 18!). Anyone out there got any leads to how & where he might get his hands/feet on some boots of that size?
25 years ago today Canada beat Wales under the lights on a dreary night in Cardiff & shocked the rugby world. Our
@RugbyCanada
men will not be shocking anyone tomorrow but the W result needs to be the same against Kenya & in the matches to follow.Go get it men!
#ActionsIntoBelief
Very honoured to hand out the
@RugbyCanada
jerseys to the players last night for todays N.A clash at BC Place between Canada & USA.Sorry for getting a little emotional men....my bad...But it meant a lot to me to be there so thanks for including & indulging me! Go well today!
Gutted for the players and staff, gutted for the supporters of rugby in Canada...and well simply just gutted. Congrats though to
@UruguayRugby
well played and I wish you well in Japan in 2019
@WorldRugby
@RugbyCanada
I was honoured to represent
@RugbyCanada
today and to receive a flag on behalf of the Canadian
@rugbyworldcup
team who will be playing in Japan this Fall. The traditional flag a symbol for good luck was made by young survivors of the Tsunami that devastated their area in 2011.
2016 marked a sad time when it came to multiple CDN rugby alumni deaths in March. Today marks the 3yr anniversary of the passing of Norman Hadley.Big Norm was a colossal presence both on & off the field who is dearly missed by so many for his friendship,sharp wit & intelligence.
Was great that our 1991 Canadian Rugby World Cup team was recognized and inducted into the RC Hall of Fame yesterday at the
@CanadaSevens
So great to catch up with players, staff & supporters. Beauty team, awesome to see most of the squad & some fond memories rekindled.
#RIPNorm
Donated blood today. If you are healthy, physically well and willing please consider doing so yourself. They are always in need of blood and probably more so now as they probably have less donors now during this difficult time.
25 years ago today
@RugbyCanada
beat a strong France side in what is arguably our biggest win over an established nation on home soil in Ottawa at Twin Elms . Fond memories!! France would go on from here to NZ & serve up the
@AllBlacks
their first ever home 2-0 series loss !!
@RexChapman
I was in an episode of Friends..... indirectly to be fair.
Episode where Ross is trying to learn how to play rugby. He is watching rugby on TV & it is match in which (for whatever reason!) it is Canada vs England in Ottawa (1993)(my hometown too) & I can see myself in clips!
#SAG
The 2023 RWC kicks off today, seems weird that Canada will not be participating in it for the first time ever. Sad,but I will watch with great interest all the same & hope for an enjoyable, entertaining RWC in France. I will be heading over for the final next month- can’t wait!
My man for RC in looking at all 3 matches is Kyle Ballie-does the grit,gets on with things in a quiet manner & always makes extra yards going forward when he gets his hands on the ball.PEI product!!Opportunity is always there for anyone if you have the right attitude & the will!
I missed marking that yesterday was sadly the 4th anniversary of the passing of Norm Hadley!I actually had a dream about him last night- slightly weird we were playing for Canada but in Australia strip against the All Blacks!We still lost! but focal in the dream ...was the fact
Hey NFL players if you hit them low and wrap your arms in making a tackle it is actually quite effective in bringing a ball carrier down !! It's tackle football ...not drop your head look for contact and hope they fall down Football!!
Ok no comments from the peanut gallery as I know what your thinking (especially my teachers & maybe my wife!) but I recently received back my Brain Donor card from the
@ConcussionLF
after taking the decision to do so.I felt it was important & hopefully you will too
#MyLegacy
Any chance that we the public can boycott companies & stores that start Christmas campaigns with adverts before Remembrance Day is even over?Too much to ask?We need more respect please for those who have served our countries & especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice
What a great idea by
@CanadaSevens
@RugbyCanada
to open the stadium up to school kids on the Friday for the 7’s Tourney taking place at BC Place this weekend. For some an awesome introduction to a fantastic sport!! Kids are super excited to be here!
Congrats
@phillymack07
and
@RugbyCanada
Sr. men's team on a much needed win.Congrats to Kingsley Jones with his first coaching win with Canada. Well Done team!Enjoy tonight & then shift focus to next week and keep'er going!
Your only as good as your last match, so make it good!
Real proud of my young son Rylan who landed his 1st ever job for the weekends/ Summer at
@boosterjuice
at Billings Bridge this week. I am thinking this retro Rugby Canada golf shirt of mine for his in person interview was the clincher! Kept it this long to give it to him one day!
U know what would be cool?If all the TV's set up in malls, shopping & business centers & of course all the bars here in Canada would stay set up as such after the
@FIFAWorldCup
& show the
@WorldRugby7s
. And hey Canada sport fans we actually have 2
@RugbyCanada
teams in this WC!!
Crazy to think it was 32 years ago that Canada played in the quarter-finals of the 1991 Rugby World Cup against the defending champions New Zealand All Blacks. Had a lots more hair follicles and carried fewer LBS back then
4 years ago I was honoured to represent
@RugbyCanada
at the official opening ceremony and to represent them as an ambassador for some of the tourney in England....feels strange to watch it now from bed back home today!
Pumped to watch it from Ottawa...for now!
#GoCanadaGo
I have always been a proud Canadian and this day is one of my favorite each calendar year. Thank you to all the soldiers and all the great people who have served and made this country what it is over so many years.Happy Canada Day everyone from our house to yours!
#ThrowBackThursday
- Rod Snow and I in a little Rugby Canada photo op after playing on a select side vs Argentina to celebrate their centenary back in the late 90’s.
Happy to no longer look like this!!As of the other day...& off Keto to boot for the most part for the last 2 weeks plus with a few too much imbibing in that period I have still managed to get down another 6LBS for a total of 86LBS lost over the last 9 months!
First stop & 1st pics for the Annette / Al 27th wedding anniversary mini 2 person support the Perth Ontario economy pub crawl !! At Fiddleheads. We did a pre crawl scouting report last night at a few establishments such as the Red Fox Tavern-loved it! Great service,club & wings!
Enjoying a pint while watching our women’s national rugby team combat
#1
England in the semi final of the women’s RWC. 2nd just starting Canada trailing 15-12 but playing so well! Let’s go Canada!
Off to Vancouver for the 7’s. Looking forward to it. Getting there-not so much! Packed flight!
My knees get abused more flying there then when I played & that is saying something.Air Canada’s motto is “we will make you as uncomfortable as possible from departure to destination”
My father passed away 20 yrs ago today…I miss him dearly as do my siblings,family & his many friends.I am not sure even now I accept it. He was a good man taken far too early. Do not take for granted you or your loved ones will be there tomorrow sadly tomorrow is not promised.
#TBT
in 1993, Canada beats England XV 15-12 in Burnaby BC. A pretty damn good English side with the likes of Kyran Bracken, Martin Johnson,Victor Ubogo, Neil Back to name just a few English stalwarts who wore the rose that day!Proud moment for Canadian team, staff & supporters!
A very convincing win for
@RugbyCanada
over Wales. Team,to a man all played very well,complimenting the structure of the game plan & the team's strengths.A joy to watch! Best wishes heading into quarter finals men-a well deserved reward for your play today.
#Maestro
@NHirayama10
So this came in the mail today. While I was expecting it, I did not expect it so soon & it was a nice surprise to receive on what was a crappy day & perhaps end to a certain chapter in my life. Real cool book idea & what I have read thus far -a must have for rugby enthusiasts!
The beauty of being at the
@rugbyworldcup
is to get a chance to rub shoulders with some great servants of the game. I had never met Gerald Davies before and had only read about him and seen old footage of his play... legend of a player and really a legend of a man- true class!
It’s been said before & it will be said again... Japan plays rugby in a style that is very enjoyable to watch! Great skill, frenetic pace, keep the ball alive and don’t play the universal dire pick and go advancing a inch at a time with repetitive ruck after ruck others play do!
The Hong Kong 7’s are kicking off in the next day or so- what a great tournament that is, I have yet to be back as a spectator but it is on the bucket list. Though fortunate to have played in it on 3 occasions, & that was a privilege. Good luck to our
@RugbyCanada
sides this wknd
Getting ready for a Journey/ Toto concert with Netty in Ottawa. Both pretty big bands back when I had hair. Looking forward to it …. Especially Journey!!
Happy Canada Day folks! We all gripe about this and that the odd time ,but we Canadians are fortunate to live in this great country. Well at least I know I am & very proud to have had the opportunity to have represented it! Lot's to celebrate and be thankful today and every day!
After sucking back a fair few Guinness on St. Patrick’s day I decided to cut down so I just went for just one Guinness after Ireland’s winning Slam today!!!
@GuinnessIreland
@GuinnessCanada
@OttawaIrishRC
Wearing purple today for
#RowansLawDay
to support & raise awareness on concussions. We need to be smarter about safety & looking out for each other when a concussion is suspected be it on the playing field or otherwise.
@RowansLaw
@Rowans_Dad
If in doubt sit them out.
#RWC2019
I am extremely lucky to call this woman my wife for the last 30 years. Love you Annette , you mean everything to me! Happy 30th anniversary! Thanks for being the best wife, mom to Rylan (and me!), super daughter to your parents and friend to so many!
I really enjoy rugby & the great people you meet through your association with the sport.I want to give a shout out to the
@MelroseRugby
club on tour of Canada ATM. Real good guys that represented their club, country & the sport of rugby with class, respect , spirit & fun while
#TBT
from 1999 RWC -scoring a try against Namibia. It was cool that this pic was 1of 3 pics on the cover of an old VHS tape of best tries from that RWC.Well worked team try with final pass coming from current UCLArugby coach Scott Stewart to put me away in a big scoreline win!
@MikeBubbins
- You recognize this Canadian rugby legend of Welsh heritage showing your podcast page?? Word is getting around the globe on how funny and entertaining it is!!
@distantpod
#Big
Al’s Bar
#GoPackers
!
I am proud to support my friend Peter MacKay for the Leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. This vote is not because I am a friend or due to a sense of guilt because I accidentally broke his arm a few years back but because he is the best person for the job (1/2)
It is days like this that remind you that life is not fair and that sadly your tomorrows are never guaranteed. For today marks the sad two year anniversary of the death of John Cannon- great rugby player and super person. One of the good guys taken far too young!
#RIPJohn
rugby for money,accolades or recognition but truly & simply put for the love of the game & everything that came with it on & off the pitch.Cherished my club, teammates,opponents(most not all!),supporters etc.Great sport/great rugby community!
#InjuriesTradeOff
I will take it! 4/4
Gave blood today and got a sac of chips for my troubles!
Please consider giving-it is a pretty easy process and you might just save a life! How good is that?
March 19th marks the sad 3 year anniversary date of the death of John Cannon. One heck of a player & a person that anyone would be proud to call a friend . JC is deeply missed by so many in & outside of the rugby community-just simply a special person who will never be forgotten
Woke up this AM early,nervous but excited for the match between Uruguay &
@RugbyCanada
set for later today & only wish I was playing to calm these nerves but will live vicariously through the CDN players who look fit,determined & ready to get the job done!
#2019RWCQualifier
Congratulations to
@jmoonlight12
on a great international rugby career and to the career to come as a firefighter in your hometown. Well done ,it was a pleasure to watch you over the years you made your family, friends, fans and country proud.
@RugbyCanada
#Classy
#Mooner
I don’t give/lose blood playing rugby onSaturdays anymore but I still donate it though!
@CanadasLifeline
#GiftToDonate
Went with Annette & ran into coincidentally another
@OttawaIrishRC
inJames Moran donating as well
#It
’sInYouToGive
(Pic taken afterwards)
proud to say since Feb. 20th to June 13th or so (just under 4 months) I have lost roughly 83 pounds & now at close to 1995 RWC playing weight -Feeling good,due to some healthy eating & exercise but going for a golf beer blow out with some mates tomorrow -looking forward to it!
#TBThursday
Annette and I in a bar in the UK after a match( either with Moseley or Bristol though I believe most likely Bristol- late 1990’s). Back when I still had use of a comb!
Well it’s the last day for the 2023 RWC with NZ and South Africa playing in the final here in Paris for the rights to hoist the Webb Ellis Cup. I am fortunate to be here to see the final live. Two great rugby nations going head to head- will be a treat to take in! Who ya got??
Got my 2nd vaccination today (thanks to my older sister Darlene), for coordinating-she is in pic beneath the tent canopy btw )at a mass outdoor community vaccination clinic in the Glebe.
#Jabapalooza
. Glad to have received it. Thanks to all the people who made this happen.
(3/4)weight.But my knee issues are not due to rugby,it did not help it 2 be fair but not the sole cause by any means.
Would I play rugby all over again?Absofuckinglutely!Rugby has given me so much enjoyment even before taking playing for 🇨🇦into the equation.I simply did not play
Proud to “officially “present the
@RugbyCanada
2019 male coach of the year award to Aaron McDonald of the
@OttawaRugbyClub
tonight. Congrats once again for your role and help in furthering rugby in Ottawa, Ontario and Canada with your time, passion & effort in coaching rugby!
In light of the sad Canadian rugby news that is going to drop today and take up most of people’s rugby focus- before that….on another and unrelated note I was asked to share that there is a head coaching position opening at the University of Ottawa for the women’s program. 1/2
I put
#sticksoutforhumbolt
the other night but added a rugby ball as well in honour of the late Logan Boulet who in his selfless act as an organ donor has assisted 6 fortune recipients & inspire others to become donors.Logan was also a rugby man.
#Hero
NOON:
Alta Health has just confirmed- typically, they see about 450 new organ donors registered each week. This week, it's 3071. An over 500% increase.
And people are saying it's because of Logan Boulet.
#humboldtsrong
#organdonors
Hats off to
@TSN_Sports
for broadcasting the Rugby Championships kicking off tomorrow in the Southern Hemisphere.Please see schedule of matches with dates & times but note it is with Eastern times 4 those not residing in this particular time zone.Thank you TSN &
@tsnjamesduthie
Someone really needs to sort out the amount of snipers in these Russian soccer stadiums taking aim during this FIFA World Cup- players are falling all over the field time and time again!!
I made another blood donation today….please make/take the time to do so yourself. Your donation can save a life! It’s in you to give and it cost you nothing.
@CanadasLifeline
Just got vaccinated...I think it was for Covid!!I’d post what seems like the mandatory vaccination administered picture but I didn’t take one. It must be said it was frustrating getting an appointment & more so seeing others get one so easily & quickly. No matter get the vaccine!
If you are healthy, able & willing please make time to give blood. Without question there is always a need & it is much appreciated.Did so today sporting my
@GreenShirtDay
tee.Remember
#ItsInYouToGive
#LoganBouletEffect
#BeADonor
Make your appt today!Your gift could save a life!
Finally watched the movie Wonder - great movie,awesome message.All kids should be made to watch,hell all adults should watch it as well.I don't recommend watching on a plane though.Think some people around me were uncomfortable with a big old rugby guy crying!
#Wasn
'tEvenSpeaking
What a real hero looks like. My heart goes out to Sam , his family and friends. With major condolences but also with big thanks for your selfless gift Sam and family! This post got me today....
This little 7 year old is the toughest boy I know. On Monday he will become an organ donor save the lives of at least 8 people. My nephew Sam is a hero and will be remembered and loved for ever ❤️
I know I have posted this in the past & by several others but it is worth repeating-can we please pay a little respect to the men & women who have served our countries by not advertising, promoting & decorating for Christmas at least until after Remembrance Day on Nov. 11th FFS!
Got some medically surprising news about a good friend and ex teammate today-who by the sounds of it will be fine in the end. But it is also a good reminder that giving blood no matter the cause is something you can selflessly do & maybe save a life. As it was I gave blood today!
Went out with my wife Annette and gave blood yet again today in Ottawa. It is such an easy, painless thing to do & your donation might just save a life. Please consider & hopefully committing to donating between now & the new year.
@CanadasLifeline
It truly is in you to give!
#TBT
Annette & I in Australia post Canada’s exit from the 2003 RWC. Many moons ago for me for my long departed hair, healthy weight....& Annette? Well God bless her & lucky me...she is still the same today & hell still practically the same look & weight from high school days!
#SS