www.brandonbarbarians.org

Brandon City Council approved the renaming of the North Pitch at the Canada Games Rugby Park to Reilly Field, honouring John Reilly. Kiwi was one of the three founders of the Brandon Barbarians in 1981. His determination and hard work right to the end have contributed to the success of the Barbs. John passed away in May, 2009. He is greatly missed.

Website updated

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The "Barbs" were founded in 1981 by Guy McKim, Doug Filipchuk and the late John Reilly. The club struggled in its initial stages until the late John Keogh arrived at practice with some high school students in tow. For these lads, rugby was a natural extension to their football training. Soon more high school-aged players (and frustrated soccer players!) joined the team looking for something different that would extend beyond their early adult years. It was inevitable that the "Barbs" would become one of the most endearing and enduring clubs in the Manitoba Rugby Football Union.

Over the years, the "Barbs" have won 2nd and 3rd Division and numerous League Championships, most recently in 2003. 2004, 2005 (Manitoba Cup) and 2006 The Club has travelled overseas to England and Wales and to the US for tournaments. Many "Barbs" who got their start in the Wheat City have represented Manitoba and Canada at National and International competitions. We have hosted National Tournaments, including the 1996 Canadian U-19 Championships and the 1997 Canada Games Tournament.

The Barbs, who celebrate their 30th anniversay in 2011, are proud of their heritage and are looking forward to this season. There are now three Barbarians teams. Senior Men Division One plays out of Brandon, Coach, Jon Fitzpatrick in charge. And, former Coach, Brent Littlejohn, realizing that retiring from Rugby is impossible, returns as assisstant coach. Division Two plays out of Minnedosa , a real Manitoba rugby hotbed with coach Gavin Roche. And there’s the Senior Women Barbarians headed by Nancy Pitcairn.

A Little Bit of Barb History