🍀🏆Congratulations to the Irish Canadian Rugby Club Men’s 1st XV 1999-2008 for their induction into the @rugbyontario Hall of Fame!
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🏉 The Irish Canadian Rugby Club (ICRC) Men’s team of 1999-2008 epitomized excellence in Ontario rugby, a golden era that will forever be remembered for its dominance, character, and unwavering commitment to both the game and the community.
Over this remarkable decade, the Irish established themselves as one of the top rugby clubs in the province, capturing the McCormick Cup Championship four times ('99, '02, '06, '08) and consistently finishing as finalists or semi finalists in each of the years between '99 and '08. They achieved great success in the Ontario League, claiming the Ontario League Championship three times ('99, '02, '04) and never failing to make it to at least the semi-finals of the McCormick Cup throughout the period.
The ICRC also made a mark on the national stage, with four players earning Canada caps: Dale Burleigh and Jason Verstraten (15s), and Simon Dunne and Fabian Rayne (7s). Under the leadership of Head Coach Mark Winokur, who was named Ontario Coach of the Year in '05 and '08, the club’s success wasn’t just local—it dominated in cross-border competitions, defeating top US Super League teams like Dallas, Belmont Shore, and Life University. The team also represented Ontario at the National Club Championship in '06, where they finished as runners-up.
Beyond on-field achievements, the Irish were deeply committed to developing rugby at the grassroots level, with members volunteering as coaches in GTA high schools, nurturing future talent for Ontario and Canada. Captain George Azar, who captained the team from '01 to '08, played a pivotal role in this effort, running clinics that helped make local high school programs highly competitive.
The legacy of the Irish Canadian Rugby Club Men’s team from '99 to '07 goes beyond trophies and championships. It is a story of pride, passion, and community. With a winning record, a string of championships, and a lasting impact on Ontario rugby, the ICRC team during this era embodied the spirit of the game, creating a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
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