Gillis Roy, who first played for the then University of Manitoba Rugby Football Club in 1974, has been the foundation of the club since he first stepped on the field. He has played, coached, refereed and/or administrated for over 35 years. As one of rugby’s true “unsung heroes” he has done whatever it takes to sustain both the club and the game.
In the summer of 1974, Gillis Roy found rugby but far more significantly Rugby and the University of Manitoba RFC/Wombats found Gillis Roy. He has been the foundation on which the club has remained anchored. He shaped and guided the Referees Association as well. Gillis Roy played in the second row in the first and second divisions from 1974 through 1980 when a back injury curtailed his playing career.
More importantly however, from 1974 through until the early 2000’s he was match secretary, record keeper of rugby players and potential recruits, equipment manager, opened his home as a form of clubhouse, assisted in coaching and generally did each and everything necessary to encourage and support the club in its growth and development.
Hundreds of rugby players throughout the world remember his efforts and their interactions with him with warmth and gratitude. Gillis refereed and also scheduled referees, from 1980 until the 2000’s, helping to structure the Manitoba Association of Rugby Referees as a result.
He contributed to the operations of Maple Grove by marking the fields and other necessary tasks over a number of years. Gillis continues to support rugby in many and diverse ways, and is the epitome of a rugby player/supporter and builder.
In the summer of 1974, Gillis Roy found rugby but far more significantly Rugby and the University of Manitoba RFC/Wombats found Gillis Roy. He has been the foundation on which the club has remained anchored. He shaped and guided the Referees Association as well. Gillis Roy played in the second row in the first and second divisions from 1974 through 1980 when a back injury curtailed his playing career.
More importantly however, from 1974 through until the early 2000’s he was match secretary, record keeper of rugby players and potential recruits, equipment manager, opened his home as a form of clubhouse, assisted in coaching and generally did each and everything necessary to encourage and support the club in its growth and development.
Hundreds of rugby players throughout the world remember his efforts and their interactions with him with warmth and gratitude. Gillis refereed and also scheduled referees, from 1980 until the 2000’s, helping to structure the Manitoba Association of Rugby Referees as a result.
He contributed to the operations of Maple Grove by marking the fields and other necessary tasks over a number of years. Gillis continues to support rugby in many and diverse ways, and is the epitome of a rugby player/supporter and builder.