Roger S. Smith (2004 – 2007)
Roger Smith grew up in the city in which he was born, Edmonton, attending Archbishop MacDonald High School. After completing this phase of his schooling, he departed for Nova Scotia and St. Francis Xavier University.
Over the course between University terms, Roger spent time in Jasper where he was first introduced to Rugby, in the form of the Jasper Dregs R.F.C. He continued to play, upon returning to Antigonish, he continued to play for his University side. In 1987 he played briefly for the Toronto Saracens as well as the Saskatoon Wild Oats as he was completing his Law studies. After obtaining his Law degree at the University of Saskatchewan, in 1989, he returned to Edmonton to complete his Articles.
He started playing for the Edmonton Clansmen R.F.C. in 1991 and his playing career lasted until 2005 when his swan song was to play for the Masters Games Elite Division Gold Medalists, the Black Sheep.
In 1993, Roger took his considerable talents into the boardroom, first with his Club, where he served as President for the period 1993 to 1997. In 1995, he branched out becoming the Director of Discipline for the Edmonton Rugby Union, and he was elected the President of that body in 1996, serving until 1999. The Board of Rugby Alberta was the next to benefit from his administrative abilities, as he was elected its President in 1997.
After a brief respite from administrative duties, he turned his attention to the National Union. In 2000, he was elected as a Director of Rugby Canada, in 2001, he was appointed as the Secretary and, in 2004, he was elected as the President of Rugby Canada.
He served with diligence, in this capacity, until 2007 and he continued on, as a Director until the end of 2008. Over the period from 2002 to 2006 Roger was also appointed as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Churchill Cup (2004 0 2006), the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Women’s World Cup (2006) and he has served on the Board of Directors of the Barclays Churchill Cup Organization from 2004 to the present time. He served the National Union, over 1999 to 2001, as the Commissioner of the Rugby Canada Super League.
Highlights of Roger’s time as the President of Rugby Canada included the hosting of the Churchill Cup (2005 and 2006), hosting of the Women’s World Cup (2006), the commencement of the IRB Tier II Initiative, the commencement of the NA4 Competition, the staging of a National Club Championship, and the commencement of the Women’s National League play.
Smith continues to live, with his wife and two young children, in Edmonton. He is a Partner in the firm of Witten LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, and his practice involves working as General Counsel in areas including Commercial Finance, Gaming Law and Native Law.
Amongst other additional responsibilities, he is on the Board of Directors/Executive Committee of the Compassion House Foundation and he served on the Alumni Board of Directors of St. Francis Xavier University (1993 to 1995).
After having coached rugby briefly in the late 1900’s, and a three year stint as a member of the Edmonton Rugby Union Referees Society, Roger continues to keep his hand in the game, in more recent times, as the coach of the Clansmen Under 10 and Under 12 teams.
Contact Information
Rugby Canada
30 East Beaver Creek Road
Suite 110
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 1J2 Canada
Socialize With Us
Design, Hosting, Online Registration & Administration Tools By:Powered By: