Ivor Thomas (1980 – 1982)
Ivor Thomas emigrated to Ontario, from England in 1961 and he, and his wife Sally, moved west to Edmonton where he joined the Leprechaun Rugby football Club. Ivor, who had represented Durham Schools, in his England playing days, quickly established a presence in Edmonton Rugby and became the captain of the Club and later its President.
As a player and administrator, Ivor was robust, tenacious and efficient, qualities in which not everyone found comfort. In 1967 he played scrumhalf and was the captain for the Alberta team which played England in a segment of their tour across Canada. England was victorious in Calgary, but Alberta, under Ivor’s leadership produced the closest score of the England tour.
Thomas went on to captain both Edmonton, to two Emmanuel Cup Championships (against Calgary) and Alberta, in several matches against British Columbia.
Due to injuries, Ivor’s playing career came to an early end and he threw his considerable abilities and energy into administration. He played a substantial role in the initial planning, fundraising and development of what was to become Edmonton’s showcase, Ellerslie Rugby Park. But, his major contribution to Rugby in Alberta and Canada began to evolve from his appointment, in 1972, Selector and Manager for the Alberta Representative team.
He was appointed as a Selector for Canada in 1975 and, shortly thereafter, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Rugby Union. He served this body in a number of capacities, including Chairman of Selectors, Director of Coaching, Director of National Teams, Vice-President and, finally, in 1980, as President.
He served, with vigor, in this role for two terms. During his involvement with the C.R.U., Ivor initiated significant changes to the National Team development program, and he was part of the process for setting standards which would lay the foundation for future successes. He negotiated the arrangements for Canada’s tours to Argentina, in 1981 and Japan, in 1982. He also provided considerable support to the organization for the 1983 Congress of Asian and Pacific Rugby Countries, in Vancouver.
In 1980, Thomas received a Citation from the City of Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department for his contributions to the administration of the Game in Edmonton. In 1991, he was inducted into the Edmonton Rugby Union Hall of Fame.
After stepping down from his many administrative duties, and following his service, in 1983, as Past President, Ivor became a vigorous supporter, on a social level, of the Club, with which he was last affiliated, the St. Albert Rugby football Club.
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: