Shawnigan Lake School athletic director Tim Murdy has earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rugby Canada.
The award is given to a select few who have made outstanding and life-long contributions to rugby in Canada at the national age grade, provincial, regional, school and/or club levels of the game, and for Murdy, it's all of the above.
While he wasn't expecting the honour, he was tipped off by Rugby Canada a while back.
"When I first found out, it was quite a surprise," Murdy said. "It is a whole range of emotions that you go through. Obviously, I was very excited and humbled to be recognized in this manner. Then you do some reflecting on your time in the sport and just how many great people that have influenced you. Then you reflect on the many people who are also deserving. I am very lucky."
Murdy enters the Hall with Ontario's Jay Johnston and Ed Carty.
“This year’s recipients have served rugby in Canada with honour and excellence,” said Tim Powers, chair of Rugby Canada's Lifetime Achievement Project Team. “Their skills as elite leaders and administrators in the game has made them valued contributors to the growth of rugby in Canada."
Murdy's achievement will be celebrated at the Canada vs. Japan men’s international match at BC Place in Vancouver on Aug. 25.
There's quite a bit to celebrate but Murdy knows he didn't do it alone.
"As a player, I had numerous coaches that influenced me a great deal. I had numerous teammates and opposing players who I respected on and off the field," Murdy said. "As a coach, I’ve been lucky enough to work with a number of amazing athletes and coaches. I am proud of my time coaching international rugby, as we achieved many great successes and victories over those years. Wins over countries like Italy, Uruguay, Fiji, Wales, Island, Tonga, and United States all were hugely satisfying. "
Over the last three decades Murdy has found success as a coach, assistant coach, and a selector for numerous national age grade teams as well as for the senior men’s national team, though the statistics reveal just how involved he was.
Over a 10-year period, Murdy held 45 head coaching responsibilities with Rugby Canada’s national men’s age grade teams and five with the national senior men’s team compiling an overall record of 32 victories and 18 defeats for a 64 per cent winning percentage.
He has been a selector with numerous national teams including: the U23 Pacific Pride National Development Program, U17, U18, U19, U20, U21 and senior men’s XV sides. Also, he has coached at numerous RC camps including: NSMT 7s; RC NSMT; RWC Prep Camps ’03, ’07, ’11 and ’15; and the NSMT Super Powers Cup Camp.
"Tim’s possible greatest coaching legacy is his understanding of development and mentorship with younger players," according to Rugby Canada. "His school and club sides have produced an incredible number of elite level players including 122 international age-grade players and 31 NSMT players for Rugby Canada."
And that's just on the field. In his role with Shawnigan Lake School, Murdy has also served in an administrative capacity drafting the current Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes the partnership between Rugby Canada and the school.
