In the spring of 1972, a fellow by the name of Bob Hutchison sent letters to all past Crimson Tide players asking them and their playing friends if they would be interested in forming an over-40 team to play against a Japanese side that would be visiting in the fall.
The response was enthusiastic and players began practicing under the coaching of David McKenzie. When David found it difficult to get to all the practices, he handed the coaching responsibilities to Peter Clarke. Peter ran the guys hard and enthusiasm grew until October 5, 1972 when more than 30 players were on hand for the first Ebb Tide RFC game against the Wak Wak of Osaka Japan.
The Wak Wak, organized in 1948, are not the oldest over-40 rugby club in Japan—that honour goes to the Fuwaku Rugby Club of Tokyo which was created in 1947.
Ebb Tide was selected as the name for the new Victoria rugby club as this was the name used when ex-Crimson Tide players occasionally played an oldies game.
The Wak Wak tour demonstrated the great value of over-40 rugby and an invitation to visit Japan in 1974 cemented the resolve for the Ebb Tide to become a permanent team.
The first executive was formed with Harry Turner as President, John Skillings as Vice President, Ross Irving as Secretary-Treasurer and Frank Gower as Director at Large.
As the only other over-40 side in BC at that time was the WHOI WHOI in Vancouver, the Ebb Tide played in the Third Division and picked-up games against high schools and the Royal Roads Military Academy.
Harry Turner was the first President through the 1970s and into the 80s. He was followed by Sonny Vickery, Jack Fleming, Dave Carmichael, Brian Beglau, John Azar, Dave Valentine, Shane Muldrew and the current President Glen Okrainetz.
The Ebb Tide celebrated its 40th year in 2012 and planned a series of events. The history continues...
Club Presidents
Glen Okrainetz 2013 - present
Shane Muldrew 2007 - 2013
Dave "Val" Valentine 2003 - 2006
John "Murdo" Azar 2001 - 2002
Brian Beglau 1997 - 2000
Dave Carmichael 1993 - 1996
Jack Fleming 1991 - 1992
Sonny Vickery 1989 - 1990
Ross Irving 1988 - 1989
Jack Fleming 1984 - 1987
Harry Turner 1972 - 1983
Captains
Paul Eby 2016- present
Harold Butler 2013 - 2016
Gord Oliver 2010 - 2012
Jim Zosiak 2003 - 2009
Kym Clarke 1999 - 2002
Derwin Phillips 1993 - 1998
Garry Hawe 1986 - 1992
Gerry Main 1972 - 1985
Club Bylaws
The club has prepared a set of By Laws (Guidelines) for all club activities so that new and old members can have a reference for club operations and protocols.
These By Laws were approved at a special members meeting on March 12, 2008.
- Download a copy of the Guidelines here: (pdf format)
- Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader which is a free download, click on the image below if you do not have a copy.
