By Brian Lowe, Date: 20/7/18
Less than 12 months since taking over the role of president of the Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA), Ryan Murray has decided to step down from the position.
He says he made the decision so that a new group of people can guide the association to a new level.
“It was an amazing experience and I was able to meet some incredible people from all over the world,” says Murray.
“The hard work and dedication from the current board members of the CRLA will be a tribute to our success in the future.”
Murray says the men’s World Cup qualifiers are going to happen later this year and he has no doubt that the CRLA’s new leaders will be able to unify their supporters in order to give Canada the best chance to be represented on the world’s stage.
Lawrence Ross and Bob Jowitt have stepped into the void to work with the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) in the lead up to the qualifiers, which are set to take place in November.
“These gentlemen have a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to make it happen,” adds Murray.
“The tentative 2019 Wolverine schedule is looking very exciting and the relationships being built with Canada Rugby League supporters all over the world is fantastic.
“The Ravens continue to showcase talent all over the globe. Our coaches Mike (Castle) and Ben (Fleming) are building the foundation and the culture needed to prepare for the best in the world.
“These incredible people make me proud to be a supporter of the CRLA and a proud Canadian.”
He goes on to say that Canada has an incredible source for rugby talent and if more Canadians and CRLA fans learn the game and help develop the game in some capacity, he believes they could compete and win against the best men’s and women’s teams in the world.
Murray is a former Canada Wolverines national team player who converted to the 13-man code from rugby union. He made the switch four years ago after playing rugby for more than 20 years.
He took over in late 2017 from former CRLA president Paul O’Keefe.
