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Hall of Famers

Hall of Famer

GARETH REES

Inducted in 2014

Member Details

Date of Birth: 1967
Place of Birth: Duncan, BC
Sport: Rugby
Member Category: Athlete

Career Highlights

Ranked in the top 10 all-time point scorers in the Rugby World Cup 

 

The youngest person ever to be named to an All World Rugby XV

 

1995, 1999

First man in the world to Captain his country in two Rugby World Cups

Hall of Famer GARETH REES
Sport

Story

Gareth Rees is known around the world for his outstanding rugby skills.  Gareth took to the game as a youngster and soon began to dominate the sport with his speed, ball handling, and the precision kicking that he would become famous for. At 19 years of age, he was the youngest person ever to be named to an All World Rugby XV. Gareth is also the only man to have represented his country, starting in every game, in four Consecutive Rugby World Cups – 1987, 1991, 1995, and 1999.  Gareth is also the first man in the world to Captain his country in two Rugby World Cups, 1995 and 1999 and was captain of the Canadian National team 25 times in his 14 years with the team. He won scoring titles in France, Wales and England where he played professionally for a decade and Gareth is still ranked in the top 10 all-time point scorers in the Rugby World Cup. In 2011 Gareth became the only North American inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.

Since his retirement, Gareth has been a passionate advocate, introducing rugby to beginners of all ages across Canada and around the world. He is known as a gentleman on and off the field who believes strongly in the value of sports and sportsmanship. Gareth is a fiercely proud Canadian, a terrific example of the personal qualities that make sport such a vital part of nation-building, and a credit to his country.  
Gareth currently serves as National Program Manager at Rugby Canada and acknowledges his dad, Alun Rees, as the greatest influence in his career.