September 15, 2024 – The Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. James Alder, Braydon Goldstein, and Meaghan Howat.
- James Alder – Atlantic Representative: Dr. James Alder joins the CUMRC Board as the Atlantic Representative. The 2024-25 season marks James’ sixth year as head coach of the Acadia Axemen men’s rugby program. Since 2019, he has led the Axemen to notable achievements, including the NS University Trophy and the Div 2 Maritime Trophy in 2022. With an extensive coaching background, James has served as an assistant coach for the Nova Scotia Senior Men’s Provincial Team and held positions with high-performance teams in the UK, including a stint as assistant head coach for the Lancashire Lynx Rugby League team. Beyond coaching, James is the head coach of the Nova Scotia Senior Men’s Provincial Program and president of the Nova Scotia Referee Society.
- Braydon Goldstein – Prairies Representative: Braydon Goldstein joins the CUMRC Board as the Prairies Representative. A former University of Saskatchewan rugby player, Braydon captained the team and served on its executive committee, contributing to the club’s growth in quality, professionalism, and membership. Currently, he plays club rugby for and serves as president and player-coach of the Saskatoon Badgers. Braydon is also a Level 1 coach and match official and is passionate about contributing to rugby’s development. Professionally, Braydon is a lawyer at McDougall Gauley LLP, focusing on civil litigation and wills and estates.
- Meaghan Howat – Rugby Canada Representative: Meaghan Howat joins the CUMRC Board as the Rugby Canada representative. With over two decades in rugby, Meaghan’s experience includes competing with Canada’s U23 and National teams, as well as holding staff and board roles with Rugby Canada from 2012 to 2018. She has worked closely with national teams across four World Cups, the Olympics, and other major events. A former varsity rugby and hockey player, Meaghan recently served in the University of Guelph’s Department of Athletics. She also co-chaired the CRPA from 2021 to 2023 and brings an in-depth understanding of Canadian sport and intercollegiate athletics.
They join the following members of the CUMRC Board:
- Maria Samson: CUMRC Chair
- Jeff Chan: CUMRC Founder & Past Chair
- Colin Petrillo: Treasurer
- Hugo Montérémal: Quebec Representative
- Cory Hector: Ontario Representative
- Scott Manning: BC Representative
“The addition of James, Braydon, and Meaghan enhances the Board’s commitment to representing rugby talent and expertise across Canada,” stated Maria Samson, Chair of the CUMRC. “Their collective experience and dedication will drive our mission to strengthen men’s university rugby in Canada.”
