James Pritchard is a record-breaking fullback for Canada and has enjoyed a full career with the Bedford Blues in England. Pritch – or Skippy as he’s known at Bedford – is Canada’s favourite adopted son, and has played internationally for Canada for the last 12 years.
36 year old Pritch has 61 caps for Canada and a record-breaking 607 points consisting of 18 tries, 104 conversions and 103 penalties. He’s broken the previous records of Canadian icon Gareth Rees, who didn’t seem to mind letting them go to such a deserving member of Rugby Canada’s history.
James Pritchard grew up in Australia but came to rugby in Canada by way of his Grandfather from Saskatchewan. He’s a proud Canadian player. He’s grateful for everything Rugby Canada has afforded him, and he’s especially appreciative of the Canadian supporters.
When I asked Pritch for an interview, it was under the assumption that his selection for the World Cup squad was a given. Never did I imagine that my questions would be almost virtually moot, given that he wasn’t headed toward his third World Cup as was generally assumed.
I approached James Pritchard tentatively to ask him for his thoughts despite his exclusion from the squad. I asked him to share his recollections of his time with Canada, the Bedford Blues, his testimonial year, and the future. What I got by way of reply is so succinct that I wanted Skippy to speak for himself.
What follows is Pritch’s own words. All I can do is thank him for his trust in me to do what he’s offered some sort of justice:
“Regarding the milestones I’ve achieved while in a Canadian jersey, well to be honest I hadn’t really had a chance to sit back and look at what I’ve actually achieved till now.
“Everything seemed to happen so fast on the pitch, and when I was playing all you’re really concentrating on is getting the win, the performance of the team, and how you performed individually, so that come next game you are back in that jersey. Having a chance now to look back at some of my accomplishments really is unbelievable.
“I’m the first to say that I’ve never been the most talented player out there on the field, but I do the basics well and my work ethic is what has kept me around for so long. Really, who would believe that a kid who grew up in the outback in New South Wales Australia would be mentioned in the same breath as Gareth Rees when talking about Canadian Rugby?
“My time at Bedford has been a joy. They have looked after myself and my family both on and off the pitch, and that’s why I’ve been a fixture here for so long. Of course I’ve received offers to go elsewhere, and some of those offers would have been very lucrative, but when a club treats you and your family like a part of their family, the choice is pretty simple when it comes to staying or going. And then being offered a Testimonial season last year for my services to the club was really something special, as it’s becoming very rare nowadays, due to players constantly changing clubs.
“What’s next for me here at Bedford? Well, I would definitely like to go the coaching route. I’ve worked with so many great coaches over the years and I would really love to give back what I have learned. I’ve done stints here and there, but now that my playing career is starting to wind down, it’s something that I’m going to start focusing on. I’ve also been looking at opportunities in Canada (and the USA), as it would be great to get back to over there and help develop the next generation of Canadian players. Who knows, one day I may well be involved in the senior men’s team once more, just in another role.
“I’ve always said that Canadian rugby fans are some of the most passionate that I’ve come across in my years. Since missing out on a spot on the World Cup squad, I’ve had countless messages from supporters all over Canada. These people live, breathe, and play the game. And let me tell you, I’ve played at a some great stadiums around the world in my time — but nothing comes close for a Canadian player than to run out onto BMO Field in Toronto and play in front of a packed house.
“Give it a few years and that place will officially be the home of Canadian rugby, and selling out every game.”
That’s how Pritch left off…
I think I speak for his followers when I offer a collective thanks to James Pritchard. There have been games made more exciting by his inclusion. His 12 years representing Canada have had an impact on the game.
The thought that Pritch shared that he’s “not the most talented player on the field” is commendably humble but not entirely factual. There have been times he’s been the best player on the field, he boasts impressive stats, and he’s been decent to the press and supporters alike throughout his tenure.
The fact that he’s been a reliable kicker for more than a decade speaks for itself. Add to that the captainship of Bedford Blues, the recent inclusion to the exclusive Barbarians club, and the occasional stint behind the helm of the Canadian team, and you have a better than “decent” player who gets the job done.
Personally, I would like to say that I’ve enjoyed the last four years of Twitter banter with Pritch, whereby he has always responded to my #KickLikePritch posts, paid attention to #RugbyUnited, and participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge when called upon to do so. We have always appreciated Pritch taking the time.
I was shocked with the announcement. Upset. While it’s true that all good things must come to an end, I don’t think we were quite ready for it yet. I, and Pritchard’s ardent followers in Canada and beyond, were prepared for this World Cup or shortly after to be his swan song, and we do hope there’s a chance we may see him play again.
But if James Pritchard isn’t to don the Canada kit again on the field, his presence will be missed, as will his level of play.
If it’s so, we’ll never forget you James, Skippy, Pritch. Canada thanks one of its own for your service in helping to grow our game. We very much hope to see you in another capacity within Rugby Canada, as you hinted may be in the cards in the not too distant future!
Welcome to Canadian Rugby Royalty. Meet you again some time. And All the best.
Remember to always #KickLikePritch.
Main Photo via Getty Images.
