Former Leeds Rhinos captain Stevie Ward joins the CCCRL

Leeds Rhinos player Stevie Ward gets past the Huddersfield Giants defence in 2017

Stevie Ward, former Leeds Rhinos captain, was appointed as the director of welfare and safety for the Canada Co-operative Championship Rugby League (CCCRL). He will bring with him the valuable personal experience of dealing with injuries while he played with Leeds.

Stevie Ward joins board of CCCRL

The CCCRL confirmed this week that former Rhinos player Stevie Ward will be involved with the league. He was appointed as director of welfare and safety for the Canada Co-operative Championship Rugby League. Ward was also appointed as one of the CCCRL’s board of directors according to The Canadian Press.

Stevie Ward was an important player to the Leeds Rhinos. He won three Super League, two Challenge Cup, and one League Leaders’ Shield with Leeds. However, according to Matthew Shaw of Total Rugby League, Ward was forced to retire earlier this year at the age of 27. This is because of concussion-related injuries. While this is unfortunate, it also makes Ward the perfect person for the job at the CCCRL. He has first-hand experience of what is needed to be done to make the game of rugby league safer in Canada.

According to Drew Darbyshire of Love Rugby League, this is what he said about his plan for the CCCRL:

“The concept of CCCRL lit me up from the moment I heard about it. I am proud to be a part of something that is building a league where the welfare and safety of the people on the pitch is paramount.”

What this means for the CCCRL

There is not much information known yet on the CCCRL since it was launched earlier this month. However, the news of Stevie Ward joining the CCCRL is huge for the Canadian rugby league. It shows the massive potential of a league that has not played a game yet. He is a player who has played at the highest level in the northern hemisphere. His wealth and experience will play a big role in growing the game of men’s and women’s rugby league in Canada. This news has brought a lot of credibility to the CCCRL. It also shows the good work they are doing to grow the game of rugby league in Canada.

 

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