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Rugby Manitoba’s Raymond Skett Award for Rugby Coach of the Year for 2006 has been presented to Brian Yon of Brandon. The award recognizes outstanding achievements and significant contributions to coaching Rugby in Manitoba. 

Brian Yon currently coaches both Souris School’s High School Boys and Girls rugby teams. His Boys’ team placed third in the Province in 2006 and his Girls team have won Provincial Championships in three of the last four years. At the lower age levels, he has initiated successful mini-rugby development programs in Souris.

Yon has co-coached the Manitoba provincial Under-18 Boys team for the past three seasons. In 2006, he was invited to accompany Canada’s National Under-17 Boys on its tour of England in November as an adjunct coach. He will be returning to England in March 2007 in a coaching exchange program.

Brian Yon has been active in rugby as a player and coach for about eight years. He plays for the Brandon Barbarians and serves as the Club’s Vice-President.

One of the Brandon Barbarians’ “really old boys” (who shall remain anonymous) says. “On occasion, (Yon) may seem to be an irritant, but those of us who work with him and share the same goals have come to admire and appreciate his tenacity and determination.”

Rugby Manitoba’s Coach of the Year Award honours Raymond Skett, a former Technical Director of the organization. The award is presented annually to the coach who portrays dedication, commitment and perseverance in furthering the game of Rugby in Manitoba.

Congratulations, Yonner! Well-Deserved.