MACDOWELLRUGBY is excited to partner with the Cowichan Valley School District to bring the MACDOWELLRUGBY Academy Island Program to Cowichan Secondary School. The program began in 2022/23 and will hopefully continue to develop athletes and help students chase their dreams for many years to come. With a proven track record of helping foster excellence in students, MACDOWELLRUGBY's Island Program at Cowichan Secondary School not only focuses on building the skills for a successful career in rugby and strong academics, but also fosters community leadership in all students. The program is open to students of all abilities and levels in grades 8-12. In addition to regular classes, students also take classes on the principles of sport, athletic leadership, and rugby.

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"As a board we are committed to providing the highest quality of educational experiences to our students. Offering a world-class rugby academy for students in the valley and beyond truly fits that mandate," said Candace Spilsbury, Chair of the Board of Education for the Cowichan Valley.