Gareth Rees (2004)

Gareth Rees truly earned the moniker "all-world" for his exploits on the international rugby stage in the 1980's and 1990's. Not only is he the only player to have suited up for his country in all four rugby World Cup tournaments, he is the most capped Canadian player in history. He is also the country's leading international points scorer and sixth all-time in the world with 493 points. Having received his introduction to rugby at Willows elementary and Saint Michaels University School, Rees captained Canada's national junior team at the age of 17 before playing four seasons at U.Vic. In 1986 he had his first taste of playing for an overseas club in Britain and a year later was the lone non-Brit to play for the professional London Wasps in England's premier league. During a second stint with the team in the 1990's, he helped the Wasps advance to two straight Cup final appearances. He would play or coach professional teams in Europe through the 2002 season. Rees had his first World Cup action for Canada in 1987 at age 19, as one of eight Victoria players in the lineup. Through that and three subsequent appearances in 1991, 1995 and 1999 he helped give his country a high profile on the world rugby stage. Rees went on to make significant contributions in the boardroom as Rugby Canada's CEO.