Douglas Moore, affectionately known as “Buzz,” began his journey in rugby. When he moved to Vancouver from Regina in 1925 at the age of four. His time at Vancouver’s Lord Byng High School allowed Buzz to excel in multiple sports. Including football, skiing, and rugby. Showcasing exceptional promise in rugby, he joined the Meraloma Rugby Club at 16. Consequently. He started playing for the senior side, marking the beginning of a prolific rugby career.
Buzz’s senior rugby career spanned an impressive 28 years. During this time, he was awarded the Howie McPhee Memorial Trophy as Vancouver’s outstanding rugby player. Moreover, he captained both the BC and Canada sides from 1948 until 1962. Under his leadership, Canada competed against top international teams such as Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, USA, Japan, and Fiji. In 1962, at 42, he led Canada on a three-month tour of Great Britain, which included a memorable 3-3 tie against the famed Barbarian Club. As a result, Buzz was honored with one of rugby’s highest awards, the title of “Honorary Barbarian.”
Buzz retired from playing in 1965 after leading the BC team to a Canadian Rugby Championship victory. Additionally, throughout his career, he held various administrative roles, including Coach and President of the Meraloma RFC and President of the Vancouver Rugby Union from 1954 to 1966. In 1967, he was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame as a builder. Furthermore, in 1975, he received the Jack Patterson Memorial Trophy. Buzz’s commitment to rugby continued as he joined the UBC Athletics department in 1964, where he remained involved until his passing in 2011.
Douglas Moore’s contributions to rugby were recognized with several honors. He was inducted into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University in 2002. Buzz’s rugby journey, marked by leadership and sportsmanship, left a lasting legacy in Canadian rugby.
In celebration of great Canada teams, Ellis Rugby offers a vintage collection, including Polos, T-Shirts, and Rugby Shirts. This collection pays homage to the illustrious career of Douglas Moore and the rich history of Canadian rugby. By wearing these garments, fans can proudly honor the legacy of players like Moore and the teams that shaped the sport in Canada.