"I first had the opportunity to play with the Celtic Barbarians on a tour of Vancouver Island. Cam had recruited me along with many of the other Alberta u14 team to play on the tour. What was expected to be a tough tour against 3 strong BC sides ended up being the start of a 5-tour undefeated streak for the Barbs. Our wins defined what the club strives towards - bringing athletes together and building success. Over the years I played as a Celtic Barbarian, I learnt valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and athletics that ultimately led to my selection to play for the Canadian National team. I was lucky enough to play with the CB's in Las Vegas, Sacramento, Victoria, Wales, Scotland, and England- all of which I value as incredible life experiences in their own right."
Jackson McDonough – Rugby Canada U19 (v. Romania)
"Playing for the Celtic Barbarians has given me the opportunity to grow my rugby game by playing against international competition. Being selected to the North American Barbs 7s has also allowed me to meet heaps of life-long friends and travel across the world. The culture and environment of the “Barbs” at events is unmatched."
Siaki Vikilani – Toronto Arrows MLR / Rugby Canada U21/ Pacific Pride/ North American Barbarians 7s
"What has my Barbs experience meant to me? The Celtic Barbarians were the first team I ever travelled with outside my hometown. Without the Barbs I would have never been exposed to a higher level of rugby and likely wouldn’t have pursued the sport higher than a club level. I’ve met some of my best friends in rugby playing on Barbs tours, guys I played with several years ago that I’m still in contact with today. Later on in my career the Barbs helped me gain exposure to national level and MLR scouts. The Barbs helped me develop a “team first mentality” which has helped me see the benefit of putting others before myself, a trait that has opened more doors for me in this sport than I ever thought possible."
Nick Taylor – Seattle Seawolves MLR / Lindenwood Lions / Celtic Barbarians Elite Men’s 7s
"Some of my best memories came out of playing with the Barbs. The best one would have to be winning the NAI Sevens in Utah! I have made a countless number of friends and connections all over the continent and I cannot wait to get back on the pitch with all of them!"
Kira Peary – Rugby Canada Academy / UVic Vikes
"Playing as much rugby as possible was key to my development, and Celtic Barbarians helped me bridge that long off-season gap while growing up in a colder climate. Their tours were a good way to stay sharp and further develop my skills in a fun, competitive environment, all while exploring different parts of the world."