Adrian's rugby playing career spanned 20 years, representing his local club Willenhall RFC at all levels, the highlight coming as a regular 1st XV member playing in the competitive UK league system. Being a passionate one club man, the long experience of playing fixtures across vast areas of the UK and witnessing the volunteer hours needed gave him vital experience in club organization. This became an essential attribute when his playing days were cut short due to injury.

Not one to be deterred by disappointment, Aid who graciously dismisses the injury as an unfortunate outcome of competitive sport, turned the misfortune into resilience. Using the opportunity to open new doors, he developed a passion for endurance sports and has since completed 2 full Iron Man Events in Europe,  the TransRockies Mountain Bike Race and a Grizzly Ultra 50km Marathon.

He also gained a love for adventure and dog sledding (bizarrely in the Black Country in England, long before he reached the edge of the Rockies!) and currently runs a team of dogs regularly in the back country around Bragg Creek - as the dogs will no doubt tell you, a much more conducive environment!

Aid and Marg mixing with the stars of the British and Irish Lions during their titanic drawn series in New Zealand in 2017. English lock Maro Itoje will never forget this once in a lifetime experience!

Despite these new interests filling his time, Adrian’s rugby journey was far from over and out of a desire to give back to the game following the end of his playing days, his involvement evolved into new areas. Prior to moving to Alberta he started coaching youth rugby at Willenhall and during this time he gained World Rugby Level 1 and 2 coaching certificates. On Emigrating to Alberta and settling initially in Cochrane, he became involved in a community rugby program subsequently being appointed one of the first High School coaches in Cochrane. This was the tip of the iceberg though, and his involvement soon escalated as he and his family, along with other enthusiasts in the Cochrane area, helped found the Bow Valley Rugby Club. Adrian recounts the Bow Valley journey from nothing to Club of the year and established Alberta Cup regulars, as one of his proudest shared achievements, working together with a group of very passionate volunteers. During his Bow Valley days he coached at all levels and worked on the Board, eventually finishing as club President before stepping down from his role to devote more time to life with his family in Bragg Creek.

Adrian’s coaching philosophy is very simple - Inclusivity; do not be afraid to fail; enjoyment.

To demonstrate this ethos, amongst many coaching and rugby administration achievements, Adrian has initiated Rucking Good Times Summer Camps (which now form the basis of Peak Ambition); successfully developed The Bow Valley Barbarians Touring concept and has hosted touring sides, constantly showcasing our incredible mountain location and fostering the growth of community rugby. He has even found time to coach junior Provincial and Maverick teams and gained his Refereeing and Rugby 7's Level 1 accreditation.

Did we also mention he's a world record holder!!! On the aforementioned British Lions tour he took part in the largest organised Haka, in Rotorua........