MANITOBA RUGBY HALL OF FAME
Induction Guidelines
Honoured Members
In 1970 a group of young Saracens' thought it would be a good idea to get together and convince a few of the other local clubs to join them for some rugby and a party. The likes of Gerry Neufer, Ed Wieler and Art Logan put together a few back room deals, misled a few of the rookies, and somehow convinced the upstanding members of the Rugby Union that fun could be had playing rugby during the August long weekend. Snafu was born, and has become the largest independently run single team tournament in North America, a mainstay of rugby in Manitoba and an August long weekend tradition for more than 40 years.
The term Snafu dates back to 1941, then used by both the British and American soldiers to describe circumstances which had run into a rather large and unexpected series of problems. This term still applies, with late starts, tents blowing in the wind, unruly weather and a host of other challenges.
Over the past 41 years the tournament has taken on many faces, from running as a 7's tournament, as a Cash Tournament, as a Social Tournament, all the while supporting youth rugby and both Women's and Men's divisions. Snafu has offered both 15-a-side and 10-a-side variations of the game, and offered the 2016 Olympic Games bound 7-a-side variation in 2011, with the intention of growing to a national 7's tournament. The youth have not been overlooked with the introduction of a boys and girls15-a-side U-18 division – to encourage the growth of the game, showcase our youth, and give them an opportunity to play in front of their peers
Snafu has hosted international teams and players from dozens of countries, numerous states from the USA, and many Canadian provinces. A great number of local and international friendships have continued for decades based on the bonds forged at Snafu, and will continue to strengthen the friendships between Manitoba Rugby and our national and international visitors for years to come.
An estimated 10,000 men and women from around the world had the opportunity to not only play a game they love, but to enjoy the camaraderie of rugby off the field.
Many people have poured their hearts and souls into Snafu since it's inception in 1970. Its continued success rests on many, many shoulders. For many years Willy Marchak and Art Logan were a driving force in keeping the tournament alive and prospering. Willy has continued to commit his expertise into the 42nd year.
The Sarcens Rugby Football Club considers it a privilege to host this long-standing tradition in Manitoba and look forward to many years of supporting the local Rugby Community through Snafu.