The year 2024 was a big one for former Canadian rugby standout and St. Michaels University School (SMUS) grad Ed Fairhurst '97. In July, the BC Rugby Hall-of-Famer was announced as part of the Class of 2024 for the University of Victoria (UVic) Sports Hall of Fame and in October, Fairhurst was formally inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.
Ed Fairhurst's rugby journey started at just six years old at SMUS. Displaying a natural affinity for the sport, he captained SMUS to a B.C. Rugby High School AAA Championship in 1997. This early success was just the beginning for Fairhurst, who went on to make waves at regional, provincial and international levels.
Fairhurst was instrumental in leading a powerhouse UVIc Vikes squad to the B.C. men's Premier League Championship in 2004. His performance that season earned him the UVic Male Athlete of the Year award, cementing his legacy in UVic's rich rugby history.
Representing Canada at the under-17, under-19, and junior levels, Fairhurst earned MVP honours at the Junior Rugby World Cup in France. He debuted with the senior men's national team at 19, earning 57 caps and playing in three Rugby World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011). He also earned 15 caps with the Canadian sevens squad, including the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the 2005 Rugby Sevens World Cup. Ed was captain of the men's rugby team from 2001 to 2012.
Ed attended SMUS from Grade 1-12 and graduated as a lifer before going on to attend UVic, competing for the Vikes. After graduating university with a degree in economics, Fairhurst played professionally for the Cardiff Blues and Cornish Pirates, amassing over 60 appearances and currently works as a portfolio manager and financial planner with RBC Dominion Securities. Ed’s philanthropic efforts have centered on giving back to different communities across the country. He has been involved with KidSport, The Canadian Rugby Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.
Post-retirement, Fairhurst has contributed to rugby as a coach and through Rugby Canada's Alumni Connection program, aiding athletes in their transition to professional careers.
