Our Heritage

FOUNDERS & HISTORY

The distribution of Gilbert products in Canada was founded by Monty Heald and Lexie Tynan in 1988, over a shared passion for rugby and a recognized need for rugby product in Canada as the sport was growing in interest and participation.

Monty Heald, Founder

Monty was instrumental in supporting the growth of rugby in Canada and has been recognized by the Canadian Rugby Association as an honorary lifetime member. He was president of the Canadian Rugby Union for many years and lead the organization through many changes. You can read Monty's full story on the Rugby Canada website here:

http://awards.rugbycanada.ca/monty-heald.html

Lexie Tynan, Founder and President

Lexie started his playing career at Belvedere College in Dublin, Ireland and went on to play club and provincial rugby along side such greats as Tony O`Reilly. He coached at senior club level, had a trial for the National team and was for a number of years the Irish sprint champion. In Canada he coached at club and school level and is a certified level 2 course conductor and has served as a National selector.