HEAD COACHING CHANGE - COACH ERICHSEN STEPS AWAY AFTER 8 YEARS

The Denver Barbarians are proud to honor Brian Erichsen as he steps away as head coach of the club he has dutifully served for eight years. The Erichsen Era is one of the proudest and most fruitful periods in the club’s rich history. Brian led the Barbos to three Division 2 National Championship Finals, winning the title in 2018 and 2023, solidifying the club’s indomitable reputation.

Brian brought a hard-nosed commitment to putting in the work it takes to win, an ethos he honed throughout a blue-collar rugby career that started in his hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, a town that breeds hard men. He moved to rugby-rich Vancouver in 2003, where he captained the Meraloma Rugby Club for 11 seasons, leading the side to five BC Premier League Finals. The lock’s graft earned him selection to the Canadian national team, culminating in his inclusion in the squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. A celebrated member of Manitoba Rugby Hall of Fame—alongside his father, Wilf—Brian is undoubtedly proud of his reputation as a feared enforcer and a physical presence on the pitch.

Away from rugby, Brian was an accomplished junior hockey player, playing in his hometown of Winnipeg for the Charleswood Hawks—the most successful team in the history of Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League—before turning his attention more seriously to rugby.

From the entire Barbo Fam: “Thank you, Brian!” We look forward to seeing you on the sideline supporting the club you helped build. The search is on to fill Brian’s big shoes as head coach, with former assistant coach Tim Hutchins stepping into the role this spring, supported by Corey Jacobs.

Once a Barbo, always a Barbo!

Bleed Green