With files from Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame.
St. Michaels University School alumnus Bobby Ross ’87 has been inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame, recognized in the sport of rugby for his outstanding career and lasting contributions to the game. A proud member of the Songhees Nation, Ross is among a select group of Indigenous athletes honoured for excellence at the highest levels of competition.
The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates Indigenous athletes from across the continent whose achievements have shaped their sports and inspired future generations. Ross’s induction highlights both his on-field accomplishments and his role as a leader within the rugby community. For SMUS, it is also a moment of pride, reflecting the school’s long tradition of developing student-athletes who go on to compete and lead at the international level.
Growing up in Victoria, Ross was a gifted multi-sport athlete. At SMUS, he played rugby, basketball, and soccer, and was part of a senior rugby team that completed an undefeated season in his final year. After graduating, he initially pursued baseball, earning selection to the Canadian Junior Baseball Team and competing at the 1987 World Junior Championships, before returning his focus to rugby.
Ross went on to represent Canada internationally over a lengthy career, earning selection for three Rugby World Cups in 1995, 1999, and 2003. Known for his skill, composure, and leadership, he played primarily at fly half and captained Canada at multiple age levels. He also competed professionally in Wales and achieved success at the club level in British Columbia.
In recent years, Ross’s impact on the sport has been formally recognized through his induction into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame, the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame, and the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame. He continues to support the game through his involvement with Thunder Rugby, an organization focused on Indigenous recognition and participation in rugby.
Ross’s induction into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame is a significant honour — one that acknowledges both his remarkable career and the importance of Indigenous representation and leadership in sport. He also remains closely connected to the SMUS community as a current parent, with one child a recent graduate and another in the Class of 2029.
