Ed Fairhurst grew up in Victoria, B.C., and played for the University of Victoria men's rugby team from 2002 to 2005. His rugby journey began at age six at St. Michael’s University School, where he captained the team to a BC High School AAA Championship in 1997. That early success laid the foundation for a standout career at the provincial, national, and international levels.
A BC Rugby Hall-of-Famer, Fairhurst helped lead a dominant Vikes squad to the BC Men’s Premier League Championship in 2004 and was named UVic’s Male Athlete of the Year that same season.
He represented Canada at the U17, U19, and junior levels, earning MVP honours at the Junior World Cup in France. At 19, he debuted for the senior national team and went on to earn 57 caps, competing in three Rugby World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011). He also played for Canada’s sevens team, earning 15 caps and appearing in the 2002 Commonwealth Games and 2005 Rugby Sevens World Cup.
After graduating with a degree in economics, Fairhurst played professionally for the Cardiff Blues and Cornish Pirates, amassing over 60 appearances. Post-retirement, he has contributed to rugby as a coach and through Rugby Canada's Alumni Connection program, aiding athletes in their transition to professional careers.
