Bob Cockburn of Fredericton had a long and distinguished career, both   in the classroom as a professor of English at The University of New   Brunswick, and on the rugby pitch as a coach and molder of men. He coached   the UNB Ironmen rugby program for 31 years, from 1968 through 1999. Two of his players were selected for   the Canada team, and many others went on to play for major clubs in North   America, England, France and Uruguay. Seventy-two became coaches of   men’s or women’s programs; 24 earned their stripes as referees, some of whom   went on to officiate national or international matches. His teams also   learned how to win: 22 Maritime university titles; three Caledonia Cup   Maritime senior rugby championships and seven McNair Cup titles as New   Brunswick Rugby Union champions. Just as important, and a common thread   throughout the sport of rugby, is the culture of “brotherhood” he created as   a coach and a leader. The fraternity of Ironmen rugby players extends   throughout the world. In the last one of eight reunions over the years, some 600 men belonging to The University of New   Brunswick Rugby Football Club returned to Fredericton and College Field.

Inducted into the New Brunswick Sports hall of Fame June 10, 2023.