Former Canadian rugby international gets stolen memorabilia back

CALGARY – Former Canadian rugby international Dave Lougheed has recovered his stolen memorabilia in the wake of three arrests.

Lougheed’s garage was broken into July 9 with thieves taking his daughter’s bike, three sets of golf clubs and approximately 30 rugby jerseys.

The bike and clubs could be replaced. But the jerseys were a treasure trove of memories from Lougheed’s distinguished 13-year international rugby career.

The 47-year-old Lougheed, now vice-president and portfolio manager for Raymond James Ltd., played in four Rugby World Cups. Many of the prized jerseys stolen came from those tournaments, traded with opposing players after the final whistle. They included Barbarians, England and New Zealand All Blacks uniforms.

Calgary police said Tuesday that three men have been charged in relation to the theft. A box containing some of the jerseys was found by a member of the public who recognized the items from news reports on the theft.

Two days later police found other stolen property in executing a search warrant.

“A real community effort,” Lougheed said of the successful hunt for his belongings.

A powerful back, Lougheed was one of Canada’s rugby trailblazers overseas where he played professionally for Leicester Tigers in England.

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