Everything you need to know about this year’s Winter Club Development Series!
This year’s theme is “Raising Standards Together”. The series will feature a combination of new and familiar faces leading us through sessions on club and coach development-related topics. Returning this year, sessions will also feature a club leader or leaders sharing about a unique program or best practice of theirs and lessons learned that could help others.
Each week will have either a club or coach-focus, to provide new perspectives, and targeted education for different members of our community.
All sessions are virtual, free, and open to all who are interested in the development of rugby and rugby clubs in Ontario. Stay tuned for separate registration to come for each of the other sessions.
Remaining Webinar Dates
April 13, 2026
April 27, 2026
SESSION SIX
Club Storytelling – Vision and Process
Led by Ellery Geddes
Session Details:
April 27, 2026
7:30 pm
What to Expect:
We’re bringing the marketing team in! This session has been designed with clubs in mind and will provide you with the tools and framework to tell great stories on social media. After the session, we’ll have a Q&A where Ellery will answer all your social media questions
Key Learning Outcomes
- Learn more about how to create great social media content. Where to find inspiration, and some tips on templates
- Learn how to take an idea from ideation to execution while ensuring brand and narrative consistency
- Discover you can use social media to your benefit, and make it work for you.
At the end of the session, we’re joined by Martin Blake, a fellow marketing and communications specialist and member of the Toronto Scottish. His session will focus on marketing, promotion & recruitment on a limited budget.
SESSION FIVE
40 Years of Learning | An Unofficial Guide to Coaching
Led by Mike Cron
Session Details:
April 13, 2026
7:30 pm
What to Expect:
With over 40 years of coaching experience, Mike Cron is one of the most respected scrum and forwards coaches in international rugby best known for his long-standing tenure with the New Zealand All Blacks from 2004-2020 including two Rugby World Cup victories. His sessions are known for blending practical insight, technical precision, and story-telling drawn from the highest levels of international competition. This session will focus on not just what to coach – but how to coach it effectively as he shares about the art of coaching and a philosophy honed over his impressive legacy.
At the end of the session, we’re joined by Joe Bowley, Club President for Fergus Highland Rugby Club! Joe will share more about his philosophy on rugby as being more than just a sport, but an opportunity to build community and friendships.
SESSION FOUR
Communication and Conflict Resolution in Sport
Led. by Liddia Kol
Session Details:
March 30, 2026
7:30 pm
What to Expect:
The session will explore conflict management in sport, with a focus on navigating difficult conversations effectively and professionally. It will examine the main causes of sports disputes and practical strategies to address them early and constructively. Participants will gain communication tools to strengthen relationships, minimize the risk of disputes escalating, and foster a more collaborative sport environment.
At the end of the session, we’ll have our Club Share and Tell with the Georgian Bay Titans Club President, Kelly Zacny. Kelly will share more about their girls’ and womens’ programs, how they’ve managed to grow the game in their club, and their hopes for the future.
SESSION THREE
Successes and Challenges in Coaching
Panel with LeeAnn Napiorkowski, Sheldon Persad, Cory Hector and Kevin Julyan
Session Details:
March 9, 2026
7:30 pm
What to Expect:
This session is a panel of four seasoned coaches and educators sharing reflections on their successes and challenges to help others learn from their experiences. Read more in their bios below to learn what each of our panellists brings to the table.
SESSION TWO
Measuring What Matters: Effective Evaluation in Rugby Programs
Led by Dr. Corliss Bean
Session Details:
February 23rd, 2026
7:30 pm
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the importance of conducting evaluation
- Discover how feasible approaches to evaluation can be understood from a learning-focused lens to gain valuable insights
- Learn how evaluation can guide improvements in rugby programming and operations
SESSION ONE
Coaching with Purpose: Culture Building Through Your Coaching Philosophy
Led by Beth Barz
Key Learning Outcomes
- Understand why an effective coaching philosophy starts with you, not your athletes
- Learn how values drive culture when they are clearly defined and consistently put into action
- Discover how a strong vision and mission can increase your impact with both athletes and parents
Who Should Attend
- Coaches who feel inconsistent in their decision-making or delivery
- Coaches preparing for a Level 2 evaluation
- Coaches who want to show up as the best version of themselves, on and off the field
This session includes a short Club Share and Tell portion at the end featuring Brent Scagnetti, Rugby Development Officer at the Markham Irish Canadian Rugby Club.