Women’s Month SPOTLIGHT: Sara Svoboda

Women’s Month SPOTLIGHT: Sara Svoboda

By: Nikolas Viveiros

In a country filled with any sport one can imagine, Sara Svoboda was born to play rugby. Her father and uncle grew up playing for the Belleville Bulldogs, developing the amount of skill that led to enormous opportunities.

Sara’s uncle Karl played for Canada in their first three World Cup appearances and her father, Paul, played at a high level in Ontario well into his 20s. They found a passion for the sport that would inevitably be passed down to Sara and her sisters.

Though the game was in her blood, Sara found her own love for it. While she played hockey and soccer growing up, she gave rugby a more serious shot during her first year of high school.

“I never felt like it was forced on me, and all three of us fell in love with the game.”

Sara’s two sisters, Katie and Tia also played. Katie (her twin) received her first cap for Canada in 2016, while Tia was carded for Canada’s 7’s program for a few years running.

Sara got her start in Rugby Ontario at the U16 level. Her coach in Bellville, Pete Hercus, noticed that her and Katie had some extra flare to their game, telling them they should bring their skill to the provincial level. After a few trials, Sara was told something that came to her as a surprise.

“They told me I was more suited for backrow, and I couldn’t believe it,” said Svoboda. “I just remember going to my dad in tears telling him they must think I’m slow.”

When it came time to play at the U18 level, Svoboda had established herself as a flanker. It’s a position she fell in love with, and still plays today with the Loughborough Lightning of the PWR.

“I think that was a decision that needed to be made sooner rather than later, and I’m happy I listened and leaned into that position.”

Shaun Allen was another important coach during Svoboda’s time at Rugby Ontario. Not only did he help recruit Svoboda to McMaster University, but his coaching philosophy helped her become a stronger and more confident player every day.

“He was so passionate about the Women’s game and led with the philosophy of expressing yourself,” said Svoboda. “He helped me realize that it’s not always about structure, and at the end of the day there’s 23 of us stepping on a pitch to win at whatever cost.”

One of the most important things Sara has taken away from the game on and off the pitch is the bond with teammates. Though she described setbacks like injuries and non-selections during her young career, ultimately, it’s the connections you make for a lifetime that make the game rewarding each day.

“My teammates and I will assign someone to be on cooking duty and we’ll blast Canadian country music while making pasta,” Svoboda laughed. “These are the things you don’t have in other environments and these moments with teammates make you a stronger team.”

Looking towards the future of the Women’s game, Svoboda hopes to see Ontario continue to grow the game, especially at the university level. She noted that the work being done to have Ontario universities compete in high-level tournaments like University 7’s in BC are important steps being taken.

“My dream is that one day we could home grow athletes and keep them here with our own pro teams,” said Svoboda. “If someone told me this league was starting tomorrow, I’d be home in a second.”

Women’s Month SPOTLIGHT: Claire Gallagher

Women’s Month SPOTLIGHT: Claire Gallagher

By: Nikolas Viveiros

Claire Gallagher’s young rugby career has dazzled with success. She’s represented and scored for Canada, won various USports honours such as being a 2021 RSEQ First Team All-Star and a 2018 RSEQ Rookie of the Year, and has now taken her talents abroad to play for the Leicester Tigers in Premiership Women’s Rugby. 

Gallagher grew up in Caledon, ON, and became involved in athletics at a young age. Brought up in a house with two brothers, she joked that she was sometimes a “punching bag,” attributing her early success in sports to her competition with them.  

Her introduction to athletics is similar to many. She played hockey and soccer at high levels but didn’t get her first taste of rugby until high school. There was something about the sport that intrigued her. 

“It combined skill from the other sports I played, especially speed and athleticism,” said Gallagher. “I also loved the physicality of it where you can actually follow through with a big hit which is something you cannot do in women’s hockey.”  

“I wouldn’t say my path was super-linear,” said Gallagher when describing her time playing for Rugby Ontario. She played Senior Women last year and attended various camps growing up but didn’t make the provincial team at U18 and U20 level. “I wasn’t an early bloomer, but I always had opportunities to keep developing my skills within the province.” 

Gallagher’s skills were further developed during her time at the University of Ottawa playing for the Gee Gees. She captured two RSEQ championships, appearing and scoring in both finals.  

“I wanted to leave a legacy of my own,” Gallagher said. “The support the university gave our team is unmatched and playing with great players everyday helped me improve”  

It was a full circle moment last July when Gallagher got her first cap for Canada in Ottawa. “To do that in a city I’d been living in for five years and having plenty of family and friends able to watch was special,” Gallagher said.  

The following week she scored her first try for the red and white as Canada toppled Australia 45-7 in their final Pacific Four Series match.  

“You almost blackout in that experience,” she added.  

Gallagher joined the Leicester Tigers in January and has enjoyed the opportunity to only focus on the growth of her game. She noted the stylistic difference between the game overseas. and how her and her new teammates have benefited from learning different skills from one another.  

“Most of these players have insane rugby IQ because they’ve played for so long,” said Gallagher. “I’ve enjoyed introducing them to the Canadian style of rugby and proving how good Canadian players are getting because there’s definitely a sense of doubt in our game over here.”  

To prepare for game’s, Gallagher takes a rather loose approach. She felt she was much more regimented in university, eating pasta before every game and doing visualization. “I want to enjoy it more and just have fun,” she said. “Doing things like singing and dancing helps me stay calm and play at my best.”  

Looking to the future of the female game in Ontario, Gallagher hopes to see more girls set the bar high and not shy away from any opportunities that present themselves. There was once a time where Gallagher felt she never would have the chance to represent team Canada, and now at the age of 23 she has accomplished this and so much more.  

“Always set the bar high, be ready and just go for it,” said Gallagher. “It can be scary but say yes to those rare opportunities that come your way because you may never get that chance again.”  

Women’s Month SPOTLIGHT: McKinley Hunt

Women’s Month SPOTLIGHT: McKinley Hunt

By: Nikolas Viveiros

Prop forward Mckinley Hunt has become a force to be reckoned with in premiership women’s rugby. Currently playing for Saracens Rugby Club in North London, Hunt’s journey to the top of the game has taken her through both the highs and lows of the sport.  

Born in King City, ON, Hunt began playing rugby during her freshman year of high school at The Country Day School. She became team captain and after her grade 10 season, she joined Barrie RFC and got involved in Rugby Ontario. 

“I knew I wanted to play from a young age as my grandfather played in the UK,” said Hunt. “I was hooked from the moment I stepped on the pitch and knew I eventually wanted to play for a school with a strong rugby program.”  

Hunt’s work on and off the pitch landed her the opportunity to play rugby at Queens University. Education is something she has always prioritized, and being able to play the sport she loved while pursuing a career in teaching was crucial.  

“Teaching is something I’m incredibly passionate about,” said Hunt. “I’ve been fortunate to have had great support systems that have allowed me to achieve my goals on the pitch and excel in the classroom.” 

One of Hunt’s biggest accomplishments was the honour of representing Canada at the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. She scored a try against the US in their quarterfinal matchup and played a significant role as Canada captured fourth place. Hunt believes this is just the beginning of what Canada has to offer.  

“The World Cup is the epitome of Womens 15’s rugby,” said Hunt. “There was an attitude shift in how Canada is seen in the international community at that tournament, and I believe the 2025 World Cup will showcase even more of what we’re capable of.” 

Hunt’s success has certainly not come without pain. She’s battled through both an ACL and serious ankle injury while going through multiple surgeries to get back on the pitch. These are the moments she believes have shaped her in becoming a better athlete. 

“I thought competing at a World Cup seemed far away because I couldn’t stand up or walk,” said Hunt. “Any athlete who’s had a serious injury knows how hard it can be to come back and I’m grateful to be on the other side of that now.” 

Entering Women’s History Month, Hunt believes the growth seen in the women’s game is only the beginning and that young female athletes already have more resources available to help them succeed.  

“In Ontario, you have the opportunity to play club rugby at such a young age which didn’t exist when I was growing up.” said Hunt. “I hope girls take these opportunities that are available to them regardless of if they are going to find success or not. You never know what you can achieve.” 

Looking ahead, Hunt says there is still lots of work to be done to bring the women’s game to the next level. Though she is happy with the current progress, she knows this is only the start.  “People my age are trail blazers in the women’s game,” said Hunt. “The progress that we’ve made has allowed me to play professionally but I hope in the future that women can have the same conversations as men in terms of how much they are getting paid and supported by their organizations.” 

Hunt and the Saracens currently sit 2nd in the Allianz Premier Women’s Rugby table. The club will be chasing their fourth title, with Hunt hoping to claim her first title with the team. 

Quebec Ontario Rugby Championship Coming March 2024

Inaugural Quebec Ontario Rugby Championship Brings Senior Women’s Rugby Action in March 2024

WHITBY, Ontario — In a collaboration between Rugby Quebec and Rugby Ontario, supported by Rugby Canada, a new era in women’s rugby is set to unfold with the inaugural Quebec Ontario Rugby Championship. This senior women’s rugby competition promises to showcase high-performance athleticism, fierce competition, and the true spirit of the game.

Scheduled to kick off on the pitch in March 2024, the Quebec Ontario Rugby Championship marks a significant milestone in the advancement of women’s rugby in the region. The tournament aims to provide a platform for talented female athletes to excel, fostering growth, and inspiring the next generation of rugby supporters.

Sandro Fiorino, High Performance Technical Manager at Rugby Ontario, shared his excitement about the upcoming championship, saying, “When two formidable provinces like Ontario and Quebec collide on the rugby pitch, it’s not just a game; it’s a clash of heritage, pride, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I’m excited for these athletes to prepare and perform together.”

Competition Format

The format of the competition is a 6-game round-robin, culminating in a finals weekend totalling 7 games, including home and away fixtures. Each province will be selecting two regional representative teams; Ontario West and Ontario East.

Tryouts and Practices

(ON W) Feb 17th: 2pm-4pm, , LCI Sports Centre, 290 Birmingham St, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3L1

(ON E) Feb 18th: 8pm-10pm, Sooners Megadome, 5315 Abbott St E, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X3

(ON W) Feb 24th: 9am-11am, Gryphon Field House, 55 E Ring Rd, Guelph, ON N1G 4Z8

(ON E) Feb 24th: 8pm-10pm, Sooners Megadome, 5315 Abbott St E, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X3

(ON W) March 9th: 6pm-8pm, Royal Distributing Athletic Performance Centre, 7384 Wellington County Rd 30, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2

(ON E) March 9th: 4pm-6pm, Sooners Megadome, 5315 Abbott St E, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X3

(ON W) March 16th: 9am-11am, Gryphon Field House, 55 E Ring Rd, Guelph, ON N1G 4Z8

(ON E) March 16th: 4pm-6pm, Sooners Megadome, 5315 Abbott St E, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X3

(ON W) March 23rd: 9am-11am, Gryphon Field House, 55 E Ring Rd, Guelph, ON N1G 4Z8

(ON E) March 23rd: 8pm-10pm, Sooners Megadome, 5315 Abbott St E, Stittsville, ON K2S 0X3

Schedule

The competition will run in two phases throughout the month of March to May and conclude in a final on June 1st.

Phase 1 –

Locations and Times

Stay tuned for announcements regarding locations and times. Details will be provided closer to the event.

High-Performance Athletes

Expect to witness top-tier rugby talent from across Ontario and Quebec as four teams compete for glory.

Collaboration and Unity

The partnership between Rugby Quebec and Rugby Ontario underscores the commitment to fostering collaboration and unity in the rugby community, working together to elevate the sport to new heights. The support from Rugby Canada emphasizes the national significance of this championship, recognizing the importance of promoting women’s rugby at all levels.

Registration details can be found here. We look forward to seeing this new era of Senior Women’s Rugby!

Club Development Series Returns!

Club Development Series Continues February 5th

Rugby Ontario is excited to present the second installment of our Club Development Series!

Join our Director of Rugby Operations, Manager of Rugby Development, and various guest speakers as we continue to explore club development topics. We will cover topics including grant writing, ONCA compliance, Volunteer Management, and more! This event includes the winter continuation of our virtual Club Development Series only. Stay tuned for details and registration for our Spring Club Development Conference – a hybrid event to dive deeper into areas most applicable to the upcoming season. All Club Development events are open to all who are interested in the development of Rugby Ontario clubs and strongly encouraged for all club leaders.

We will kick things off with our first session on Grant Writing Monday, Februrary 5th 2024 at 8pm.

Click HERE to register today!

Rugby Ontario Announces Women In Leadership Fund Recipients

In collaboration with Rugby Canada, Rugby Ontario is proud to announce our Women in Leadership Fund to extend the reach of the Rugby Canada program by the same name. In addition to the two Ontario-based recipients of the Rugby Canada fund, Leanne Stillman (Toronto Nomads) and Tracy Roberts (Middlesex-Huron), Rugby Ontario will provide funding to support two more women to pursue leadership development opportunities that align with their personal goals.

 

Rugby Ontario 2024 Women in Leadership Fund Recipients:

 

Kelly Zacny

Club: Georgian Bay Titans RFC

Role: President

“The Women in Leadership program is important to gather women who share similar goals and aspirations in the sport of rugby. Recently I’ve taken on a role as President of the Georgian Bay Titans Rugby Club, and I look forward to expanding my knowledge and leadership skills to guide my team. I am hoping to grow the sport of rugby in our community but also grow as a community.”

 

LeeAnn Napriorkowski

Clubs: Lanark Highlanders RFC and Canadian Jax RFC.

Roles: VP Development (Lanark Highlanders) and President (Canadian Jax)

“I would love to help women find their way in our sport. I have been blessed to work with so many strong women who have made a huge impact on my playing, coaching and administrative work. My goal is to help people from all walks of life, backgrounds, abilities and experience levels to get involved in rugby.”

 

We are excited to invest in the future of rugby in Ontario through championing women in leadership roles in alignment with our Strategic Plan. The Rugby Ontario Women in Leadership Fund will double the number of women in Ontario impacted by the Women in Leadership Fund. There were many excellent candidates in Ontario for the Rugby Canada Program, so we are looking forward to providing a platform for them to connect and learn from each other as they continue on their personal development journeys.

We have recently been participating in the Canadian Women and Sport’s Gender Equity Playbook Program to conduct a systematic review and assessment of our policies, programs, and practices through a gender equity lens. The Rugby Ontario Women in Leadership Program is a first step toward more intentional and direct actions to improve gender equity in our sport.

Rugby Canada announces Hall of Fame Class of 2023

December 12, 2023 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the Hall of Fame class for 2023. Nine Canadian rugby icons will have their distinguished careers celebrated forever as they enter the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame.

Since the inaugural Class of 2016, the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame has recognized and welcomed the most dedicated and decorated members of Canada’s rugby community to its growing list.

The Rugby Canada Hall of Fame was established to honour and preserve rugby’s culture and heritage in Canada by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of rugby participants throughout our country.

“This year’s class of inductees to the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame showcases nine outstanding women and men who have brought honour and fame, on and off the field, to the history of rugby in Canada,” said Mike Luke, Chair Rugby Canada’s Hall of Fame Project Team. “Their skills as former international rugby players and match officials, administrators and leaders in the game, has made them great contributors to Canada’s place in the world of rugby.”

Inductees will be celebrated at the 2024 HSBC Vancouver Sevens on Saturday February 24, 2024. Tickets for the HSBC Vancouver Sevens can be purchased at vansevens.com.

Please view a brief overview of the inductees below and click on the corresponding links to learn more about each inductee’s outstanding contributions to the sport of rugby in Canada.

CLASS OF 2023

KEITH WILKINSON – BUILDER

An accomplished coach and manager, Keith Wilkinson has served in various roles important to the growth and development of rugby in Canada at the international level. In 1989, he established the Rugby Canada Medical Science Committee along with Dr. P. Wiley. From 1991 to 1997, he served on the Rugby Canada board as National Teams Director, presenting papers and attending conferences in this role around the world in Argentina, the UK, France and South Africa, and attending the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

RICK BOURNE – BUILDER

Bourne has held several positions at the national and international levels, serving on Rugby Canada’s Board of Directors from 2003 to 2019, including five years as President. He was Canada’s Rugby Americas North representative from 2012 to 2019 and currently holds an active position on the board of HSBC Vancouver Sevens as well as director roles with the Canadian Rugby Foundation and the Canadian Rugby 7s Fund. He is a Canadian Rugby Foundation Contributing Member, having made over $25,000 in lifetime donations.

SHERRY TRUMBULL – MATCH OFFICIAL

During her career as an international match official, Sherry Trumbull was awarded 40 international refereeing appointments in the 15s game spanning from 2009-2016. Highlights from her career include officiating at the Women’s Six Nations from 2012-2016 and the Rugby World Cups in 2010 and 2014 where she took charge of the bronze medal Final.

ANDREA BURK – PLAYER

Born and raised in North Vancouver, BC, Andrea Burk represented Canada at the 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cups and was part of the Canadian side that earned a silver medal in 2014, facing England in the final after a historic semi-final win over France. Burk earned a total of 38 caps throughout her international playing career, scoring eight tries, 37 conversions, and 15 penalty kicks for a total of 159 points.

JEN KISH – PLAYER

From Edmonton, Alberta, Jen Kish’s legacy makes her one of Canada’s most decorated rugby players. Kish captained Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team to a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, the inaugural Olympic rugby sevens tournament. Over her career, Kish made a total of 134 appearances in the World Rugby Sevens Series from 2013 to 2018, scoring 34 tries for 170 points.

JULIANNE ZUSSMAN – PLAYER

As an international rugby player, Julianne Zussman earned a total of 44 caps over the span of her career, scoring a total of 18 tries, often running in the back three. She earned her first cap against Scotland in 2007 and played for Canada at the 2010, 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cups, claiming a silver medal in 2014. she was named to the 2017 World Rugby Dream Team and was named the recipient of Rugby Canada’s Gillian Florence Award, a peer selected award given to the player who “best represents the qualities of Canadian rugby”.

MARK CARDINAL – PLAYER

Mark Cardinal played with the James Bay AA Rugby Club after graduating high school in 1979 until he hung up his boots in 1999. Cardinal’s career with Canada on the international stage was highlighted by three Rugby World Cup appearances in 1987, 1995 and 1999. During his time representing Canada, Mark earned a total of 46 caps, starting in 35 of the test matches he played.

MIKE JAMES – PLAYER

Mike James’ illustrious rugby career began at Burnaby’s Alpha Secondary School, where he started playing rugby in grade 11. Shortly after his international debut in 1994, James was named to his first Rugby World Cup. He went on to earn 57 caps all as starter, over 1994 to 2007 as Canada’s most-capped second row, playing in four Rugby World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) and captaining the team four times between 2003 to 2007.

 

STEVE GRAY – PLAYER

Steve Gray earned 47 caps for Canada between 1984 to 1997, including famous Canadian wins against the likes of Scotland, Wales, England, Argentina and France. In 1987, Gray scored three tries in a test match against the United States. He played in three Rugby World Cups (1987, 1991, 1995) and was selected to Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team on multiple occasions, including the squad for the inaugural Rugby World Cup Sevens in 1993.

Click here for the full bios

The process for an individual to be selected and inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame follows the Nomination, Selection and Recognition process which can be viewed HERE. Nomination and Terms of Reference PDFs are also located HERE.

ABOUT THE RUGBY CANADA HALL OF FAME

In October 2016, a nine-member ‘Ways and Means Committee’ was established to develop a plan to honour and preserve rugby’s culture and heritage in Canada by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of rugby’s participants throughout the country through the Awards and Recognition program. The Awards and Recognition Program and the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame recognize the efforts of those that have made a significant impact on the sport of rugby in Canada.

ABOUT RUGBY CANADA

Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby 15s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.

Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, residing on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Lekwungen/Songhees peoples, with staff also working from Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec City. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Vancouver Sevens annual tournaments.

Rugby Canada’s New Strategic Plan (2024-2027)

December 6, 2023 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the organization’s new strategic plan for 2024 until 2027 and beyond. The plan has been approved by Rugby Canada’s board after several months of consultation and collaboration with Rugby Canada’s executive leadership team and staff, national team players and representatives from all 10 provincial unions.

The new plan has put emphasis on three strategic aims:

1. Support Our Teams to Win: Build high performing national teams and provide training environments that achieve success.

2. Be a Leading Sports Organization: Transform Rugby Canada into a strong, world class national sports organization.

3. Expand Financial Capacity: Grow and diversify revenues, increase financial stability and create new opportunities.

The overview version of Rugby Canada’s new strategic plan can be found here.

“The launch of our new strategic plan marks an exciting next step in Rugby Canada’s ongoing process of change and improvement under strong leadership and reflects our commitment to deliver meaningful cultural and systemic change,” said Sally Dennis, Rugby Canada Chair. “Nathan [Bombrys, CEO] fully embraced the board’s mandate to transform Rugby Canada. His experience and vision have been the driving forces behind this achievement, as well as his tireless and successful determination to obtain buy-in from our stakeholders.”

“The plan is bold; it is clear; it contains ambitious but achievable goals; and tough choices have been made. From now on, no decision will be made, or step taken at Rugby Canada, without reference back to the plan to ensure alignment and consistency with its objectives. I am confident that, with Nathan at the helm and the continued support of our stakeholders, the plan will be implemented, and its strategic goals delivered. Now the real work begins.”

Rugby Canada’s new strategic plan also comes with a new overarching philosophy of “One Squad”. The mentality behind “One Squad” is understanding that across the country, everyone has a role to play in helping us become a leading sports organization, expanding our financial capacity and the success of our national teams. Together, we will play rugby, learn, build and win as one. We will support each other through our defeats and celebrate our successes together.

“The opportunity to provide input to the new strategic plan and collaborate with Rugby Canada, including a recent in-person workshop hosted in Alberta, is a perfect demonstration of how we can learn together and build together to achieve success,” stated President of Rugby Alberta, Chris Cooke. “As one of the 10 provincial unions in Canada, Rugby Alberta looks forward to continued collaboration to ensure our provincial programs and priorities contribute to the overall vision for rugby in our country.”

The new plan displays a clear commitment to a new standard of performance, behaviour, attitude and decision-making as we enter a new era of rugby in Canada.

“As players, it is both reassuring and exciting to see our organization establish a clear direction,” said player ambassador, Sophie de Goede. “This clarity mitigates off-field stressors for players and enables us to focus on our part in the strategic plan – delivering world class performances. I think I can speak for all players in saying we look forward to representing Canada as ‘One Squad’ moving forward.”

As it is our ambition for Rugby Canada to be recognized as a top 12 rugby nation in the world on and off the field, our purpose will continue to be to inspire the nation and to lead, govern and support the game of rugby across Canada. We are ready to build on what came before us and honour rugby’s 150-year history here in Canada.

The full version of Rugby Canada’s new strategic plan can be found here.

ABOUT RUGBY CANADA

Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby 15s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.

Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, residing on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Lekwungen/Songhees peoples, with staff also working from Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec City. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Vancouver Sevens annual tournaments.

52 New Certified Rugby Coaches at Upper Canada College

On Saturday, November 25th, a momentous event took place at Upper Canada College, Toronto, as 52 newly certified rugby coaches emerged from a Level 1 and Rookie Rugby course. This remarkable achievement not only underscores the dedication of the participants but also celebrates the collaborative efforts and support from key partners, including Rugby Ontario, CISAA, Tim White, and Rugby Canada. The success of this coaching initiative was made possible by the warm hospitality of Upper Canada College, Toronto, and the commendable efforts of Victoria Altomare-Varlokostas and her team. 

Key Partnerships 

The synergy between Rugby Ontario and partners played a pivotal role in the event’s success. CISAA and Tim White, contributed significantly to the seamless execution of the program. Their support ensured that the course met high standards and provided valuable insights into coaching methodologies, fostering a positive learning environment for participants. 

Hosts Extraordinaire: Upper Canada College, Toronto 

The gracious hosts, Upper Canada College, Toronto, provided an ideal setting for the coaching course. The institution’s commitment to promoting rugby coaching excellence was evident in the meticulous planning and execution of the event. The collaborative spirit between the coaching team and the college created an environment conducive to effective learning and skill development. 

Educators’ Commitment 

Two standout educators, Spencer Robinson and Gary Robinson, were among the participants who successfully achieved Level 1 educator certification. Their commitment to enhancing coaching skills exemplifies the dedication present among educators seeking to elevate their impact on the rugby field. The success of these educators is a testament to the quality of the coaching course and the comprehensive training it provided. 

Outstanding Contributions from the Coaching Team 

The coaching education team, led by LeeAnn Napiorkowski, Meghan Peets, Alexander Townsend, and Darrell Devine, played a pivotal role in guiding participants through the Level 1 and Rookie Rugby course. Their expertise ensured coaches received top-notch instruction, contributing to the overall success of the program and a positive learning experience for all involved. 

Mentorship from Master Coach Developers 

Special gratitude goes to Johnatan Long and Stephanie Veal, esteemed Master Coach Developers from Rugby Canada, for their invaluable mentorship throughout the coaching course. Their guidance and expertise enhanced the learning journey, creating an environment where aspiring coaches could develop their skills with confidence. The support from Rugby Canada reflects a commitment to excellence in rugby coaching and the cultivation of future leaders in the sport.  

The success of the coaching course at Upper Canada College, Toronto, on November 25th is a testament to collaboration, dedication, and support from various stakeholders. As 52 new certified rugby coaches emerge from this program, the rugby community can anticipate an elevated standard of coaching, contributing to the continued growth and success of the sport. Special thanks go to all those involved, from partners and hosts to educators and mentor coaches, for their collective commitment to advancing rugby coaching excellence, with heartfelt gratitude to CISAA for their invaluable support. 

Three Opportunities to get involved in Rugby Development

We are excited to share three opportunities for you to join us in making a difference in the future of rugby in Ontario! The Youth Development Committee, Minor Rugby Working Group, and Build Belonging Legacy Committee will support our continued commitment to creating a more cohesive, supportive and progressive sporting environment that is responsive to the needs of all members. The introduction of these groups will support four of our strategic pillars: Support the Club Community, Build Belonging, Invest in the Future, and Advance our Rugby Culture.

More specifically the Youth Development Committee will be a committee of youth for youth with members under the age of 30 working to develop and support opportunities to improve recruitment and retention of youth (ages 13-29) and foster the development of skills and opportunities related to non-player roles.

The Minor Rugby Working Group will assist Rugby Ontario operations staff in fulfilling their responsibilities relating to the growth and development of Minor Rugby in Ontario in line with the Rugby Ontario Strategic Plan and Long-Term Development in Sport. Members will review and analyze feedback from stakeholders and support the planning of the Minor Rugby season and related initiatives.

Finally, the Build Belonging Legacy Committee will provide counsel and recommendations related to the development and review of provincial policies, practices, and programs from a lens of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) to help foster an environment of belonging and safety for all past, present, and future members of Rugby Ontario across all roles. This committee will use the recent Build Belonging Project as a foundation to begin their work, but prospective members do not need to have been involved in that project in any way to be considered.

Applicants from within and outside of the rugby community are equally encouraged to express their interest in all three of these groups.

Follow the links to find out more about each group and express your interest in joining. Forms will close at 9am December 11th so don’t wait!

Youth Development Expression of Interest: https://forms.office.com/r/uhecpECHz1

Youth Development Committee ToR

BB Legacy Expression of Interest: https://forms.office.com/r/3aYaiaQ3rJ

Build Belonging Legacy Committee TOR

Minor Rugby Working Group Statement of Work

Minor Rugby Expression of Interest: https://forms.office.com/r/eiU8tr5A4A