Minor
Minor Rugby in Ontario encompasses all age groups from U10 down to U4. Click here to see a visual breakdown of age groups by year of birth. Minor Rugby is non-gendered, non-contact, flag rugby with an emphasis on having fun and staying active while learning fundamental movement skills and developing physical literacy.
The minor rugby season runs approximately May-August but the exact nature and timing of the program depends on the club. To find your local club and learn more about programming offered, check our club locator above.
Youth
Youth Rugby in Ontario is a new group that includes our intro to contact age groups of U12 and U14. Click here to see a visual breakdown of age groups by year of birth. At the U12 level, competitions are festival based on a quarter field with 7-a-side. U12 is the level that modified contact and a gender split are introduced. The contact laws are modified from those used at the senior (adult) level to help athletes learn the game and develop their skills in contact in a safe environment. At U14 the field size and number of players is increased to further challenge players as they prepare to move to full field contact rugby at the junior level. Some clubs also offer non-contact programming for youth looking to begin or continue flag rugby.
The youth rugby season runs approximately May-August but the exact nature and timing of the program depends on the club. To find your local club and learn more about programming offered, check our club locator above.
Junior
Junior rugby in Ontario encompasses U16 and U18 age groups. Click here to see a visual breakdown of age groups by year of birth. Contact leagues at this level are split by age and gender with clubs competing in either the Provincial or Regional Cup competition. For more information on non-contact programming for this age group, please contact your local club.
Junior club rugby teams are open to all players regardless of experience and skill in the sport of rugby. The junior rugby season is broken into two seasons: 15s runs approximately May-August and 7s runs through September.
For the exact nature and timing of the program please contact your local club using the club locator above.
Senior
Senior rugby in Ontario refers to adult rugby teams for ages 19 and up. Click here to see a visual breakdown of age groups by year of birth. Contact leagues at this level are split by gender and follow World Rugby Laws of the game. For more information on non-contact programming contact your local club.
Senior club rugby teams are open to all players regardless of experience and skill in the sport of rugby. The senior rugby season runs approximately April-September, but the exact nature and timing of the program depends on the club. See the leagues below:
- The OWL (Senior Women)
- The Marshall (Senior Men)
To find your local club, check our club locator above.
Masters
Masters Rugby in Ontario refers to adult rugby teams for ages 35 and up. Leagues at this level are split by gender and follow Rugby Canada’s Masters Rugby Law Variations. For more information contact your local club.
Masters club rugby teams are open to all players regardless of experience and skill in the sport of rugby. The Masters rugby season runs approximately May-September, but the exact nature and timing of the program depends on the club.
To find your local club, check our club locator above.
Thinking of starting a new rugby club? Rugby Ontario supports and encourages rugby development across the province. Part of this process involves the formation and onboarding of new Clubs. Rugby Ontario welcomes new applications and is happy to provide support to new groups who would like to form a Club in their local area.
Step 1: Consider these issues
1) Historical and Stakeholder Review
- Why is there no Rugby club in the local community?
- Has there been a Rugby club previously?
- Is there any other type of Rugby in the community (High School, University etc)?
- What is the closest Rugby club and do people in the community travel to play there?
- What type of Rugby demographic does the community hold (if any)?
- Are there any reasons Rugby could not sustain in the community?
2) Resource Assessment
- Do you have the right people to do this – Skill set identification
- Do you have start-up funds?
- Facilities
- What type of Risk Management procedures do you have in place if you fail
3) Governance Requirements
- •Ontario Not for Profit Corporations Act 2010
- Lodging an application with the Ontario Ministry of Government Services for Incorporation of a Corporation without Share Capital
- Developing a Club Constitution and By-Laws
- Inaugural General Meeting
4) Facilities
- How are facilities booked? City? College? School Board? What is their process?
- Are their openings for new groups?
- Are rental fees feasible?
5) Community Support
- Initial Public Meeting – engage the local community (media, community centres, schools)
- Any municipal grants or funding available?
- What is the fundraising/sponsorship potential?
Step 2: Complete Membership Application Form & Payment
In order to become a member club, each club must complete the Membership Application Form and submit it the Rugby Ontario office with either a cheque for $150.00, or a valid credit card number. This fee includes the $100.00 Club Director & Officers Insurance policy fee that Rugby Ontario collects and pays to Rugby Canada.
Step 3: Submit Governance documents
Originals or copies of the following Governance documents must be submitted to the Rugby Ontario office, and must also be kept in the possession of a designated member of the Club Executive:
- The current By-Laws and/or Constitution
- The articles of incorporation
- A list of the Club Executive
- The Emergency Action Plan approved by the Executive for the current season
Once these documents have been completed and received, they are submitted to the Rugby Ontario Board of Directors for consideration. Upon approval from the Rugby Ontario Board, the Club Membership becomes effective from the date of the Board decision.