August 11th, 2021

(WHITBY, ON) - The Club Anniversary Spotlight Series is a initiative which will recognize all Rugby Ontario Member Clubs that are celebrating a major anniversary during 2021. Next up is the Stratford Blackswans, who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary!

History

The Stratford Blackswans began in 1991 as a project driven by former club member John Brogan and current club member and coach Jeff Wood. Together they formed a Senior Men’s team to compete inside Rugby Ontario and bring the sport to a new area. Using players with knowledge of the game right down to players with zero experience, they were able to muster up a group and hit the pitch.  

As rugby grew in the Stratford, they were able to recruit members from the strong local high school program at Stratford Northwestern Secondary School. This helped begin a Junior Program to help feed the club and keep the numbers growing and the club strong. 

As every club goes, the Blackswans have had peaks and valleys in the lifespan of the club. Having a troublesome campaign in 2008 the club was almost defunct, until a group of successful and committed former players banded together to keep it alive. With the efforts of this group, the Blackswans were revived and won the NRU A division in 2009. This set the platform for further success and from this point the Blackswans have continued to grow and be a successful club. 2019, the last playing season, was the most successful season for the club, claiming the NRU B championship and having an undefeated season.

Notable Alumni

JASON DEBUS – National U18 Men’s Team

DEREK VAN DEN TEMPEL – National u18 Men’s Team

JEFF WOOD SR – COACH, WILFRED LAURIER UNIVERSITY

JEFF WOOD JR – ONTARIO BLUES JR AND SR PROGRAM

Off Field Accomplishments

In 2013, The executive of the Blackswans struck a deal with the local Army and Navy Veterans club, Unit 261 in Stratford. As a few of the members were also members with the ANAF, both parties came into agreement to convert their grounds (formerly 3 soccer fields) into a gorgeous rugby pitch. As a result of the agreement, club members would become formal members of their organization and in return, they would now have a home – a private pitch! This partnership is still going strong and a new 25-year agreement was signed in 2021.

The Blackswans have also been a staple in the Stratford community when it comes to helping and lending a hand. Through fundraising effort, they have be able to support charities such as the local House of Blessing and Emily Murphy Center – Women’s Shelter with monetary and tangible donations every season!

Future Club Goals

With the Blackswans having a place to call home, the next steps are to constantly improve the grounds. Lights and changing rooms are always a goal in the horizon and steps are taken each year to build towards that. Being attached to the ANAF, the Blackswans already have a place for social events to take place and these additions would complete their dream home.

From a rugby standpoint, it has always been a goal to be able to field two full Mens sides, along with a Women’s side and both a Junior boys and girls side. In 2020, the Blackswans would have accomplished this, but COVID interfered with the club’s growth.

Accolades

NRU “A” DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS x 2

NRU “B” CHAMPIONSHIPS x 3

NRU “C” CHAMPIONSHIPS x 3 

WOMENS NRU TITLE – 2017

UNDEFEATED SEASONS – 2019/2013