August 16th, 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 Canada Touch Rugby, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary!

History

Canada Touch Rugby (formally GTA Rugby) was established in 2011 by current President and founding member Steve Shortly. During that time, Shortly had been playing his club rugby with the Aurora Barbarians and was looking to supplement some of their winter programming with a formal touch league to help keep player skills sharp and maintain fitness throughout the off season. Touch had always played a role within most clubs in the area, but primarily as part of a warm-up or intra-club games. What initially made Canada Touch Rugby (CTR) unique was that there was a more structured approach which included team rosters, referees, jerseys, scheduling, league champions etc. that players have now come to appreciate. In CTR’s inaugural year, there were six competing teams where ‘FITS’ gym hoisted the CTR trophy for the first time. In 2017, CTR expanded outside of Toronto into the Halton region after connecting with current Burlington Centaurs President Nick Manz who was looking to bolster their established touch program. Manz and Shortly, who are former McMaster rugby teammates, continue to provide playing opportunities for players throughout the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe. In 2020 (prior to Covid), CTR ran fall and winter leagues at 3 different venues with approximately 20 teams competing in the fall, and 30 teams in the winter.  

Another key characteristic of CTR is that it is a diverse group which has been a huge part of the club's strength. CTR is an inclusive league where player makeup is primarily composed of multiple clubs throughout Ontario and has included players from virtually every club within the GTA. Players that typically play against each other during the summer club season, will see each other as teammates at CTR, or again re-establishing a ‘healthy’ rivalry adding a fun competitive flare to the league.  

CTR’s fun, yet competitive, atmosphere has been a major attraction, which has also been noticed by some notable players that have participated in the league over the years. Players from the Ontario Blues, Canada U21, and Senior national team members have participated in the league, including internationally capped players John Moonlight, Dan Pletch, Taylor Black, Dan Moor, Alistair Clark, Sara Svoboda, Mike Barbierri and Rob Barbierri (Italy), and Andrew Wilson. Current Toronto Arrows players Will Kelly, Jack McRogers and Mitch Richardson have also showed their skills with Canada Touch Rugby.  

Off Field Club Achievements

Club Fundraising Efforts include: 

Rugby in the Square 

Rugby Rumble  

Toronto Arrows Founders Club 

Hosting of Competitive Provincial Touch Rugby Tournaments 

Hosting of Elementary and HighSchool Development Clinics 

Future Club Goals

Continue to provide structured, trusted leagues for its members and promote the growth of the sport of rugby across Ontario and across Canada. 

Provide an inclusive environment for everyone, including those new to the sport of rugby and those wanting to return to non-contact rugby. 

Promote and involve Mixed Ability Rugby through Rugby Ontario and the Abilities Center. 

With COVID restrictions being lifted, CTR are excited to welcome their returning members back and to introduce new players to what Canada Touch Rugby has to offer. CTR look forward to offering and growing the sport of rugby to everyone.