Rugby Ontario is deeply saddened by today’s news of the passing of Bill Webb.   

It is incredibly difficult to put into words what Bill Webb has contributed to the sport of rugby in Ontario and across Canada.  Rugby was in many ways weaved into all parts of Bill’s life.  He has made a profound impact on the game here in Ontario, devoting so much of himself to the growth of the game within his local community of Toronto, across the province of Ontario and throughout Canada.  His most recent pursuit of bringing professional rugby to Canada and leading the first and only professional rugby union team in proudly representing our nation across borders is just part of the legacy Bill leaves behind.  

As a co-founder of the Toronto Arrows and through his leadership within many aspects of the sport, Bill has been a true trailblazer for rugby in North America.  But his love of the game started right here in Ontario, first during his days playing club rugby with the Brantford Harlequins RFC and while attending Wilfrid Laurier University.  He went on to support rugby in many ways, including as a philanthropist benefiting numerous causes, an advisor on the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF) Captain’s Council, a Director on the Board of Rugby Canada, and of course, as a proud rugby father. 

Bill truly embodied the values of rugby.  He will be remembered for his spirit and drive to see people and organizations realize their dreams, achieve their goals and continuously grow.  As the saying often goes, it was always much more than a game for Bill…it was a way of life for he and his family. 

Bill, you are a hero to many, a builder of a better future for our sport and simply, a wonderful person.  

On behalf of the Ontario rugby community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Agnes, his two sons James and Stephen and the Webb family.   

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The Webb Family has conveyed that it is Bill’s wish that the Arrows will continue to flourish and contribute to rugby in Ontario and Canada.  Rugby Ontario will proudly support this wish and continue Bill’s indelible legacy in Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, the Webb Family respectfully requests a donation be made in memory of Bill to the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (https://tirfrugby.ca/make-a-difference/donate/), the Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/en/) or True Patriot Love (https://truepatriotlove.com/).