Overview

For aspiring rugby players in Ontario, the Ontario Blues Development Academy (OBDA) and Ontario Blues Combine Series are key to unlocking opportunities for growth, development, and national recognition. Structured in three distinct phases, this pathway provides athletes with the tools and exposure needed to elevate their rugby game and potentially represent the Ontario Blues. Here’s everything you need to know about how the OBDA works and why participating in the combine series is essential for your rugby journey.

Phase 1: Talent Identification through the Ontario Blues Combines

Why Attend the Combines?

If your goal is to wear the Ontario Blues jersey next summer, attending one of the regional combines is the crucial first step. These combines are designed to scout talent from across the province, identifying athletes with potential and inviting them to join the high-performance Ontario Blues Development Academy. Athletes who attend these combines will undergo rigorous assessments and will be evaluated based on their skills, agility, and physical attributes. The most promising players will be selected to join the OBDA, for further specialized 7s and 15s training.

What’s involved in the Combines?

Athletes will undergo physical tests, designed to assess athletic potential and skill. These tests will include:

  • The 40: A 40-yard sprint to assess speed and acceleration.
  • Broad Jump: Measuring lower-body explosiveness and power.
  • The Bronco: A test of endurance, involving shuttle runs over a timed period.
  • Skill-Based Games: A mix of small-scale and large-scale rugby drills to evaluate your technical abilities under game-like conditions.

Combine Locations & Dates:

Saturday October 4th – Kingston (Queen’s University – Nixon Field)

  • Girls: 10:00AM-1:00PM
  • Boys: 2:00PM-5:00PM

Saturday October 4th – Guelph (University of Guelph – Varsity Field)

  • Girls: 1:30PM-4:30PM
  • Boys: 5:00PM-8:00PM

Sunday October 5th – Toronto (Crescent School – Innes Field)

  • Girls: 9:30AM-12:30PM
  • Boys: 1:00PM-4:00PM

The registration fee for attending a combine is $50 (plus tax), and it covers all assessments and training sessions at the combine. If you are not registered by the deadline, you will not be able to participate. You will have to pre-register through the link below, registration at the combine is not an option! If you do show up and you’re not registered, you will be asked to leave.

The deadline to register for any of the combines is Wednesday October 1st by 10:00AM!

Please use the link here to register:

Phase 2: Player Development in the Ontario Blues Development Academy

Once identified through the combines, selected athletes will begin an intensive development program within the Ontario Blues Development Academy. This phase is split into three regional hubs—West, Central, and East—and provides athletes with high-quality training sessions focused on technical, tactical, and physical conditioning.

Academy Locations:

West Hub: University of Guelph

Central Hub: Crescent School

East Hub: Various locations – Queen’s University, University of Ottawa, CFB Kingston Sports Dome

Phase 3: Showcase Games

The final phase of the Ontario Blues Development Academy culminates in a series of high stakes showcase games for both 7s and 15s. These matches provide athletes the chance to compete in front of coaches from provincial, national and professional teams, in addition to post-secondary Head Coaches and recruiters.

7s Showcase:

  • Mid-late February – Multiple single day tournaments

15s Showcase:

  • Late April-early May – Tournament style 15s competition

These showcases are the culmination of months of hard work and offer players the opportunity to display their skills on a big stage. It’s a vital stepping stone for those looking to advance to higher levels of rugby.

The OBDA and Ontario Blues Combine Series offer an unparalleled opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, enhance their physical and mental game, and get scouted for high-level rugby opportunities. If you’re serious about making it to the next level, attending your local combine is the first step on that journey!