Building on the work of last year’s Rugby Development Consultant Network, we have zeroed in on two areas of focus for 2026. We are pleased to re-introduce two returning RDCs whose services will be available to all clubs across the province through off-season office hours, provincial resource creation, a Rugby Development Community of Practice, and individual club consulting at a preferred rate. Read on to learn more about their areas of focus and sign up for pre-season office hours and the Community of Practice.

Mark Perrin 

Email: mperrin@rugbyontario.com 

Focus: Project Management 

Description: Reach out to Mark if you have a lot of ideas but struggle getting them fully executed; you were successful with a grant or bid but now are overwhelmed trying to accomplish what you promised; you are looking for ways to make your workflows more efficient and reduce redundancy; things seem to fall through the cracks, end up behind schedule or over budget, or otherwise get derailed along the way; or your volunteers are doing great work but are disconnected from each other. 

Office Hours: 6-7pm 

Office Dates: 

March 11th

March 25th 

April 8th Register for Office Hours

April 22nd Register for Office Hours

*Special Summer Hours – July 15th 

Club Consulting: Contact Mark

Bio: A project manager by trade, with extensive rugby experienceMarkbrings expertise in project planning, execution, and tracking. With an organized approach, Mark looks to identify and attack all angles of a project, from brainstorming and idea sessions, to setting realistic and attainable goals. Mark strives to run projects with clarity, adaptability and systematic thinking in order to achieve the intended outcomes.Mark attributes much of his personal growth to the game of Rugby, learning the importance of team, camaraderie, and working towards a common goal. In his role as an RDC his sole focus is giving back to the Rugby community that gave so much to him as a teen and young adult. 

Elizabeth McCaw 

Email: emccaw@rugbyontario.com 

Focus: Club Governance and Strategic Planning 

Description: Reach out to Liz if you are struggling with running effective board meetings; you have a great group of volunteers however can’t seem to stay organized; you always feel like you are putting out fires instead of strategic planning; you want to run a new program but don’t know where to start, or the realities of running a club have become overwhelming. 

Office Hours: 7-8pm 

Office Dates: 

March 11th 

March 25th

April 8th Register for Office Hours

April 22nd Register for Office Hours

Webinars: Fall Webinars TBA 

Club Consulting: Contact Liz.

BioWith over 20 years of experience in community sports operations, Elizabeth is a seasoned leader specializing in strategic planning, programming and operational structures. She has contributed her expertise to major organizations including Ontario Basketball, Canada Soccer and FSA Sport, and currently serves at the Director of Business Operations for the Pickering Football Club, a thriving community soccer organization with over 5000 members in the Durham Region. In addition, Elizabeth is a Rugby Development Consultant with Rugby Ontario, where she provides valuable insights and support to the rugby community, drawing on her extensive experience in soccer and past consulting roles. She is passionate about building sustainable sport systems that strengthen communities and enhance participation at all levels. 

Rugby Ontario Club Development Community of Practice

The Rugby Ontario Club Development Community of Practice (CoP) connects club leaders across the province to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and strengthen club operations through peer learning. The CoP operates through three dedicated WhatsApp groups; each focused on a specific topic area.

Strategic Planning – Liz McCaw

The strategic planning group focuses on club vision, setting priorities, and planning for long-term sustainability and growth.

Governance – Liz McCaw

The governance group focuses on board structure, leadership practices, policies, and decision-making processes.

Project Management – Mark Perrin

Strategies and tools to effectively deliver events, initiatives and club projects.

Rather than formal training sessions, the CoP creates ongoing conversations between clubs, supported by Rugby Ontario RDCs. Clubs may participate in one or multiple groups, depending on their interests and leadership roles. We encourage club presidents, board members, club administrators, key volunteers, and  committee leads to participate. We recommend having 1-2 club members per group.