Rugby Ontario
55 Gordon St. L1N 0J2 Whitby, ON, Canada

Rugby Canada announces that applications for the NCCP Competition Development (World Rugby Level 3) Course is now open. Visit the link below for more information on the Course and the application process. The application window closes Sunday, January 3rd at midnight (EST).

Rugby Ontario CEO Myles Spencer named to SPORT4ONTARIO Board of Directors. Read the full release on our website - https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10068266/

This #GivingTuesdayCA please consider contributing to rugby in Ontario. There are various ways to get involved and make a difference in the Ontario rugby community. The COVID-19 Pandemic has presented a unique challenge to both Rugby Ontario and our clubs. As a result of the significant impact to the 2020 rugby season, many clubs and Rugby Ontario have developed supporter programs designed to help offset lost revenue and ongoing operating costs. To find, contact and offer support to a local club please click here - https://www.rugbyontario.com/content_page/10016022/ More information on the Rugby Ontario Supporter Club can be found here - https://www.rugbyontario.com/supporterclub/

Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 is #GivingTuesday. This upcoming Tuesday please consider giving in any way that you can. There are many worthy causes to support such as charities, food banks as well as supporter memberships offered through Rugby Ontario and our various clubs. To locate a club and offer your support please refer to this link. www.rugbyontario.com/content_page/10016022/ More information on #GivingTuesdayCA can be found here www.givingtuesday.ca

We are pleased to share that Rugby Ontario has been selected by Canadian Tire Jumpstart to receive a grant from their Sport Relief Fund. The fund helps community sport organizations like ours continue to provide access to sport and play for Canadian kids. This grant will go a long way towards helping us to deliver innovative new ways for youth to engage in rugby across the province. #SportReliefFund

The Ontario Rugby community is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jake Webster. The Lindsay Ontario native was an impactful part of the Ontario and Canadian rugby community. Jake represented Canada on a number of occasions including the U20 Junior World Rugby Trophy in 2013. In addition to playing for his club and the country, Jake won two MacTier Cups with the Ontario Senior Blues. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Jake’s family. - https://gf.me/u/zbxqph

With Toronto Public Health scheduled to join Peel Regional Public Health in the Red-Control category tomorrow here is an update on where our clubs currently sit within the new Ontario Framework. More information at www.rugbyontario.com/return-to-play UPDATED: Based on the Premier's announcement this afternoon.

ICYMI - Honda Heroes: Help Save Baby Samy. Recently, members of the rugby community in Quebec joined forces to donate plasma all across the Province. You can help the Elfara family’s battle to help little Samy by generously doing one, or both of the following: Make a donation of blood or plasma, by visiting Canadian Blood Services. To find the nearest donor centre click here - https://www.blood.ca///donating-plasma/where-donate-plasma... Make a donation to the CHU Ste-Justine Foundation, which is responsible for collecting and attributing the funds for research on Samy's syndrome. A receipt for income tax purposes will be provided. No matter the amount, in the end all amounts will make a difference. Click this link to donate - https://secure.fondationstejustine.org//FundraisingPage.as

In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae #lestweforget2020

The 2020 Rugby Ontario Online Store is now live! Visit the link below to access the Store. https://rugbyontariofall2020.itemorder.com/sale The Store closes November 22, 2020. All items will be shipped once the store closes.

Return To Play Update: Modified Phase 2 in Toronto, Peel and Ottawa Health Regions. Key items: - Participants must always maintain a 2M Physical distance, before, during and after a training session. - Participation is limited to 25 participants (outdoor activity) per training group. ... Read more at https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10067248/

Today the Ontario Government announced the development of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework. The framework takes a gradual approach that includes introducing preventative measures earlier to help avoid broader closures and allow for additional public health and workplace safety measures to be introduced or removed incrementally. Read the full Press Release here: https://news.ontario.ca//ontario-releases-covid-19-respons... Click here to view the Framework Document: https://files.ontario.ca/moh-covid-19-response-framework-ke The Framework Document outlines proposed classifications of each Public Health Unit. These classifications are set to be finalized by the province on Friday, November 6th, 2020 and become effective on Saturday, November 7th, 2020. Rugby Ontario is working in anticipation of the finalized Framework. We will communicate more with clubs once we have reviewed the finalized Framework and updated Regulations (legislation), and have aligned with the Rugby Ontario Return to Play Plan.

Amazing spotlight of an Ontario Blues & Ajax Wanderers stalwart John Moonlight! Lets take this opportunity to highlight all the amazing rugby people who are working tirelessly on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. To nominate a Honda Hero from your Rugby Community contact [email protected] with a short explanation of their contribution.

Wishing all of our rugby families a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The family of Scottie Legg will be holding a celebration of life tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 10:00am. Due to COVID restrictions attendance is invite only, however a live stream has been set up for those wishing to view the ceremony. The link to the stream as well as a link to support the family can be found in the attached article. https://www.thewhig.com//kingston-teens-celebration-of-lif

Congratulations to a couple Ontario athletes, Taylor Black(Crusaders Rugby Club) & McKinley Hunt (Aurora Barbarians Rugby) on getting the start for Exeter Chiefs in the opening round of the Allianz Premier 15s. Tune in to the game tomorrow at 9:15AM (EST) on England Rugby’s YouTube - https://youtu.be/eqtkU41tljU

An update regarding our contingency planning and the impact to the organization as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full release: www.rugbyontario.com

Today is #RowansLawDay. Rowan’s Law Day honours the life of Rowan Stringer, who tragically passed away due to second impact syndrome. Show your support for Rowan by wearing purple to bring awareness to concussion management. MORE INFO: https://www.rugbyontario.com/rowanslaw/

Forever remembered through rugby. Athletes and staff of the Ontario Blues - Junior Arrows Academy observed a moment of silence in memory of Scott Legg before last nights training sessions.

RETURN TO PLAY UPDATE: Indoor programming / New program Sanctioning process. As we move into the Fall / Winter months Rugby Canada working in conjunction with the Provincial Unions has established parameters for indoor programming environments. As a result, the Rugby Ontario Return to Play Plan have been updated to reflect these changes. To view the RTP Master Plan and the RTP Bridging Document please click the link below. LINK: www.rugbyontario.com/return-to-play.

Today’s National Coaches Week Spotlight is on Mark Smerdon. Mark is a coach with the the U18 Girls Ontario Jr. Blues and the Brock Badgers Women's team. He is also the Director of Rugby the Mississauga Blues RFC! Click the link below and read more about Mark's story! Recognize your favourite coach on social media using the hashtag #ThanksCoach and Tag Rugby Ontario in the post so we can recognize them as well! #ThanksCoach READ: https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10066798/?tag_id

Rugby Ontario and Rugby Canada are proud to announce the 2020-2021 Rugby Canada Development Academy (RCDA) roster. This talented group of young athletes will train out of three regional centres across the province. The focus of the RCDA is to support and develop aspiring provincial and national 7s players in a high-performance training environment. The selected athletes will take part in weekly strength and conditioning and core skill training sessions in their respective re...gions. In addition, players will be supported through online resources focused on mental performance, technical/tactical development, and diet/nutrition. 52 Ontario athletes were selected for the 2020/2021 RCDA, representing 21 Ontario rugby clubs. Read the full release on our website - https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10067484/?tag_id

Next up in our series of Coach Spotlights for National Coaches Week is Ian Fitzgerald. Ian is a coach with the Norfolk Harvesters Rugby Club and also serves as a coach for the U16 Ontario Jr. Blues 15s & 7s Programs! Click the link below to learn more about Ian's coaching career. Recognize your favourite coach on social media using the hashtag #ThanksCoach and Tag Rugby Ontario in the post so we can recognize them as well! #ThanksCoach MORE: https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10066756/?tag_id

In celebration of National Coaches Week, Rugby Ontario is profiling Coaches from across the Ontario rugby community. Today’s profile is on Jocelyn Poirier. Jocelyn is a coach with the Kingston Panthers Rugby Football Club. Click the link below to read about Jocelyns rugby journey! Recognize your favourite coach on social media using the hashtag #ThanksCoach and Tag Rugby Ontario in the post so we can recognize them as well! #ThanksCoach MORE: https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10066698/?tag_id

Rugby Ontario and Balmy Beach RFC are calling for support of Kerry Singh (Huggy), a teammate and Club Member who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury (quadriplegia) in 1993 while playing rugby for Balmy Beach. Link to support - https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-huggy

Happy National Coaches Week! Join Rugby Ontario as we celebrate the amazing coaches, from all across the province, for the next seven days. Make sure to follow Rugby Ontario on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for all Coaches Week Content #ThanksCoach

On behalf of the entire rugby community across Ontario, Rugby Ontario wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the Legg family following the tragic passing of their son and brother, Scott Legg. A member of Kingston Panthers Rugby and Eastern Ontario Rugby Union, Scott had a passion for rugby. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Scottie’s family, friends and teammates.

Rugby Ontario and the Toronto Arrows are pleased to announce the launch of the Ontario Blues - Junior Arrows Academy. The goal for this program is to drive development of identified players and coaches through aligned content and delivery with the Toronto Arrows and their staff. By providing resources to support their development as players and people, we feel this group of athletes will not only grow themselves but be equipped with the tools to positively impact the growth o...f their peers at all levels of the game. From a provincial standpoint, this partnership provides a clear and direct pathway for Ontario players to achieve their goal of playing for Canada and the Arrows, said Sean Medeiros, Rugby Ontario High Performance Co-ordinator and Academy Director. Read the full release and view the full list of selected athletes here - https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10067372/

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 19th, marks the start of National Coaches Week! During the week, Rugby Ontario will be featuring profiles of various coaches throughout the province to celebrate the amazing coaches across Ontario. Follow Rugby Ontario on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for all Coaches Week content.

A reminder that all players and coaches attending training sessions MUST complete an attestation before taking the field as per the Rugby Ontario Return to Play plan. To ensure attendance is tracked accurately, please update your attendance status on SportLomo before the session begins. Please view the Player Attestation guide on the Rugby Ontario Return to Play page if you have any further questions. LINK: https://www.rugbyontario.com/return-to-play/

We have profile for our Club Anniversary Spotlight series! The Markham Irish Canadian Rugby Club are celebrating the anniversaries of the Irish Canadian Rugby Club, the Markham Rugby Club and the Markham Irish Canadian Rugby Club! Click the link below to learn more. MORE: https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10066252/?tag_id

The Ontario Government has announced proposed legislation to provide COVID-19 liability protection for volunteers and organizations who make an honest effort to follow public health guidelines & laws relating to exposure to COVID-19. Read about it here: https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10067369/?tag_id

Bingham Cup Ottawa & Rugby Ontario Statement MORE: https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10066119/?tag_id

RETURN TO PLAY UPDATE: Additional limits to participant numbers at practices & YORK Health Region moved into a Modified Phase 2 as of Monday, October 19th at 12:01AM. Toronto, Peel, Ottawa, and YORK Health Regions are now in a Mofidied Phase 2. Key items:... - Participants must always maintain a 2M Physical distance, before, during, and after a training session. - UPDATE: Participation is limited to 25 participants (outdoor activity) PER FIELD. e.g. If you have two fields you are allowed 50 people at training, 25 people on each field. See more

Rugby Canada Provides Update on Feedback To Proposed Transgender Guidelines RELEASE: https://www.rugbyontario.com/news-detail/10066093/?tag_id

Great to see nine athletes representing Ontario clubs on the 2020/21 Rugby 7s Maple Leafs and RC Development Academy Rosters. Congratulations to all athletes for being selected! Aurora Barbarians Rugby Crusaders Rugby Club Toronto Scottish RFC Ottawa Ospreys Rugby Football Club Peterborough Pagans Rugby Cobourg Saxons Toronto Nomads Rugby Football Club Oshawa Vikings