Grassroots to Mainstream: Toronto’s Rugby Scene

Lama Abousalem Former Editor-In-Chief

Often overshadowed by mainstream sports like hockey or basketball, rugby possesses a distinctive culture and ethos that sets it apart. While it may not enjoy the same level of popularity, the rugby community– especially here in Toronto–is flourishing.

At its core, rugby encourages camaraderie, respect, and discipline. Unlike sports in which individual achievement takes precedence, rugby emphasizes teamwork and solidarity. Players of all shapes and sizes (literally) can find a place on the rugby field, each contributing their unique strengths to the

team's collective effort.

One of the most cherished aspects of rugby is its sense of inclusivity. Regardless of skill level or background, anyone can find a place in the rugby community. This inclusivity extends beyond the field, forging lifelong friendships and connections among players, coaches, and supporters alike. This is why the

work done at the Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation, or TIRF, is so important. “TIRF is a rugby-centered community development organization that uses rugby as a tool for social good,” building community through rugby in Toronto’s underserved, priority neighborhoods. TIRF is able to reduce the financial, geographical, and cultural barriers that prevent youth participation in the sport by working with organizations such as Rugby Canada, Rugby Ontario, and various school boards. Many of our own students here at Earl Haig have participated in various workshops and training camps set up by TIRF.

In an interview with boys' rugby player, Murtaza Atai, he notes how joining TIRF has “allowed [him] to further understand the game of rugby by drilling the fundamentals.” He also mentions how the programs offered have allowed him to come back to the school’s team with a new sense of confidence and game

knowledge. Despite its relatively low profile in Canada, rugby offers ample opportunities for personal and athletic growth. From school teams, to local organizations—like TIRF—to provincial and national teams, aspiring rugby players have a clear pathway to progress and excel in the sport. Here at Earl Haig, we boast highly successful rugby teams for both boys and girls coached by Mr. Carayanis, Mr. Melendez, and Ms. Boyd. For many of our school's rugby athletes, the passion for this sport was nurtured by these coaches themselves, who have had immense impact on their athletic futures.

A French teacher by day and rugby player by night, Ms. Boyd is a member of one of the city’s most praised clubs, Toronto Scottish Rugby Club. She calls rugby a “special” sport and finds that it is so special because of the diversity of the sport as well as the bonds created in such an inclusive space. She says, “every body is needed...you need speed, you need power, you need strength.” This is evident in her coaching style, in which she reminds her players that everyone is needed for not only their specific skills but also the fundamentals such as tackling, passing, and rucking. Similar coaching models are used at TIRF to highlight the importance of every single person on the field, from the first prop to the last winger.

While rugby may not always take the spotlight in Canadian sports culture, its significance cannot be undermined. The thriving rugby community in Toronto, as seen in organizations like TIRF, demonstrates the enduring appeal and inclusivity of the sport. As witnessed at Earl Haig through dedicated coaches and enthusiastic student participation, the sport continues to leave an indelible mark on everyone involved, developing lifelong connections and shaping character. In a world where sports often mirrors societal values, rugby stands out as an embodiment of the power of community.