Join the Sask Rugby Board of Directors

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The Saskatchewan Rugby Union is seeking to recruit dynamic, engaged and qualified candidates to serve on our Board of Directors that embody our values, share our passion and want to help advance and strengthen our organization, the quality of our programs and the value to our memberships. We are currently seeking nominations for Directors for our Board of Directors. We are looking for individuals who have knowledge and understanding of the Saskatchewan Rugby Community, demonstrated leadership experience with strong network in your community. Directors will serve a three year term and be expected to attend and participate in all Sask Rugby Board meetings, commit to annual fundraising efforts and promotion as well as be actively involved in a standing committee. Online Nominations are now open and can be completed via this link ONLINE NOMINATION FORM

 

All completed nomination forms will be forwarded to the newly established Nominations Committee.  Nominations are open until August 1st.

 

 

Fire Destroys School Which Held First Indigenous On-Reserve Rugby Matches

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On Tuesday, May 27th, tragedy struck Waterhen Lake First Nation. 

At around 1:00 PM a fire started in the roof of Weweyekisik Education Centres industrial arts shop. Thanks to a quick evacuation, no injuries were reported but the community still felt the loss of one of the staples that brought many together. Waterhen Lake First Nations and the surrounding communities suffered a loss of place, connection, and joy as the school was an anchor to the childhoods and early development of so many people.

The cause was reportedly caused by a lack of structural modernity with little effort given to making the necessary changes. Since the Weweyekisik Education Centre is 75km outside of Meadow Lake, the Fire Fighters couldn’t get there in time to mitigate damages but nonetheless, the building’s damages would cost millions.

There is expected to be Federal help as well as community outreach to make the best of a bad situation. There are expected portable classes to be set up to continue education.

Sask Sport History Lost Shortly After Conception

Through many relentless efforts to bring rugby to life and to keep the culture of rugby thriving in the Northern community in Meadow Lake, Rufas Crawford took pride in beginning a successful girl’s rugby program named the She-Devil’s Rugby Club and a boys program called the El-Diablos which planted the seed for rugby to grow. 

Through this seed, Rufas put forward an application for the Team Canada Olympic Day Grant for the Waweyekisik School for launching a pioneering girls’ rugby program, while aiming to introduce the sport to First Nation communities in Saskatchewan, fostering inclusivity, skill development, and pathways to regional and international competitions.

This Indigenous team, called the Wolfpack  was a dream turned reality as it found its debut on May 23, 2024 through a mini-tournament played at Weweyekisik Education Centre which presented the Eagle Feather Cup (shown on the right) which was a symbol of new beginnings in the Saskatchewan Rugby community through an indigenous lens.

Understanding the gravity of the situation and the efforts taken to foster a beginning pathway for Indigenous rugby in Saskatchewan, we are working hard alongside important stakeholders, supporters, and sponsors to make amends and ideally restore the program.

We wish the best for the Waterhen Lake First Nation community and a quick recovery to its previous glory that the north held to such a high degree!

Lighting the Prairie Fire for the Coast to Coast Cup

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It’s going to be a trial by FIRE for the return of the Prairie Fire!

 

History

The Prairie Fire holds a strong place in the hearts of many within our Province. In its conception and early years, the team competed in the prestigious Rugby Canada Super League (RCSL) from 1998 to 2008 and the Rugby Canada National Junior Championship (RCNJC) from 2009 to 2010. The program has historically held high value in the History of high-performance Rugby in Canada as near the end of the Super League, the team was competing in the Finals, if not winning.

 

Today

After a hiatus, the Saskatchewan Prairie Fire is back and stronger than ever. This U25 Selects team is a rep touring team on the rise and the Coast to Coast Cup is the preliminary tour for the reconstruction. We are calling all eligible players to get informed and come practice to join the Fire Squad!

 

Practices/Training/Costs

Practices occur on Sundays at 12:00 PM (noon) to compensate most players’ busy weeks and are located at the Football Field in Davidson, SK.

The dates for these practices are as follows: May 26, June 2, June 9. There is a potential for more practices following the tour, and news will be revealed within team communications.

There will also be a Pre-tournament Camp held in Regina, SK from June 15-17 to prepare the team for departure as there will be the travel day on the 18th and the debut game on the 19th.

Costs for the tournament are as follows: $1000/player with a $300 deposit due June 1st.

 

Coast to Coast Cup

The Coast to Coast Cup is a major competition for young high-performance athletes across Canada. The Coast to Coast Cup allows our players to compete against top-tier talent from across the country and beyond, representing not only themselves but also our proud province of Saskatchewan.

The tour will go from departure day on June 18th to return day on June 23rd through Halifax, NS.

The games will be as follows:

Game 1: June 19 @6:30 PM Vs. Atlantic Privateers

Location: Graves-Oakley Memorial Park

Game 2: June 22 Final Vs. Calgary Mavericks or Toronto Arrows Academy

Location: Wanderer Grounds Sport Complex

All games will be streamed on the Rugby Network. 

 

Watch for updates via the SaskRugby social medias on Instagram and Facebook for Livestreaming updates, tour updates, and much more!

Saskatchewan opens the 2024 season with a new Strategic Plan

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Saskatchewan Rugby is excited to launch the 2024-2029 strategic plan, the map to a robust future for rugby in Saskatchewan. This forward-thinking and long-term plan is a result of collaborative sessions with the board and members, where they got to provide their ideas and feedback.

“We, the Saskatchewan Rugby Board of Directors are working to start a strong structure for the game and participants—now and in the coming years,” says Interm President Jason Brandt. “The timeline is designed to maximize the Canada Games cycle, so we will have a chance to get items up and fully running by the 2025 games, and then reassess and make any adjustments as we head into the next cycle in 2029.”

The full version of Saskatchewan Rugby’s new strategic plan can be found HERE

The new mission and vision statements reflect an active and positive mindset with a forward focus.

Vision

A quality and welcoming rugby community

Mission

We advance lifelong rugby experiences

The strategic plan solidifies the organization’s priorities and will act as a filter to make decisions. That includes the values laid out in the plan.

Respect

Show respect to ourselves, those around us, and the game.

Integrity

Act honestly and equitably in and around the game.

Passion

Passionately find excitement, attachment, and belonging to the rugby family.

Solidarity

Connect and foster an inclusive community through the game.

Discipline

Commit to safety and accountability for the game.

These values reflect the focus on making rugby in Saskatchewan accessible and equitable. Saskatchewan Rugby aims to re-energize and advance the sport in Saskatchewan.

The plan is built to address member needs, and designed to align with Sask Sport, a funder and a leader in the province. Sask Sport’s new sport development framework will be linked to funding reporting, and Saskatchewan Rugby’s outcomes and initiatives for the next five years are divided into the three pillars used in that framework: athlete development, capacity for support, and sport in community.

Athlete Development

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhance and communicate athlete recruitment and development programs, initiatives, and resources
  • Clarify roles and strengthen relationships to support athlete development

 

Major Initiatives

  • Define the athlete participation opportunities
  • Enhance and implement the long-term athlete development framework
  • Establish an annual competition and events calendar

Capacity for Sport

Expected Outcomes

  • Define a participation pathway for coaches, officials, administrators, and volunteers
  • Increase the recruitment and retention of coaches, officials, administrators, and volunteers
  • Update Sask Rugby’s historical resources

Major Initiatives

  • Expand resources that support coaches, officials, administrators, and volunteers
  • Increase recognition of coaches, officials, administrators, and volunteers
  • Publish an updated edition of Sask Rugby’s history book
  • Create a historical archive and display

Sport in Community

Expected Outcomes

  • Diversify the variations of rugby played
  • Expand engagement with underserved populations

Major Initiatives

  • Support the development and expansion of rugby programs across the province
  • Implement and promote a Rugby in Community database
  • Support regional competition development

To help modernize Saskatchewan Rugby and the approach to the sport in Saskatchewan, the plan will need help with implementation at all levels, including member clubs and volunteers.

“Collaboration was key to creating a strong strategic plan, and it will be key to bringing the plan to life,” says Brandt “Everyone will need to work together: the board, players, officials, administration. We have identified the need to strengthen Saskatchewan Rugby as an organization to support the game, our members, and participants.”

As the 2024 season approaches, Saskatchewan Rugby is finalizing an operational plan to translate the high-level goals in the strategic plan into measurable targets and tactics to make the plan a reality. Members can expect to hear more as both plans move forward.

 

 

Annual General Meeting – April 21, 2024

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The Saskatchewan Rugby AGM is scheduled for April 21, 2024 at 2205 Victoria Ave in Regina, SK at 11am.

 

There will be a Junior and Senior Planning session to start and the business portion of the AGM will begin at 12:30pm. Please contact your Club President for further details.

2024 AGM Agenda

SAGM Minutes 23 DRAFT

2024 AGM Voting Allocation

2023 – Financial Statements – Saskatchewan Rugby Union

New Strategic Plan

Guiding Questions for the Planning Session

Job Opportunity – Youth Summer Jobs

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Saskatchewan Rugby is looking to hire youth workers for a variety of summer positions in 2024 out of Saskatoon, Regina, Lloydminster and Meadow Lake.

 

Sport Program Coordinator (Regina, Saskatoon, Lloydminster, Meadow Lake) – Job Description 2024 Sport Program Coordinators HERE

Sport Program Administrative Coordinator  (Regina) – Job Description 2024 Sport Program Administrative Coordinators HERE

Grounds Maintenance Labourer (Saskatoon) – Job Description 2024 Grounds Maintenance Labourer HERE

 

These positions are funded through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) wage subsidy from Employment and Social Development Canada. CSJ provides wage subsidies to employers to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years. These positions are subject to funding approval as our applications are currently under assessment, however they are typically approved as full time (30 -35 hours per week, between 9 – 12 weeks, between April 24, 2024 to August 30, 2024.

Please email your resume with a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience would make you a great fit for this position by March 31, 2024, to:
Email: jobs@saskrugby.com

We’d like to thank all applicants for your interest in Saskatchewan Rugby, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Premier Rugby 7s x Sask Rugby

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The 2023 Premier Rugby 7s expanded 2023 season saw multiple Saskatchewan Rugby stars competing for various franchise teams across the United States.

Spencer Boldt; Notre Dame Alumna and Sask Rugby star signed with the Experts franchise for her third season. The Experts started their season off strong winning the first stop of the series in San Jose on July 16, and clinching their ticket to the Championship tournament in DC.

Carissa Norsten & Christina Norsten; this Sask rugby sister duo have been making waves both in the US and Canada over the past few years. Carissa signed with the Loonies franchise for her second season and Christina signed for her very first season. The Loonies coached by Sask Rugby coaching legends Brett Kannenberg and Robin MacDowell had a fantastic season, winning at home in Minnesota on the first stop of the series, then clinching their championship tournament spot in San Jose and finally becoming the 2023 Premier Rugby 7s Champions for the second season in a row on August 7th.

Lucas Scheck; the Sask Rugby star resigned with the Headliners franchise for his second season. The team fell short of a championship tournament spot, battling against tough competition from the get go.

We are incredibly proud of these Saskatchewan athletes and their continued success. The future is bright!

Rugby Day in Yorkton – July 15

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Sign up for our Kids Free Session at 2pm

www.saskrugby.com/yorkton

‘Rugby Day’ will introduce sport to Yorkton and area 

(From Calvin Daniels – Yorkton this week)
If you are a youth ages five to 13 you’ll want to to be signed up for a introduction to rugby workshop planned for the morning of July 15 at Century Field.

YORKTON – Want to get in on the ground floor as a new sport is introduced to Yorkton?

Then if you are a youth ages five to 13 you’ll want to to be signed up for a introduction to rugby workshop planned for the morning of July 15 at Century Field. While being held in Yorkton, young players are welcome from throughout the region. You can pre-register at www.saskrugby.com

 

Don’t worry parents the introduction will be non-contact as participants are given a chance to handle a rugby ball, do some passing – integral to the game, and learning some basic forms.

The morning workshop in part of a ‘Rugby Day’ being held in the city by Saskatchewan Rugby as a way to start the ball rolling toward establishing teams in Yorkton explained Jordan Astrope Executive Director with the provincial organization.

So why rugby?

 

Andrew Shaw, Rugby Development Officer with the provincial organization said it is a sport where many of the skills for example lateral foot movement transfer to other sports from hockey to basketball, and it does provide physical activity, and of course the crossover to football is obvious too.

There is also a community aspect to rugby, offered Astrope, which revolve around core values including integrity, respect, passion and discipline.

While it is obvious that rugby might attract athletes from other sports, it is also hoped as a new venture it will bring out some youngsters yet to find their sport and willing to give rugby a try.

 

Astrope said looking ahead they hope there is interest from local youth, which in turn gets some parents interested as volunteers to start a non-contact rugby program, which gets players involved and learning skills which give them a firm foundation should the program one day expand to include contact teams.

“Non-contact is about safety getting started,” he said.

The day will also include four matches featuring both boys and girls U16 and U18 teams from Saskatchewan and Manitoba hooking up to demonstrate the sport.

The games will provide entertainment and also give interested players and volunteers a look at rugby live.

The Yorkton day is part of the provincial organization’s efforts to expand the sport in Saskatchewan, taking a community, by community approach.

At present there are established rugby programs of varying degrees in about 10 communities, offered Shaw.

AGM – Notice

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Saskatchewan Rugby

AGM Meeting Notice

Notice is hereby given that an in person Saskatchewan Rugby Union Inc. Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday April 2, 2023 in Saskatoon.

Annual General Meeting at 10am for the following purposes:

1.   To receive the financial statements and report of the Corporation’s Auditors.

2.   To appoint auditors for the ensuring year.

3.   To deal with any resolutions brought forward.

4.   To deal with any bylaw changes brought forward.

 

Online Registration is required with a deadline of March 24th. HERE


Any proposed Resolutions or Bylaw Amendments must be received in writing no later then 12pm on March 24th , 2023 so they can be circulated to the Membership along with the draft audited financial statements.  The location will be in Room 122 at the Administration Center for Sport Culture and Recreation located at 510 Cynthia Street in Saskatoon.

  • Notice
  • Agenda
  • 2022 Special Meeting - November Minutes
  • List Item

Introducing Sask FlagX Rugby

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Sask Rugby is proud to announce the launch of the Sask FlagX program in the province, starting in Regina. This exciting new pilot program brings a fast and exciting non-contact flag rugby league to the province, catering to youth between the ages of 4 and 18. The pilot is a partnership with the international TagX brand, which has a history of delivering successful non-contact rugby leagues around the world. This program will help players develop their evasion techniques, learn spatial awareness, and hone their communication skills through playing games in a structured league format. Most importantly, this league will provide an enjoyable and exciting playing experience that encourages players to return to the sport year-over-year.

“This is an exciting opportunity for new and existing young rugby players in our province,” said Jordan Astrope, Executive Director of Sask Rugby. “Building on the work that our Member Organizations have put into the minor and junior rugby space, this program is the next step in providing a great rugby experience for kids that are learning the game and falling in love with it as so many of us already have.”

This program is launching in Regina in the spring of 2023, with plans to bring it to other parts of the province in the future. The long term goal of the program is to provide an excellent rugby experience to youth across the province through a standardized program format, easy-to-understand rules, and a product that local leaders can pull out of the box and implement in their own communities. In the future, this program will enable competition between youth across the province at every age and experience level.

Andrew Shaw, Rugby Development Officer with Sask Rugby noted that “having a program like Sask FlagX is a key initiative in growing the number of people playing rugby in the province. It is extremely important that we are able to provide playing opportunities to kids when their enthusiasm for the sport is high and the more opportunities that are available increases the likelihood that youth will find our sport, give it a try, and become lifelong rugby players.”

Learn More
Register Now!

Registration for this program opens on February 3, 2023 and the first day of games is March 18, 2023. Use the buttons to the left to register now or learn more about this year’s programming or programs in the future.