Junior Rugby in Sask

Jordan Astrope • August 20, 2021

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After losing out on 2 seasons of summer rugby programs due to COVID-19, Saskatchewan’s junior rugby players have been busy catching up this summer. A number of junior programs and events brought our players back to the pitch, including training with local senior clubs. 


These activities wouldn’t have been possible without the support of community coaches, managers, organisers, and players, and the Sask Rugby High Performance Committee who continue to drive rugby’s progress in the province. Your sport thanks you.

North vs South

Organised by a group of women’s coaches, junior girls will be taking the pitch in Saskatoon on August 21 and Regina on August 28 for some North vs South 15s exhibition games. Each day will consist of 2 games with 20 minute halves, and team lunch in between. Good luck ladies!

A rugby player in a green and white jersey runs with the ball while being tackled by a player in a red jersey.
The Rugby Canada logo: a white shield with a red maple leaf containing the word

U18 Boys Canada Camp

Sask Rugby is hosting a U18 Boys Canada camp August 21-22 in Regina for invited athletes. Out of those selected a number of Saskatchewan athletes will have their shot at a tour with the national team in December 2021 to January 2022. Good luck boys!

Canada Summer Games Team Training

Initially planned for 2021, the Niagara Canada Summer Games were rescheduled for August of 2022 due to COVID-19. Team Sask started its training with coaches Kayla Mack-Thiel and Gillian Allen in June of 2021. Any U18 girls interested in participating can learn more here: www.saskrugby.com/canadagames

A rugby player runs across a field holding the ball, followed by teammates. A blue color filter is applied over the scene.
Flyer for the Sask Rugby ID Combine on July 11, 2021, at Regina Rugby Fields for athletes under 18. Includes schedule.

Rugby ID Combine

Organised by the Sask Rugby High Performance Committee, Sask’s first ever Rugby ID Combine took place in July 2021, open to all athletes interested in developing in sport. The all-day session in Regina brought in over 30 athletes and tons of talent.

Community Programs

Regina Minor Rugby


Formerly Regina Mini Rugby, Regina Minor has expanded in recent years to include players ages 15 to 18. After getting cancelled in 2020, the program returned in full force August of 2021 and plans to run until October. One of the longest standing community rugby programs in Saskatchewan, RMR is an excellent option for juniors looking to get into the game or develop in a fun environment.

RMR still delivers Minis for its 4-14 ages and the kids love it.


MacDowell Prairie Academy


The Prairie Academy was one of the only training opportunities for juniors during 2020, running sessions whenever possible. The program restarted in May of 2021 and is slated to return for fall sessions in September. The academy focuses on developing high performance rugby athletes but is open to all ages and skill levels.


NSRU Minor Rugby


Formerly Saskatoon Mini Rugby, the NSRU came together to deliver minor and junior rugby sessions in Saskatoon at the beginning of June 2021. The junior side of the program brought a number of North juniors back to the field and helped in reconnecting them with senior clubs.

A collage of children participating in rugby drills with a Regina Minor Rugby logo and the text
A large group of athletes and coaches pose on a grass field under a sunny sky for a Prairie Academy team photo.

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