The Crusaders Rugby Club is deeply saddened to report the passing of member and former Club President, John Slattery.

John began his rugby career at Appleby College and later at the University of Western Ontario. He joined the Crusaders alongside his brother Jim and quickly became a mainstay in the 1st XV for many years. John was known as a great teammate, a fierce competitor on the field, and a true gentleman off it.

A hard?running and rapid winger, John was best known for his ferocious tackling and defensive ability. His talent and commitment to the game saw him go on to represent the Niagara Rugby Union (NRU), Ontario, Eastern Canada and Canada.

As John progressed into his 30s, he continued to contribute by playing on a very strong 2nd XV. Many young players beginning their rugby journeys were privileged to share the field with “Slatts,” benefiting from his experience, leadership, and example.

Former Club President Simon Fitzgerald reflected:

“John was a truly great person. I would be surprised if you could find anyone who could say anything negative about him. He embodied what it meant to be a great husband to Jill, a great father to Emma and Katherine, a successful professional in finance, and a phenomenal athlete who personified competitiveness and sportsmanship. John was one of the all?time great Crusaders.”

Club historian Steve Scott added:

“John was one of the most popular players in the club—modest, reliable, and talented. To say that John Slattery will be missed, and will remain the subject of many stories and memories, is a profound understatement.”

John’s legacy as a player, leader, and friend will endure within the Crusaders Rugby Club. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please join us at the clubhouse on Saturday, January 10 from 1pm-6pm to celebrate John.

Saturday May 24 is the Cru’s Senior Home Opener day featuring our three senior men’s teams and our senior women. We also welcome back our alumni to enjoy some great rugby and our recently facelifted club on our annual Alumni Day.

Our Senior Men compete in the highly competitive and “new” format Marshall Premiership Division featuring the 8 strongest men’s clubs in Ontario: Oakville Crusaders, Balmy Beach, Brantford Harlequins, Burlington Centaurs, Waterloo County, Aurora Barbarians, Oshawa Vikings and the Toronto Scottish. After one round in which our men’s teams played the Aurora Barbarians and came away with three wins, Cru is positioned at the joint top of the 1st XV table, at the top of the 2nd XV table and at the top of 3rd XV table – but that may be fleeting with some very tough opposition ahead in the coming rounds. This week the men take on Waterloo County who have been historically very strong and have taken some recent victories at Crusaders Park. Josh Allan, our new senior men’s coach for 2025, and his coaching team of Andy Gale and Liam Bowman have Waterloo in their sites. See the Marshall League tables & fixtures here: https://www.rugbyontario.com/competitions/

The Cru Senior Women compete in the Niagara Rugby Union (NRU) Premiership against the Stoney Creek Camels, Niagara Wasps, Hamilton Hornets, Grimsby (ahem) “Gentlemen”, Bruce County and the Fergus Highlanders. Under their new Aussie coach, Cooper Smith, the women are keen to make a strong opening impression against Grimsby in front of a supportive home crowd on Saturday. The NRU Premiership tables and fixtures are also available on the Rugby Ontario site here: https://www.rugbyontario.com/competitions/ 

Kick-off times:

• Crusaders Women XV vs Grimsby: 11:00am
• Crusaders Men 3rd XV vs Waterloo: 12:30pm
• Crusaders Men 2nd XV vs Waterloo: 2pm
• Crusaders Men 1s XV vs Waterloo: 3:30pm

Come and support the Cru! The bar will be open, our newly renovated clubhouse will be welcoming and there will be some great rugby.

Crusaders Park, 2214 Ninth Line, Oakville, Ontario. Admission Free!

Mens and Ladies Touch Rugby sessions kicked off earlier this week… lots of sweaty bodies limped into the clubhouse for post run-around refreshments.

Parents and players of current and former glory are encouraged to join us for Touch Rugby. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never thrown a ball backwards or if you don’t know what a Maori sidestep is – we’ll show you all you need to know in a non-judgemental and fun environment. Plus, finish the evening with a sociable beverage in the bar afterwards! Reward (or undo) all your hard work!

Visit crusadersrugby.club/touch for more details and to sign up for the Crusaders Touch Rugby season now, grab a few friends or team parents, unwitting family member and drag them along too, and let’s have a ball… or at least play with one… together!

Note – Existing club members (including paid up social members and Alumni) can register for the low price of $30 and gain access to all of the sessions and leagues.

Next Friday (24th) is the start of our Co-Ed Spring Touch League. If you’re registered for the Tuesday sessions, you can also play Friday league too at no extra charge (and vice versa). Games will start at 6:30pm and there will be 3-4 games each night. If you have a team of registered players (12 players is ideal) let Pat Daniels know, otherwise show up next Friday and you will be allocated to a team to play with.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR TOUCH RUGBY NOW