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The Crusaders Junior Program

The Crusaders Junior program is for both boys and girls from U16 to U18 (ages 15–18) and is the largest rugby program in the club. It’s known for its progressive approach to player development, excellent coaching, decades-long on-field success and a fun, traditional rugby club experience.

Our Junior program has won Rugby Ontario’s award for “Best Junior Program” on numerous occasions and is widely regarded as one of the strongest in Canada. Many of our players go on to represent the Niagara Rugby Union, Rugby Ontario and Canada, and to play at colleges and universities across North America.

At the same time, we are very clear:
every program can accommodate complete beginners as well as more experienced players. Many of our current U16 and U18 athletes started rugby only a season or two ago.

The Junior program offers:

  • Six teams : U16 Boys, U16 Girls, U18 Boys and U18 Girls, with strong links to our Youth (U12/U14) and Senior Men’s and Women’s programs.
  • High-quality coaching : a mix of NCCP-certified coaches, current and former senior players, and experienced school coaches.
  • A full annual pathway :
    • Summer 15s (May–August)
    • Fall 7s (September–October, optional)
    • Strength & Conditioning (November–March, optional)
    • Advanced Skills indoor sessions (January–mid-April, optional)
    • Preseason training (April, optional)

Parents and players often describe the Junior program as “one of the best sporting experiences we’ve ever had” and “a true rugby club environment where everyone is welcomed and supported.”

U16 BoysU16 GirlsU18 BoysU18 GirlsCoaching
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U16 Boys Division

The U16 Boys program builds on the skills developed at U14 and is the first age grade where players really experience the full 15-a-side game. We introduce the complete laws with a few age-appropriate modifications (such as uncontested lineouts and reduced match duration), and we place a strong emphasis on teamwork, game understanding and core skills.

We welcome players who are completely new to rugby as well as those with previous experience. Most new players find that within just a few weeks they are able to fully participate in training, scrimmages, games and tournaments.

While the focus is always on fun, physical movement and being part of a team, we also want players to develop strong rugby fundamentals through knowledgeable coaching. Our volunteer coaches are provided with appropriate training and resources, and many are former or current senior players and senior?grade coaches. This helps ensure that every player, regardless of starting point, has the best chance to learn, improve and enjoy the game.

Rugby is a true team sport – rarely can one player take over or control a game. Success depends on everyone’s participation, dedication and work rate. We expect every player to move with and follow the play so they can support their teammates in attack and defence. This approach has helped our Junior Boys sides consistently compete at the top level in Ontario, including recent appearances in Rugby Ontario Cup Finals and Provincial Championships.

The U16 Boys program is an excellent environment for players to:

  • Develop their running, passing, tackling and contact skills
  • Improve fitness and confidence in a supportive setting
  • Learn game awareness, decision-making and positional play
  • Build friendships and experience the wider Crusaders club culture

16s Practices:

  • Monday and Wednesday evenings 6:30-8:00pm
  • April (field readiness dependent) through August
  • Intramural matches, practices and friendly extramural matches will be organized on Saturday mornings from May– Jun.

Playing Equipment:

  • Mouthguard – mandatory for training and games
  • Cleats – rugby or soccer
  • Jersey – Club-provided for matches; player-provided for practices
  • Club Shorts – black on club shop
  • Club Socks – black on club shop

No glasses/eyewear or jewelry are allowed at training sessions or games as they can potentially cause injury.

League Information

The Under-16 age grade league is a competitive league run by Rugby Ontario.

  • Players will play primarily Saturdays, with the season running from June to August
  • During game weeks teams will play 1 fixture with occasional matches against touring sides
  • Fixtures will be 60 minutes in length (30 minute halves)
  • Teams will play a round robin league format over the season
  • Qualifying teams will play in Jr. Cup Day.
  • Teams are regionalized to reduce travel where possible

U16 Girls Division

The U16 Girls program builds on the skills developed at U14 and is where players really experience the full 15-a-side game. We introduce the complete fifteens laws with age-appropriate guidance and a strong focus on safety, teamwork and enjoyment.

We welcome players who are completely new to rugby as well as those with previous experience. New players are encouraged to register early and attend as many training sessions as possible so they can learn the basics, build confidence and fully enjoy practices and games.

Our goals at U16 are to develop strong rugby fundamentals and to help every player feel part of a tight-knit team. Skills we focus on throughout the year include:

  • Running with the ball and into space
  • Passing and catching under pressure
  • Safe, effective tackling and contact skills
  • Creating space in attack and alignment in defence
  • Positional play, game awareness and basic match strategy

These skills are developed through training sessions, fun games, game-like scenarios and league matches across the season. Recent U16 Girls teams have been among the strongest in Ontario, regularly competing deep into the Rugby Ontario Cup and Provincial competitions and building a reputation for exciting, running rugby and great team spirit.

The U16 Girls season is split into:

  • Summer 15s program
    • Practices: Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:30–8:00pm (South Field)
    • Runs from mid to late May through to the end of August
    • Games primarily on Saturdays, with some Thursday evenings (e.g. around long weekends)
    • Standard match length: 60 minutes (two 30-minute halves)
  • Fall 7s program (September–November, optional)
    • Fast-paced 7-a-side tournaments that build fitness, decision?making and handling skills
    • There is a small additional fee for players who choose to participate, to cover tournament entry costs

Playing Equipment:

For training and games, players will need:

  • Mouthguard – mandatory for all contact training and games
  • Cleats – rugby or soccer
  • Black shorts
  • Black socks
  • Water bottle

The club provides match jerseys; players should bring their own tops for training. For safety reasons, no glasses/eyewear or jewellery are allowed at training sessions or games.

U18  Boys Division

The U18 Boys program is the final step in the Crusaders junior pathway and a key bridge to Senior Men’s rugby. It builds on the skills and game understanding developed at U16, while still welcoming players who are new to rugby. With a few weeks of training, most new players are able to fully participate in practices, scrimmages, games and tournaments.

Our experienced coaching group focuses on:

  • Advanced core skills – passing, catching, tackling and contact skills under pressure
  • Game understanding – decision-making, support play, and reading attack and defence
  • Unit skills – backs and forwards roles, set piece, and phase play
  • Physical preparation – safe contact technique, movement quality and rugby fitness
  • Team culture – accountability, resilience and playing for each other

Crusaders U18 Boys teams have a long record of success. Recent squads have:

  • Reached Rugby Ontario Cup Final Days
  • Won multiple Provincial Championships, including a run of five straight titles
  • Built a reputation as one of the top junior boys programs in Ontario and across Canada

Many U18 players progress to:

  • Senior Men’s rugby at Crusaders
  • Niagara Rugby Union and Rugby Ontario representative teams
  • Post-secondary rugby with colleges and universities in Canada and abroad

At the same time, the program remains grounded in the club’s community values. As one season report put it, “The U18s Boys won the Provincial Championships… another brilliant run built on hard work, depth and a real sense of playing for each other.” That’s the standard we aim for on and off the field.

New to rugby?

Every Crusaders program can accommodate complete beginners as well as experienced players. If you’re new:

  • Coaches will help you learn the basics quickly and safely.
  • You’ll be eased into contact and game play at a pace that suits you.
  • You’ll be part of a supportive group where effort and attitude matter more than experience.

Training Schedule:

Training takes place at the club, and will concentrate on developing rugby skills and playing ability. We strongly encourage all players to come to as many early season training sessions as possible to improve their rugby playing abilities, as well as develop positional skills and build teamwork. The club training will only add to the skill, fitness and ability of the players already involved in high school programs.

Outdoor training starts early May (depending upon field conditions)

Training Times:

Mondays: 6.30 to  8.15pm

Fridays: 6.30 to 8.15pm

A number of the boys chose to play up in the Senior Grades as well.

Competitions

U18 Boys compete in the Ontario Junior leagues, with matches primarily around the GTA and occasionally further afield (e.g. Belleville, London, Peterborough/Lindsay, Collingwood). The club believes strongly in travelling to play the highest level of rugby in the province.

For current league tables, fixtures and results, please refer to Rugby Ontario’s competitions pages (U18 Boys Central, U18 Boys West, and Junior Provincial Cup).

U18 Girls Division

The U18 Girls program is the final step in the Crusaders girls’ junior pathway and a key bridge to our Senior Women’s team. It builds on the skills and confidence developed at U16, while still welcoming players who are completely new to rugby. Many athletes join at U18 from other sports and, with a few weeks of training, are able to fully participate in practices, scrimmages and games.

The focus of the program is to develop strong rugby fundamentals with an emphasis on teamwork, enjoyment and playing for each other. As one recent season report put it, the U18 Girls “had one of their best seasons, finishing 2nd in the league and winning bronze at Provincials” – a result built on depth, commitment and a great team culture.

What we work on

Across the season, coaches focus on:

  • Running with the ball and into space
  • Passing and catching under pressure
  • Safe, effective tackling and contact skills
  • Creating space in attack and alignment in defence
  • Positional play, game awareness and match strategy

These skills are developed through structured training, fun game-based activities, and league matches in the Rugby Ontario U18 Girls competitions.

Competitions & pathway

The U18 Girls compete in Rugby Ontario’s Provincial league structure, including:

  • Regular-season league play (regionalized where possible to reduce travel)
  • Qualification for Provincial playoffs and Cup/Championship events

Many U18 Girls progress to:

  • Senior Women’s rugby at Crusaders
  • Niagara Rugby Union and Rugby Ontario representative teams
  • Post-secondary rugby with colleges and universities in Canada and abroad

Season structure

The U18 Girls season is split into a Summer 15s program and an optional Fall 7s program.

Summer 15s (May–August)

  • Practices:
    • Monday evenings, 6:30–8:30pm
    • Thursday evenings, 6:30–8:30pm
  • Outdoor training starts in early May (field conditions permitting)
  • Games are typically played on Wednesday evenings
  • Additional fixtures may include games against touring teams and playoff tournaments

Fall 7s (September–November, optional)

  • Fast?paced 7?a?side tournaments that build handling, fitness and decision?making
  • There is a nominal additional fee for players who choose to participate, to cover tournament registration costs

Playing Equipment:

  • For training and games, players will need:
    • Mouthguard – mandatory for all contact training and games
    • Cleats – rugby or soccer
    • Black shorts
    • Black socks
    • Water bottle

    The club provides match jerseys; players should bring their own tops for practices. For safety reasons, no glasses/eyewear or jewellery are allowed at training sessions or games.

Coaching

Crusaders is proud to offer one of the strongest junior coaching environments in Ontario. Our Junior (U16–U18) coaches are a mix of:

  • NCCP-trained and World Rugby-certified coaches
  • Current and former Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s players
  • Experienced school and representative-level coaches

Together, they create a positive, challenging and supportive environment where every player—from complete beginner to provincial-level athlete—can learn, improve and enjoy their rugby.

Our coaching philosophy is built around:

  • Player-centred development
    We focus on the long?term growth of each player, not just short?term results. Sessions are designed to build core skills, confidence and game understanding at an appropriate pace for each athlete.
  • Safety and good habits
    Coaches use World Rugby’s Activate principles and age-appropriate contact progressions to teach safe tackling, rucking and falling techniques. Warm-ups, cool-downs and training loads are planned to support injury prevention and long?term athletic development.
  • Game-based learning
    Practices are active, fun and game-focused. Players learn by solving problems in realistic rugby situations—small-sided games, decision-making activities and unit work for forwards and backs—rather than standing in long lines doing isolated drills.
  • Values and team culture
    We emphasize respect, resilience, work rate and playing for each other. As one parent put it, “The coaches care about the kids as people first, players second,” and many families describe the Junior program as “one of the best sporting experiences we’ve ever had.”

Coaches across U16 and U18 Boys and Girls work together to:

  • Share practice ideas and align terminology and expectations
  • Support players moving up from Youth (U12/U14) and into Senior rugby
  • Identify and encourage athletes who may be ready for Niagara Rugby Union, Rugby Ontario or national-level opportunities

Every season, we also welcome new volunteers—including parents and alumni—who want to get involved in coaching or team support roles. Training, mentoring and resources are provided so that new coaches can grow alongside the players.