Rugby Skills Training and Development

Upright Rugby Canada was created to provide a unique and enriching rugby experience to the increasing numbers of youth involved in this fantastic sport across Canada.

We want to ensure that children from 8 through 18 have the opportunity to continually develop their skills and knowledge through a progression of programs offered to different age ranges.

All our programs provide players with an opportunity to develop a sound fundamental understanding of the skills required to be more successful at the game of rugby.

Programs

​ELITE ATHELETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (EADP):​Those interested in Elite Level playing opportunities should consider our off-season Elite Athlete Development Program. Our “academy” focuses on developing the core skills necessary for “breaking the gain line” and moving on to the next level. Whether your ambitions are provincial, varsity, national, or simply to be the best player you can be, our sessions will provide you with the resources and know-how to get you there.Our mission is to provide an off season training program for boys and girls, aged 15 to 19, that are passionate about rugby and committed to their success. Ultimately, we want to train our athletes in order to best provide an opportunity for them to excel in their sport. Our program includes:• Training and Facilitation provided by some of the top coaches in Ontario, each of whom bring their own impressive resumé of• Elite level strength training and conditioning specific to the nature and needs of rugby;• Development of tactical experience in game situations through our indoor touch rugby league;• Advanced skills training that utilizes the latest technology to provide concise, accurate feedback for each athlete;• Functional Motor Screening and consistent monitoring of our athletes progress from a medical and physiological perspective• Weekly Yoga Classes in order to increase range of motion amongst our athletes, strengthen their core and minimize the risk of injuryOur program looks maintains consistency with the Long Term Rugby Development (“LTRD”) goals established by Rugby Canada and implemented by the IRB.​Register  JUNIOR MENS ACADEMYOur junior men’s program is designed to specifically develop both fundamental and position-specific skills for male athletes. The program focuses on high-intensity sessions that demand the athlete be able to execute proper technique under pressure.Highly reputable and experienced coaches, specialists in their field, deliver each component of the program.  Guest coaches from the Ontario Blues and Canada’s Senior Men’s programs will often be on-hand to facilitate our skills sessions.The Strength Training Component of our program is delivered by The Athlete Training Centre in Mississauga and features a progressive strength-training program that specifically addresses the physical needs of the male athlete and physical nature of rugby. Emphasis is placed on the core muscles, posterior-chain, and hypertrophy (muscle-growth) of the player. Complex sport-specific lifts, like “The Clean” and “Overhead Squat”, will be taught through safe, monitored progressions.This is the only program of its nature in Canada and is guaranteed to improve the performance, skills and knowledge of your son.​RegisterJUNIOR WOMENS ACADEMYOur junior women’s program is designed to specifically develop the fundamental and position-specific skills for female rugby players. The program focuses on proper technique under pressure as delivered by former National Women’s 15 and 7‘s star, Brooke Hilditch and guest coaches from varsity, provincial and national level programs.The Strength Training Component of our program is facilitated by Conker Fitness in Oakville and features progressive strength training program that specifically addresses the physical needs of the female athlete and nature of rugby. Emphasis is placed on the core muscles, posterior-chain, and lateral stability of the knee. Complex sport- specific lifts, like “The Clean” and “Overhead Squat”, will be taught through safe, monitored progressions.This is the only program of its nature in Canada and is guaranteed to improve the performance, skills and knowledge of your daughter.​RegisterSUMMER RUGBY CAMPSOur summer camps are a great way to reinforce current skill sets for young players with some experience or provide a fun learning opportunity for those that are new to the game. The sessions are for kids ages +8 to U14 and are comprised of an effective mix of skills and games in a ratio that our expert coaching staff has found to be conducive to a fun and productive experience.At our weeklong camps, we strive to provide a rugby learning experience like no other. The top players and coaches in our area will be on-hand to provide quality instruction in skill development, strategies and tactics, decision-making, as well player awareness and self-development.Our facilitators are experienced, reputable players and coaches at the varsity, provincial and national level that utilize current coaching techniques and our unique games-based approach to player development. ​RegisterINDOOR TOUCH RUGBY LEAGUEOur co-ed indoor touch rugby leagues are a fun and enjoyable way to keep fit in the winter months while working on some one’s skills in preparation for spring/summer rugby in Ontario.All games are played at the first-class, full-sized indoor Pine Glen Soccer Facility in Oakville. The league is open to all players from across Ontario that are able to make the drive to north-west Oakville.Players can register as a team or individually.  Teams range from all across the Burl-Oak to Mississauga corridor and include local clubs, high schools and even university and college sides!We have three leagues currently in place: • Under-14• Under-17• “Open” or AdultUltimately we want more people, young and old, playing rugby. Whether you are a new to the game or a wily veteran, there is an appropriate touch rugby league for you to play in and enjoy!  ​Register