For aspiring rugby players in Ontario, the Rugby Ontario Development Academy and Ontario Blues Combines are key to unlocking opportunities for growth, development, and national recognition. Structured in three distinct phases, this pathway provides athletes with the tools and exposure needed to elevate their rugby game and potentially represent the Ontario Blues. Here’s everything you need to know about how the Academy works and why participating in the Combines is essential for your rugby journey.

Phase 1: Talent Identification through the Ontario Blues Combines

Why Attend the Combines?
If your goal is to wear the Ontario Blues jersey next summer, attending one of the regional combines is the crucial first step. These combines are designed to scout talent from across the province, identifying athletes with potential and inviting them to join the high-performance Rugby Ontario Development Academy.

Athletes who attend these combines will undergo rigorous assessments and will be evaluated based on their skills, agility, and physical attributes. The most promising players will be selected to join the Academy for further specialized training

What’s involved in the Combines?

Athletes will undergo rigorous physical tests, designed to assess athletic potential and skill. These tests will include:

  • The 40: A 40-yard sprint to assess speed and acceleration.
  • Broad Jump: Measuring lower-body explosiveness and power.
  • The Bronco: A test of endurance, involving shuttle runs over a timed period.
  • Skill-Based Games: A mix of small-scale and large-scale rugby drills to evaluate your technical abilities under game-like conditions.

Combine Locations & Dates:
October 5th – Kingston (Queen’s University)

  • Boys: Nixon Field 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Girls: Miklas-McCarney 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

October 6th – Brantford (Harlequins RFC)

  • Boys: George Jones Field 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Girls: George Jones Field 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

October 6th – Toronto (Crescent School)

  • Boys: Innes Field 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Girls: Innes Field 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

The registration fee for the combine is $35 (plus tax), and it covers all assessments and training sessions at the combine.

Female Registration Link Male Registration Link

Phase 2: Player Development in the Rugby Ontario Development Academy

Once identified through the combines, selected athletes will begin an intensive development program within the Rugby Ontario Development Academy. This phase is split into three regional hubs—West, Central, and East—and provides athletes with ten high-quality training sessions focused on technical, tactical, and physical conditioning.

Academy Locations:

  • West Hub: University of Guelph, Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Mid-November – Mid-March)
  • Central Hub: Crescent School, Saturdays from 1:15 PM to 5:15 PM (Mid-November – Mid-March)
  • East Hub: Various locations, including Queen’s University, Loyalist Dome, and University of Ottawa, on Saturdays (Mid-November – Mid-March)
  • Joint Training Sessions in Toronto:
    • All three regional hubs will train together at Crescent School on the following dates: December 14, January 11, February 8, March 8

Phase 3: Showcase Games

The final phase of the Rugby Ontario Development Academy culminates in a series of high-stakes showcase games. These matches provide athletes the chance to compete in front of coaches from provincial, national, and even professional teams, along with post-secondary recruiters.

Sevens Showcase:

  • February 15: Girls (Top 40 athletes), Aurora Dome
  • February 16: Boys (Top 40 athletes), Aurora Dome

Fifteens Showcase:

  • April 5-6: Crescent School – Girls and Boys (Top 100 athletes)
  • April 12-13: Queen’s University – Girls and Boys (Top 100 athletes)

These showcases are the culmination of months of hard work and offer players the opportunity to display their skills on a big stage. It’s a vital stepping stone for those looking to advance to higher levels of rugby.

The Rugby Ontario Development Academy and Ontario Blues Combines offer an unparalleled opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, enhance their physical and mental game, and get scouted for higher-level rugby opportunities. If you’re serious about making it to the next level, attending your local combine is the first step on that journey.

Be sure to mark the dates, sign up, and get ready for an incredible season of development, learning, and competition. Whether you’re eyeing a spot on the Ontario Blues or just looking to elevate your game, the pathway is clear—join the Rugby Ontario Development Academy today!