Our overall philosophy is to introduce a love of sports and a love of rugby. This is a game that teaches discipline, team spirit and creates camaraderie –but most of all it is great fun.

The coaches are all former and current rugby players and parents who love the game. It is an international gathering of Kiwis, South Africans, British and Canadians. We are all level one coaches certified by the Ontario Rugby Union and we hold Red Cross First Aid Certificates.

2006 was a successful year: we moved to an eight-week house league/training camp format based at a Winston Churchill Park.

The Nomads minis together with Neil Sorbie's players from Duke of York School played in two minis tournaments before summer vacations kicked in. They played excellent rugby and had a great time. A number of them will move up to play with the Ontario finalists U14s.

The kick-off!

Minis Trophies 2004

2003 Minis Season

What a brilliant year the boys had! And the highlight for many was playing at half time at the Canada/NZ Maoris International at York University.

In 8 tournaments we played 26 games; lost 5, drew 2 and won 19! The try scoring was something else.

The tournament in Alliston showed us that our boys know how to play (won 2 games, lost 1; we beat the Beach in this one after they clobbered us in Burlington back in July). I mention this tournament because only 3 Nomads - Paul Banks, Dylan Glancy and Kadeem Stephenson and Dylan's 2 friends who had never played rugby before - made up the team. On the day, however, with Graeme Glancy's cool calculations and steadying influence, we came home well satisfied.

So, to the finals at the Square, September 6. The bubble burst and we were on the receiving end of two losses and a satisfying win. To top off the year, we had one mini in the Ontario U14s: Ryan Brown, who started in 1999. Six of our current minis graduate to the U14s next season. So we finish our season on a positive note and look forward to welcoming more eager young Minis next year.

To close I would like to thank all the parents who were such a great help throughout the season. A special thank you to Graeme Glancy who made my vacations worry-free by organizing many tournaments.

Joe Kopu
Minis Coach

Mini rugby (for 12 years-of-age and under - born after Dec. 31st 1994 and big enough) is co-ed, non-contact rugby designed to introduce youngsters to the skills and fellowship of the game.

Under-14 rugby (born after Dec. 31st 1992, at least 11 years old) is contact rugby designed to further the player's skills. New players are introduced to the game under strictly controlled conditions. At this age the players are separated by gender although the girls continue to practice with the boys.

Our overall philosophy is to introduce a love of sports and a love of rugby. This is a game that teaches discipline, team spirit and creates camaraderie - but most of all it is great fun!

The coaches are all former and current rugby players and parents who love the game. It is an international gathering of Kiwis, South Africans, British and Canadians.. We are all level 1 coaches certified by the Ontario Rugby Union and we hold Red Cross First Aid Certificates.

Please feel free to call or e-mail the coaches listed and join us in the greatest game in the world!