The 3-day event provided an opportunity to collaborate with the provincial unions on key topics that will enhance rugby across Canada in 2019 and beyond.

The event started with an update on rugby development from Paul Hunter, Interim Director of National Rugby Development. Provincial unions were given the opportunity to provide input into the creation of a consultation process with the rugby community which will support the creation of the next strategic cycle for rugby development. There was also an opportunity to provide feedback on the review of Rugby Canada’s Long-Term Rugby Development Curriculum which will provide the framework for rugby development in Canada.



Dustin Hopkins, Interim General Manager of Rugby Operations and Performance provided an update on the National Team Programs to date and also provided an insight into events currently scheduled for 2019. The information presented provided the provincial unions a framework of international events that will allow some cohesive planning across the country on regional and provincial competition.



Paul Henri-Van Thiel, Coordinator, Events & Competitions, facilitated a session with provincial unions around national and regional competition structures. The focus of the discussion was around some potential changes in the Senior Women’s competition structure for 2019 onwards. The group also reviewed the Regional U18 & U16 competitions which were inaugurated in 2018.



Gethin Watts, Consultant, Age Grade Performance and Talent Identification, updated the provincial unions on the recent Canada U20s program, as well as well as some key initiatives moving forward which included the development of coaches within national age grade programs, and enhancing current national competitions to ensure the best environments possible are created for players to be identified and developed.



Provincial unions also provided an update that represented the current climate in each of their respective provinces. This was an opportunity for best practice to be shared, as well as raise areas of concern to Rugby Canada staff and the Rugby Canada board.



Rugby Canada’s AGM is set for April 2019.