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Blues News All

  • Opportunity for Youth Coach and Match Official Development

    February 22, 2023

    From Rugby Ontario: We are pleased to launch a pilot program to facilitate the development of young coaches and match officials. Youth-Engage 2023 will begin the first week of March and conclude the l ...

    Read More
  • February 2023

    February 8, 2023

    APPLY NOW TO BE A CLUB RUGBY SESSIONAL COACH Are you available for part-time weekday work later this winter and spring? Work with Rugby Canada and help spread the game in our local schools! Applicati ...

    Read More
  • No Winter Training This Weekend

    January 27, 2023

    Reminder: No Winter Training This Weekend Winter training will resume Saturday, February 4th. Reminder: No Winter Training This Weekend Winter training will resume Saturday, February 4th. Reminder ...

    Read More
  • Winter Training Update (Senior and Junior) and introducing Jax Rugby

    January 5, 2023

    Update on winter training for club and the new Jax mixed abilities Rugby club ...

    Read More
  • Update from Club, AGM, EORU AGM announcement and Blues 50th images

    December 5, 2022

    Update from AGM, EORU AGM announcement and 50th Anniversary pictures ...

    Read More
  • Correction to funeral and visitation time

    November 28, 2022

    Apologies for the error in previous notice of funeral and visitation times ...

    Read More
  • We are deeply saddened to inform of Rick Fleming's passing

    November 27, 2022

    The club and executive are saddened to learn of Rick Fleming's passing ...

    Read More
  • Bytown Blues AGM Time

    November 8, 2022

    Added the meeting time for the AGM ...

    Read More
  • Bytown Blues AGM notice

    November 7, 2022

    Final notice of AGM with details and some more info on club and winter ...

    Read More
  • Latest news and updates

    October 27, 2022

    Various updates around the club and events going on ...

    Read More
  • AGM and Winter training

    October 18, 2022

    Information on upcoming AGM and relaunch of winter training and new development fund ...

    Read More
  • AGM and Winter training

    October 6, 2022

    Information on upcoming AGM and relaunch of winter training ...

    Read More

    Blues News

Blues News All

  • Opportunity for Youth Coach and Match Official Development

    February 22, 2023

    From Rugby Ontario: We are pleased to launch a pilot program to facilitate the development of young coaches and match officials. Youth-Engage 2023 will begin the first week of March and conclude the l ...

    Read More
  • February 2023

    February 8, 2023

    APPLY NOW TO BE A CLUB RUGBY SESSIONAL COACH Are you available for part-time weekday work later this winter and spring? Work with Rugby Canada and help spread the game in our local schools! Applicati ...

    Read More
  • No Winter Training This Weekend

    January 27, 2023

    Reminder: No Winter Training This Weekend Winter training will resume Saturday, February 4th. Reminder: No Winter Training This Weekend Winter training will resume Saturday, February 4th. Reminder ...

    Read More
  • Winter Training Update (Senior and Junior) and introducing Jax Rugby

    January 5, 2023

    Update on winter training for club and the new Jax mixed abilities Rugby club ...

    Read More
  • Update from Club, AGM, EORU AGM announcement and Blues 50th images

    December 5, 2022

    Update from AGM, EORU AGM announcement and 50th Anniversary pictures ...

    Read More
  • Correction to funeral and visitation time

    November 28, 2022

    Apologies for the error in previous notice of funeral and visitation times ...

    Read More
  • We are deeply saddened to inform of Rick Fleming's passing

    November 27, 2022

    The club and executive are saddened to learn of Rick Fleming's passing ...

    Read More
  • Bytown Blues AGM Time

    November 8, 2022

    Added the meeting time for the AGM ...

    Read More
  • Bytown Blues AGM notice

    November 7, 2022

    Final notice of AGM with details and some more info on club and winter ...

    Read More
  • Latest news and updates

    October 27, 2022

    Various updates around the club and events going on ...

    Read More
  • AGM and Winter training

    October 18, 2022

    Information on upcoming AGM and relaunch of winter training and new development fund ...

    Read More
  • AGM and Winter training

    October 6, 2022

    Information on upcoming AGM and relaunch of winter training ...

    Read More

    Blues News

Blues News All

  • Opportunity for Youth Coach and Match Official Development

    February 22, 2023

    From Rugby Ontario: We are pleased to launch a pilot program to facilitate the development of young coaches and match officials. Youth-Engage 2023 will begin the first week of March and conclude the l ...

    Read More
  • February 2023

    February 8, 2023

    APPLY NOW TO BE A CLUB RUGBY SESSIONAL COACH Are you available for part-time weekday work later this winter and spring? Work with Rugby Canada and help spread the game in our local schools! Applicati ...

    Read More
  • No Winter Training This Weekend

    January 27, 2023

    Reminder: No Winter Training This Weekend Winter training will resume Saturday, February 4th. Reminder: No Winter Training This Weekend Winter training will resume Saturday, February 4th. Reminder ...

    Read More
  • Winter Training Update (Senior and Junior) and introducing Jax Rugby

    January 5, 2023

    Update on winter training for club and the new Jax mixed abilities Rugby club ...

    Read More
  • Update from Club, AGM, EORU AGM announcement and Blues 50th images

    December 5, 2022

    Update from AGM, EORU AGM announcement and 50th Anniversary pictures ...

    Read More
  • Correction to funeral and visitation time

    November 28, 2022

    Apologies for the error in previous notice of funeral and visitation times ...

    Read More
  • We are deeply saddened to inform of Rick Fleming's passing

    November 27, 2022

    The club and executive are saddened to learn of Rick Fleming's passing ...

    Read More
  • Bytown Blues AGM Time

    November 8, 2022

    Added the meeting time for the AGM ...

    Read More
  • Bytown Blues AGM notice

    November 7, 2022

    Final notice of AGM with details and some more info on club and winter ...

    Read More
  • Latest news and updates

    October 27, 2022

    Various updates around the club and events going on ...

    Read More
  • AGM and Winter training

    October 18, 2022

    Information on upcoming AGM and relaunch of winter training and new development fund ...

    Read More
  • AGM and Winter training

    October 6, 2022

    Information on upcoming AGM and relaunch of winter training ...

    Read More

    Blues News

Club - 2023 Program Program Club - 2023 Donate Donate Club - 2023 Executive Executive Club - 2023 Awards Awards Club - 2023 History History Club - 2023 Life Members Life Members Club - 2023 President Message President Club - 2023 Our Sponsors Sponsors Club - 2023 Twin Elm Rugby Park Twin Elm

Senior Men

The Blues will be fielding at least 2 senior men's team in 2022. Our 1st XV will be playing in the FRQ Super League, with our 2nd XV playing in the EORU development league. Many clubs are rebuilding and 2022 will be a rebuilding season, with the hope of a return to more normal numbers in 2023.

Senior Women

In the past few years, our junior girls program has made great strides in pushing this part of the club's growth. With over 6-7 dedicated junior girls coaches, and the addition of more the junior program has produced a few university/college age women with the string desire to play club rugby. With covid, the EORU club's women's program will be an EORU based affair, no teams in the LPR. Many clubs are rebuilding, so our women will train with our U18 (their fellow teammates over the past few years) and form a combined EORU team to play the Scottish, Irish and Kingston women's sides.

Junior Program

The Blues Junior program is an established and successful program, its strength is due to the dedication of the coaches, managers and players within the club. We run U14 through to U18 at both the boys and girls programs. Building upon strength we are looking for a fun and positive year ahead.

We have represented EORU at the provincial championships for the last 10 years, repeatedly. As well, the club has placed dozens of players a year on the regional, provincial and national team levels, at all ages.

Minor Program

The Blues started the minor (flag) program in 2016; with 18 players. With the successful introduction of Try Rugby sessions last winter, the Rookie Rugby program has grown significantly to over 47 players at U6, U8 and U10, for both boys and girls.

Our U12 introduction to contact will again grow this year allowing for both boys and girls graduate from flag rugby to the contact game. The games will mostly be at festivals, but hopefully a controlled contact version may occur before the season is out.

In 2021, we fielded a strong, yet limited 12 week program due to covid restrictions.

Blues Rugby Development and Excellence Funds

The Blues have set up the first Blues Rugby Development Fund. The goal is for us to be able to manage the best program, as we have been doing for several years in eastern Ontario. The purpose of the fund is to help lower costs so that rugby remains an affordable sport for all children, regardless of age, gender or background.

The funds will go to, but not limited to: field rentals, bus rentals, TERP rental fees, hit pads, scrum machine and repairs, post pads, rugby balls and equipment, field lining, winter dome training and try rugby facility costs and promotion fees.

We have a few ways that you can donate:

Tax deductible receipt wanted?

The Blues have set up the first Blues Rugby development fund, through the NSTF Ontario Sport Network program. The Development Fund will be able to issue tax receipts for any donations to the Fund. Because we are not a registered charity, we need to establish the fund through NSTF.

100% of your donation is tax deductible, need I say more!!! The NSF will recover 4% and a fixed fee of $2 per donation to cover the operating costs of the fund.

To donate please visit the NSTF website here to get started.

Just want to donate on a regular basis (monthly, weekly, one-time)

If you do not need, or desire a tax receipt, you can also donate to our club through our PayPal account (weekly, monthly or one time)

  • Donate directly to our PayPal account, click the 'Donate' button and follow the instructions
  • Donate directly to our PayPal account, Scan QR Code and follow the instructions.
  • Contact our Treasurer by email for details on how to eTransfer or send cheque
Donate QR code
DONATE

Jim Shaw

President

President

Duties:

  1. Chair all Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings;
  2. Represent the Club to the EORU, RO, RC, or any other rugby union or governing body;
  3. Represent the Club at the Twin Elm Rugby Park Board (TERP);
  4. etc...

Curtis Crawford

VP Finance

VP Finance

Duties:

  1. Prepare annual budget for the Club;
  2. Manage and report on the Club budget throughout the year;
  3. Responsible for fundraising plans and implementation;
  4. etc...

John Dent

Secretary

Secretary

Duties:

  1. Works with VP Administration;
  2. Records minutes of Executive, Board, Annual General Meeting and Special General Meetings;
  3. Distributes minutes to all officers of the Club;
  4. etc...

Brian Elliott

VP Administration

VP Administration

Duties:

  1. Manage player registration;
  2. Manage the implementation of the Rugby Ontario Seal of Approval plan;
  3. Manage the Club's Strategic Plan;
  4. etc...

Myles Dingwall

VP Communications

VP Communications

Duties:

  1. Market and promote the Club;
  2. Manage the Club web site and any other general communication tool used by the Club;
  3. Responsible for publicity of Club activities and other activities of interest to Club members (e.g. EORU, RO);
  4. etc...

Kurt Dingwall

VP Men

VP Men

Duties:

  1. Responsible Senior Men's Rugby
  2. Provides input to Men's budget requirements to VP Finance
  3. Represent Men's teams on all league boards (EORU, RO & FRQ)
  4. etc...

Alex Haynes

VP Minor

VP Minor

Duties:

  1. Responsible All minor rugby
    • U6 - U10 Rookie Rugby (non-contact)
    • U12 Rugby (mixed gender and contact)
  2. etc...

VACANT

VP Women

VP Women

Duties:

  1. Responsible Senior Women's Rugby
  2. Represent Women's teams on all league boards (EORU, RO & FRQ)
    • League schedule
    • Representative teams
    • Player sanctions or rulings
  3. etc...

Matt Carter

VP Junior Boys

VP Junior Boys

Duties:

  1. Responsible Junior Men's Rugby
    • U14 - U18 Junior Men
  2. Provides input to Junior budget requirements to VP Finance
  3. Represent Junior teams on all league boards (EORU, RO & FRQ)
  4. etc...

Jim Shaw

VP Junior Girls

VP Junior Girls

Duties:

  1. Responsible Junior Women's Rugby
    • U14 - U18 Junior Women
  2. Provides input to Junior budget requirements to VP Finance
  3. Represent Junior teams on all league boards (EORU, RO & FRQ)
  4. etc...

Cecilia Nicol

Treasurer

Treasurer

Duties:

  1. Works with VP Finance;
  2. Maintains the financial books of the Club;
  3. Provides a financial report for each Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings;
  4. etc...

Cecilia Nicol

Registration

Registration

Duties:

  1. Works with NSO and PSO for registration;
  2. Sets up online registration categories and fees;
  3. Ensures board members are registered with NSO and PSO
  4. etc...

Geoff Tomlinson

Director Rugby

Director Rugby

Duties:

  1. Works with VP Men, VP Women and VP Minor
  2. Ensures access to training facilities
  3. Oversees management of training and team equipment
  4. etc...

VACANT

Director Communications

Director Communications

Duties:

  1. Works with VP Communications;
  2. Coordinates the writing of articles and publication on Club activities;
  3. Coordinates photos and publication of Club activities;
  4. etc...

Kelly Patchell

Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Duties:

  1. Ensures we have A/T for all games;
  2. Ensures practices and coaches are following safe practices
  3. Ensures all teams have first aid equipment and training
  4. etc...

RO Intern (TBD)

Rookie Rugby Intern

Rookie Rugby Intern

Duties:

  1. Runs rookie rugby program with schools;
  2. Canvasses primary, intermediate and secondary schools for intro to rugby
  3. Helps or runs the minor practice sessions (with oversight)
  4. etc...

Emily Labine

Director Merchandise

Director Merchandise

Duties:

  1. Work with kit supplier for game jerseys and kit;
  2. Order new kit once programs have put in request
  3. Manage stock of kit and merchandise
  4. etc...

Curtis Crawford

Foundation

Foundation

Duties:

  1. Maintain contact/input with alumni and membership
  2. Work witrh alumni and board on fundraising opportunities
  3. etc...

Kyle Labine

Social

Social

Duties:

  1. Convene committes with membership for social event planning
  2. Plan/coordinate Blues Day festivities
  3. Plan/coordinate Blues Year end banquet festivities
  4. etc...

VACANT

Sponsorship

Sponsorship

Duties:

  1. Liaise with business for sponsorship opportunities
  2. Liaise with governments for funding initiatives
  3. etc...

Care to volunteer please contact our President.

Blues Club Awards

Gary Watson Award:

The Gary Watson award, originally called the club person of the year award was re-named in remembrance of him shortly after he passed away after a club tour to New Zealand in 1977. The award represents the hardest worker in the club. It is not for the best player, but is awarded to a person in the club that has put a lot of work into the club, both on and off the field.

John Biewald Award:

The John Biewald award is given to the active member who displays sportsmanship and dedication to rugby.

Doug McDonald Award: (Men's 1st XV MVP)

Doug McDonald was not a founding member of the BBRFC, but rather THE founding member of the Bytown Blues. After a lengthy departure from the game due to professional commitments throughout the eighties, he returned to coach the Blues and the EORU Senior Men's squad in the early nineties, leading the EORU on their first ever tour abroad - Europe 1994. Many Blues were selected for that tour and the team's record was two wins from three games against Holland, Llanelli and Rugby Lions. We lost Doug a few short years later. The Doug McDonald Award is a memorial award presented to the First Team's Most Valuable Player.

John Russell Award:

Presented to the club player who represents the club at the highest level of representative rugby in the current year.

Player Awards (Senior Men):

  • 2nd XV MVP

  • 3rd XV MVP

  • Most Improved Player

  • New senior men's member of the year

  • Rookie to men's

The Bytown Blues were founded on October 31, 1971 when members of the Ottawa Indians RFC felt the need for a new club. On that Hallowe’en night, seven members were present to form the Bytown Blues Rugby Football Club. At the time of the meeting, it was decided that Doug McDonald would become the interim chairman until a general meeting could be held in the upcoming months. The first annual general meeting was held in Febuary of 1972, at which time McDonald was chosen president of the club. He held this position for the first five years of the club.

In the early years of the club, the Blues played their games within the Quebec Rugby Union. The 1st XV struggled in those first couple seasons, with the first league victory coming at the end of the 1973 season against Deep River by a score of 20-3. The 2nd XV began play with a winning record in their first season, 5 wins against 3 losses. The highlight of their campaign was a 62-10 victory over the Ottawa Irish 2nd XV. The Bytown Blues 3rd XV began play in the 1980 season. The squad were undefeated in league play for the year, with their only loss coming in an exhibition match.

Notable Tours

  • 1974 – United Kingdom
  • 1977 – New Zealand
  • 1981 – United Kingdom
  • 1985 – Kenya

Life Members

The following is the list of Life Members as of 2014

Scott Armstrong

Year inducted

Barry Belshaw

Year inducted

Rob Coren

Year inducted

Curtis Crawford

Year inducted

Nancy Currie

Year inducted

Kurt Dingwall

Year inducted

Mike Fisher

Year inducted

Richard Fleming

Year inducted

Gerry Henri

Year inducted

Steve Hicks

Year inducted

Kerry Labine

Year inducted

Sam Laggis

Year inducted

Colin MacDonald

Year inducted

Doug McDonald

Year inducted

Sam McFall

Year inducted

Rick Middleton

Year inducted

Tony Moscrop

Year inducted

Jim Nordin

Year inducted

Tony Postlethwaite

Year inducted

John Russell

Year inducted

Joe Saikaley

Year inducted

Bob Shaw

Year inducted

Conor Sheehan

Year inducted

Kevin Smith

Year inducted

Tony Stevens

Year inducted

Chris Taylor

Year inducted

Dominic Taylor

Year inducted

Peter Valerio

Year inducted

Jerry Viet

Year inducted

Craig Walker

Year inducted

Gary Watson

Year inducted

Paul Wheeler

Year inducted

Craig Workman

Year inducted


Care to volunteer please contact our President.

When I first starting playing for the Blues in 1979, I had just finished grade 11, playing rugby at Ridgemont High School. We did not have a junior program, I played 3rds. At practice and at games I introduced myself as Boggy's little brother. My first game at Twin Elm, I stepped into the Blues change room, a wee bit timid and shy. If you can believe it I was actually quiet.

As I walked into the room, John Russell, probably in his 50s, is lying stretched out, ala Burt Reynolds, a wry smile, a cigarette in one hand, his knee bandaged up for support and the alluring aroma of A535 wafting through the room. After the game, I walk back in and the only difference for John was a bit more dirt on him, a wobbly pop in his hand and a wry smile for a job well done!

Welcome to the Blues!

2022 season

Blues Minor and Junior Rugby

As we return from our COVID restrictions from the last two years we are hoping to run a more normal rugby season for 2022. However, not all of the EORU based clubs will be in as strong as a position as the Blues, we will work with everyone to get rugby back to normal, and we thank you for your loyalty to our club. Our minors will be returning for U6 to U10 flag rugby and U12 introduction to contact rugby.

Blues Junior Boys Rugby

Even with COVID restrictions, our junior boys numbers were solid last year at U16 and U18, with many U18s training with the senior men to prepare for their university/college season last fall. We look to have a strong and fun bunch of U14 to U18 junior boys out this summer.

Blues Junior & Senior Girls Rugby

Our numbers were growing before COVID hit, and we hope to return top those growing numbers at U14 to U18, including some senior women to train with our U18s this summer. All clubs in EORU at the senior women's level will be playing in EORU, so our senior women can train together with our U18s and play as a combined EORU side, with the Ospreys, Lanark, Wolves to form an independent side.

Blues Senior Men's Rugby

The senior men are back in the LPR Super League for 2022. For this season, the SL will be club v club format, no team will be travelling with two sides, so our 1sts will play in Super League, with our 2nds playing in the EORU Division 1 or 2 (depending upon the numbers and strength). The other EORU clubs are rebuilding and hopefully we can grow the game locally and bring quality rugby back to Ottawa.

Blues Classics (aka Old Boys, over 35s)

Still in the planning stages; I believe the best scenario for the future, at the moment, is to arrange two friendlies and participate in the Fall brawl.

Excited for 2022, Advance!

Jim Shaw
Bytown Blues RFC - President

The Bytown Blues would like to thank all of the sponsors for their continued support over the years. Here are our current active sponsors:

We would like to thank all of the sponsors for their continued support over the years. Here are our current active sponsors:

Diotte's Hydraulics

Sponsor

Kott Group

Sponsor

If you'd like to become a sponsor of the club, please contact us

Contact us to sponsor:

If you'd like to become a sponsor of the club, please contact us

Home to the Blues since it was built, Twin Elm Rugby Park hosts all of our home games throughout the year. With five rugby fields, 12 changing rooms, two lounges, a bar and spectator seating for hundreds of people, Twin Elm is a unique sports facility. This great facility is home to several local clubs and the representative sides for Eastern Ontario.

Location:

4075 Twin Elm Road, Nepean, ON, K0A 2Z0 website

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Club Sponsors

    We would like to thank all of the sponsors for their continued support over the years. Here are our current active sponsors:

    Kott Group

    Sponsor

    Diotte's Hydraulics

    Sponsor

    If you'd like to become a sponsor of the club, please contact us

    Club Sponsors

©2023 Bytown Blues Rugby

Club Sponsors:

Kott Group Diotte's Hydraulics

Financial Assistance:

Jumpstart Kidsport recLINK

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