Spring 2026 Blues Newsletter

Registration is now open, new programs are launching, and the Bytown Blues are preparing for one of the most exciting seasons in club history. This year, we’re rolling out registration on the new PlayHQ system, expanding to three Senior Men’s teams—including the new Blues 3XV Development Squad—and welcoming back our Minor and Junior programs this spring. With new volunteer opportunities, social memberships, and community initiatives, the Blues continue to grow—and we’re excited to have you be part of it.

2026 Registration is Open - Register Now

The Bytown Blues are now accepting registrations for the 2026 rugby season using PlayHQ, the new national registration system adopted by Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario.

This platform connects club registration, Rugby Ontario membership, and Rugby Canada registration in one place, simplifying the entire process for players and families.

What’s New This Season

• New national registration platform (PlayHQ)

• Integrated club + provincial + national registration

• Flexible payment plan options

• What’s not new - Prices!  All programs held at 2025 dues rates.

Our Programs for 2026

🏉 Senior Men’s Rugby (including our new 3XV and +35 Masters)

🏉 Women’s Rugby

🏉 Junior Rugby

🏉 Minor Rugby

🏉 Masters/Old Boys

🏉 Social Membership

Register Now Here:

https://www.playhq.com/ca/rugby-canada/register/dfd7ec

Senior Men’s Rugby

The Bytown Blues will field three senior men’s teams this season, expanding opportunities for competitive players, developing athletes, and returning players.

This structure strengthens the club’s ability to develop players, grow participation, and maintain competitive success.

Marshall Championship Team

The Blues’ top side will compete in the Rugby Ontario Marshall Premiership, the highest level of club rugby in Ontario. The squad will feature a strong mix of experienced Blues players and emerging talent as the club continues its tradition of competing at the provincial level.

EORU Division Teams (Local)

Blues Men’s 2XV  

Our second side competes in the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union Division 1 competition, maintaining strong local rivalries while providing a competitive platform for players developing toward and pushing to join the Marshall squad.

NEW: Blues 3XV Development Squad

One of the most important initiatives for the club this season is the launch of the Blues 3XV Development Squad.  This team will play in the EORU Division 2 with 30-player game day rosters and rolling subs.

Rugby clubs thrive when they create space for players at every stage of the game — from newcomers learning rugby to experienced veterans who want to stay connected to the sport.  

The 3XV will bring together:

• New players learning rugby

• Junior players transitioning to senior rugby

• Alumni returning to the club

• Social players who want to keep playing

• New Master’s +35 yr old Senior Men’s reduced dues

Why the 3XV Matters

The 3XV strengthens the club by:

• Expanding playing opportunities

• Supporting long-term player development

• Strengthening the Blues community

• Building depth for future senior squads

The goal is simple: More Rugby. More Opportunities. More Blues.

Senior Women’s Rugby

The Bytown Blues Senior Women’s rugby program will continue to build on its EORU championship from last year.   We will continue to play in the EORU Women’s division.  We will play a tentative ten-game schedule starting May 23rd.  Training will start in April, while a potential exhibition game on April 25th in Montreal is being planned. 

Our focus is on:

• Inclusiveness and camaraderie

• Skill development

• Fun and socials

Home Games, Hosting & BBQ at TERP

The Bytown Blues share ownership of Twin Elm Rugby Park (TERP) — one of the premier rugby facilities in Canada.  Throughout the season, we will host home matches and club BBQs, bringing together players, families, alumni, and supporters.

This year, the club will offer an expanded game-day experience, including a dedicated BBQ for hosted players and club members.  Glenn Wolff (Mike’s dad) and a dedicated group of volunteers plan to offer better food and an overall experience.  If you’d like to help with game day support, please email Jared Gunn, our TERP Coordinator, at jaredfinneran1@gmail.com

Game days at TERP are about more than rugby — they’re about community and camaraderie.

Try Rugby Event for Boys & Girls

The Bytown Blues RFC is excited to announce our spring Try Rugby Event.

When: Sat, Apr 25th, from 12 PM -1 PM

Where: Ottawa University Dome at 200 Lees Avenue

Ages: U6-U14

Sign Up:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBspIjY5MkJ2eapPjnY5QyPnGw60dI7upZDMZwq2-woohobw/viewform 

• We need volunteers to help run the session.  Please email volunteers@bytownbluesrugby.ca if you can help.  A great way for high school students to collect their volunteer hours.

Save the date JULY 18 - Blues Club Day

Make sure you mark your calendar for July 18th, as we will all be spending the day at Twin Elm Rugby Park together for a day of rugby, social activities, and club celebrations.  Our Club Day only happens once a year, and we’d love to have you all there.  It’s a great day of celebration.  If you’d like to join the Blues day committee to help out, please email Karel Brault at volunteers@bytownbluesrugby.ca.

Minors Programs

The Bytown Blues 2026 summer minor rugby program introduces young athletes to rugby in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.

Our focus is on:

• Skill development

• Confidence building

• Teamwork and sportsmanship

• Developing a lifelong love for the game

Season runs Saturday mornings from May 23 to July 25

U6-10: 9:00 - 10:00 AM

U12: 9:00 - 10:30 AM

All Canterbury High School (East field)

* We are still looking for team manager volunteers and assistant coaches (backup), as well as Student volunteers to help run sessions. Please contact volunteers@bytownbluesrugby.ca if you can help.

Register now for the 2026 Minor Season Here

Junior Rugby

The Blues junior program continues to grow, providing an important bridge between minor and senior rugby.

Start Dates:

• U12/U14s will start up - May 19th

• U16/U18s  - June16th

• Wrap up approximately end of August.

Final schedules are still TBD but U12/U14s are doing Sunday festivals around EORU.

Our junior program focuses on:

• Rugby skill development

• Pathways to Rep Rugby

• Competitive opportunities

• Preparing players for senior rugby

• Building strong connections to the club

More information and schedules will be released soon.  Junior players and parents are encouraged to sign up for club volunteer opportunities by contacting volunteers@bytownbluesrugby.ca

Register now for the 2026 Junior Season Here

Support a Blue’s Player - New Pilot

The “Support a Bytown Blue” Fund is a new pilot program designed to help players who require financial assistance participate in club rugby.

This program will:

• Provide assistance with player club dues

• Use a fair and needs-based assessment process

• Ensure all donated funds are used solely for this purpose

This initiative reflects one of the Blues’ core values of inclusion.

Rugby should be accessible to everyone who wants to play. For more information, please email info@bytownbluesrugby.ca 

Donate to this pilot program here:

https://www.playhq.com/ca/rugby-canada/org/bytown-blues-rfc/b0e083cf/shop 

Calling all Volunteers

The Bytown Blues is a volunteer-driven club, and our programs succeed only because of the many people who give their time each year.

We are always looking for volunteers for:

• Coaches

• Match officials/referees

• Team managers

• Team social media contributors

• Minor rugby assistants

• TERP game day crew

• Events and club operations

If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you.

Contact: volunteers@bytownbluesrugby.ca

Support the Club - Social Membership

Our Social Membership Program allows alumni, parents, and supporters to stay connected to the club.

Social members help support Blues rugby while enjoying:

• Game day gatherings

• Opportunities to support club initiatives

• 2026 Social Member merch (probably a t-shirt)

Our goal is to reach 100 Social Members in 2026.

Register as a Social Member and supporter here:

https://www.playhq.com/ca/rugby-canada/org/bytown-blues-rfc/b0e083cf/shop

Thank You to our Valued Sponsors

Local businesses play an important role in supporting the Bytown Blues.

We are expanding club sponsorship opportunities for 2026, including:

• Match day sponsorships

• Equipment and Jersey sponsorship (as required)

• Website and club newsletter exposure

• Digital promotion through club social media channels

If your business is interested in supporting Blues rugby, please contact Timothy Campanale at sponsorship@bytownbluesrugby.ca