Rugby club competes in Markham

The Fergus Highland Rugby Club concluded a successful season with its youth mini program at the Ontario Rugby Festival held at Fletcher’s Fields in Markham on Sept. 7 and 8.

Highland’s program has grown over the years to include teams in the Under 8, Under 10 and Under 12 divisions.  Representation included one Under 8 team, including players as young as four, one Under 10 Boys team, one Under 10 Girls team, and two Under 12 teams. The all Girls Under 10 team is the first to ever compete at that level in Ontario, facing co-ed and boys’ teams.

Youth rugby in Ontario emphasizes fun and skill development through the evolution from flag rugby to limited tackling for Under 12 players.

While no scores were recorded, all teams played three games each, exhibiting the continuous, fluid ball movement and evasion techniques for which rugby is known.

The coaches stated they were impressed with the development over the year as players learned to play and support each other as a team and prepared to move up to the next age level.

The players will now take a break until the new season starts next April. More information about the program can be found at www.highlandrugby.com.