Juniors
Junior Teams
Click to expand the team you would like more information about.
For Parents & Players
Nomads Junior Rugby offers an exciting and inclusive program for boys and girls of all ages from central and west-end Toronto, running from February to October each year.
Our focus is on providing the highest quality rugby development and playing experience, with clear pathways leading to our senior men's and women's teams, as well as opportunities for advancement to college or university teams.
New Players Welcome: We warmly welcome new players, whether you have played before at school or at another club, or are completely new to the sport. Join us to experience the thrill of rugby with the Nomads community.
Communication with parents and players is streamlined through TeamSnap, ensuring everyone stays informed and connected.
For more details or to get involved, please contact the Nomads' Director of Junior Rugby at juniors@torontonomads.com or reach out to the team manager of the specific team you're interested in. Join us and be a part of the Nomads' rugby journey!
For Schools
Nomads Rugby is dedicated to promoting the sport in schools and has a proud history of helping establish and sustain rugby programs for both girls and boys. Our teams currently include players from 18 schools in our local communities.
As part of our commitment to growing the sport, Rugby Canada has chosen Toronto Nomads as one of four Ontario clubs to participate in the 'Get into Rugby' pilot project. This initiative, supported by World Rugby, has provided us with funding for a Sessional Coaches, allowing us to expand our outreach and services to schools.
We are eager to assist central and west-end Toronto elementary, middle, and high schools in introducing rugby to their gym classes, providing train-the-trainer services for school staff, and offering coaching support to ensure that your school's rugby teams are competition-ready.
Our coaches are qualified, professionally trained, and have passed vulnerable sector screenings. We can also assist with sourcing equipment and uniforms.
If your school is interested in starting a rugby program or needs assistance with an existing team or program, please contact our Director of Junior Rugby at juniors@torontonomads.com.
Director of Junior Rugby
Leanne Stillman
Leanne volunteers with Nomads’ rugby because of the warmth and kindness she experiences in the people around her when she is at the field connecting with players and coaches and working with an amazing team of volunteers. She started her rugby journey in university at Mount Allison University where she shifted from high school field hockey and track to rugby and never looked back. She went on to play for Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain, Trent University, Ajax Wanderers, Toronto Saracens, and then University of Leeds, Leeds Leondensian RUFC, and England Academic Eagles in the UK. Her work with Nomads began as a coach of the U12 co-ed team (which at the time had only boys), many of whom played for Rugby Ontario at U15 and U16 and some who are still involved with rugby today, either working as coaches, playing varsity at university or college or with one of Nomads’ men's teams. She is a National Level 2 in training.
Her day job at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) combines her love of working with young people, supporting a global team and travel. Her role at Nomads is to provide a voice for Junior Rugby at the Nomads’ Board level, to support her other colleagues on the board with their portfolios and to support the players along their pathway through Nomads and beyond where the values of rugby will serve to guide and build “good people” within and beyond the sport.
Her coaching philosophies are simple: “practice like you play, pass the ball well and often, and be there to support your teammates on and off the field, as only by giving to and for others will you find real joy both in life and in the game.” Her favourite number is 16 (not as a replacement hooker) but because it is symbolic of not being tied to any of the starting 15 numbers but instead to always be at the ready to go where your coach and your team need you as a player of the game.
Favourite player although there are SO many…All Blacks alumni, Ardie Savea, speed, power, steps, finds the space, adds the pace…. he starts it, he stays with it and he finishes it.
Coaches
Sessional Coaches | Nomads Community Schools Project
Evan Underwood
Bio forthcoming...
Junior Committee Volunteers
Michael Boadway | Director of Membership & Operations
Mike found his way to the Nomads through his son's and daughter's desire to play rugby, a passion they still hold. Surprisingly, upon joining, he discovered numerous connections to both current and former members, despite his limited rugby experience outside of gym class and casual beach games. Since 2017, Mike has been an active volunteer, coaching from 2017 to 2022 and serving on the Nomads board of directors since 2020. As a Level 1 coach, he relishes introducing 11 and 12-year-olds to contact rugby, emphasizing the crucial importance of safe tackling techniques. Mike's coaching philosophy is that learning and improvement can be fun. Fluent in English, which some say he speaks exceptionally well, he also knows a bit of French, German, Italian, and Greek. While Mike doesn't have a single favorite player, he admires those who skillfully blend talent with enjoyment, citing Carlos Spencer as a particularly entertaining player to watch.
Taya Kozak-Gobel | Volunteer
Taya has been volunteering with the Nomads since her boys started playing in 2018. With no previous experience with rugby, she quickly fell in love with the sport and the Toronto Nomads! After meeting all the young players and parents whose heritages stem from all over the world and seeing what being part of a quality club did for her boys she knew she wanted to give back to the club. As a professional children's Artist Educator, Taya knows firsthand what volunteering can do not only for an organization but how it can enrich your life and that of your children. Taya has been a team manager for U12 up to U18 boys and feels privileged to have been part of the lives of so many amazing young people. She is proud to be part of the Toronto Nomads and the Toronto rugby community. Her favourite rugby player is Jeffrey Young because whenever he comes back to TO, he volunteers with the Nomads and inspires the juniors to push themselves and become better players.
Lorna Pauptit | Junior Girls' Manager
Lorna has been a Nomads supporter for decades, cheering on friends and family as she grew her knowledge and love for the game. Managing the junior girls has drawn Lorna deep into the Nomads community. While keeping the girls organized and the season running smoothly is her focus, Lorna's real joy comes from watching our young athletes grow skills and confidence both on and off the pitch.
Brad McCabe | Director of Revenue
Brad serves as the Director of Revenue on the Nomads Rugby Club's Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the club's financial success. With a passion for rugby and a strong commitment to community involvement, Brad has been part of the Nomads family for six years. His journey with the Nomads began as a parent of three children actively participating in the Juniors program. Over the years, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of rugby in shaping young athletes' lives. Motivated by his desire to contribute further to the club's growth and success, Brad transitioned from coaching the under-10s team, a role he held for five years, to serving on the board. As a Level 1 coach, Brad possesses a profound understanding of the sport and its nuances, allowing him to effectively contribute to strategic decision-making at the board level.
Coca! | Team Mascot
Coca brings love, affection and levity to all of our practices and games. She loves to be cuddled and taken for long runs at the side of the field. She is an important part of the Nomads family.
Your membership entitles you to all Nomads training during our rugby season. Contact our Junior's Director via email if you have questions juniors@torontonomads.com or register today!
Junior Calendar
Find all the Junior Teams social events, training and matches on our Calendar. Simply enter your team (such as Under 16s) in the Search bar to find a filtered view of your team events.
About us
Established in 1950, Nomads Rugby is one of the Toronto’s original six rugby clubs. We are a progressive club with a proud history and a brilliant future. As a full-service club, we pride ourselves on offering rugby for all ages, genders, athleticisms and rugby abilities. Blue is the colour!
Contact Info
General | information@torontonomads.com
Senior Men | mensrugby@torontonomads.com
Senior Women | womensrugby@torontonomads.com
Juniors | juniors@torontonomads.com