U16 & U18 Boys

U16 Boys team

Our U16 & U18 junior boys program welcomes all players no matter your skill level, however, as we reach these age grades those new to the game who have a high level of athleticism and/or have played other sports competitively, have a more seamless transition. We play full contact and our program is designed to introduce and transition athletes from other sports who are new to the game of rugby, as well as develop our long-term rugby athletes who go on to play on one of our three Nomads Mens’ teams. Our coaching staff will identify those players who are interested and capable of continuing their player pathway beyond our club team to compete for spots on university and college teams, Provincial and National level teams and Elite (Rep) 7s international travelling squads.Graduates of Toronto Nomads junior boys programs have gone on to play for the Canadian national 15s and 7s teams.

Our coaching team  strives to give each athlete the personalised attention needed to develop their game, however coaches expect players to be dedicated to their own personal fitness between practices and games which will impact selection to each weekend’s playing squad and prevent injury.

Our focus is to foster an environment where athletes apply core values in both rugby and life such as respect, honour, discipline, integrity, teamwork and accountability. We aim to teach and develop all core and essential skills and understanding of the game and to create a fun and engaging place to connect and grow as a person and an athlete.

This age group begins once a week with pre-season training (February-April) and plays full 15 a side rules with weekly games and 2 practices per week in the summer beginning in May.  The 7s season begins in the fall and runs in tournament style on weekends.

Toronto Nomads Juniors strive to be a club that is welcoming to all and prides itself on building a strong sense of connection between all of our juniors teams through club activities and a fun club culture beyond the field.

Contact Details For Team Director

Interested in Nomads U16 & U18 Rugby? 

Annual Nomads membership provides access to all Nomads programs from the year purchased until April 30 of the following year. Pre-season (training only) runs February to May; rugby season (training and games) runs May to October. Contact our Junior's Director via email if you have questions juniors@torontonomads.com or register today!

U16 & U18's Coaches

jeffry

U16 Boys Coach | Jeffrey Young 

Jeff loves helping coach players and pass on what he has learned from his personal rugby experiences. He played for Toronto Nomads for 10 years (U10 to Seniors Mens’) as well as for Shawnigan Lake School, Sailish Sea Warriors U18, Ontario U15 and U19 and Canada U18 and U20, Cardiff Met RFC, Toronto Arrows Academy, Bedwas RFC, Rhiwbina RFC and the Welsh Academicals RFC. He also played Upright Rogues 7s.

His favourite  player is Josh Navidi, because he is able to adapt his game to the role his team needs him to perform. He can be a strong ball carrier but typically is utilised doing the thankless but critical work of efficiently clearing out rucks, making tackles and disrupting breakdowns.

Apart from being great at coaching technical elements of the game he is also a Level 1 referee and speaks English as well as what he considers a “tiny” bit of French and Mandarin.

stu

U16 and U18 Juniors Coach | Stuart MacKenzie

Stuart coaches with Nomads because it is the local club and his son plays for.  It is a way for him to stay involved and try to help grow the game in our area.  His most rewarding coaching moment was finishing 4th in the U16 league in 2023.  The team was so dedicated, tough and resilient.  So many players rose to the challenge and improved so much, it was great to see. 

After playing rugby through high school, Stuart took a break to play football on a scholarship in a US university and then went on to play for 2 years for the City of Takayama in the Gifu Prefectural Rugby League in Japan where he learned more than a ‘bit’ of Japanese. 

He is a Level 2 coach in training and has been part of the  Applewood Heights High School rugby coaching team for 21 years. His coaching experience spans club rugby U10-U18 teams for 8 years, and U15, U16, U17 Ontario provincial teams for 5 years  

His familiarity with all aspects of the game elevates the entire coaching team, but his real joy is in coaching attack, forwards and set piece. He believes in a player-centered approach that focuses on skill and tactical development through game play.  The core values of rugby should be prioritized to develop not only players with a high level of skill, but players of high character who embody the sport on and off the field. 

His favourite player is Joe Marler because he works hard enough to play rugby at the highest level, but still keeps things in perspective and you can see that he is having fun. 

jp

Juniors Head Coach | John “JP” Peel

JP is a Level 3 New Zealand Rugby coach with 14 years of experience. He has coached a diverse range of teams, including boys, girls, senior women's and men's teams, and has expertise in both rugby 15s and 7s. Additionally, JP has spent four years as a Talent ID and National Selector for the New Zealand Black Ferns 7s Development team and served for two years as the Club Captain for Melville Rugby and Sports Club in Hamilton, New Zealand. Here in Canada he provides technical direction and coaches both Juniors and our senior women. During his time in Canada he  has coached Rugby Ontario teams as well as many local primary, middle and high school teams in support of team and player development.

Training

Our home games are played at Eglington Flats. Training sessions are held weekly on Monday and Wednesday at 6:30pm-8pm. 

Gear

Rugby shorts, t-shirt and/or rugby jersey, rugby or soccer boots, mouth guard, water, and any other contact gear you need can be found at our partner online store.

Games & Times

Home Field is Eglington Flats. Games/tournaments are typically on Saturday but sometimes on Sunday. Game times vary, usually starting in the am but others run into the afternoon.

Calendar of Events

View this year’s games schedule, events and more in the calendar below.

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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!