05/11/2026
To the rugby moms.
The early mornings. The long drives. The extra laundry. The sideline nerves. The post-game hugs. The constant support behind the scenes that nobody always sees.
Thank you.
NRU would not be what it is without the incredible moms who help hold this program, these athletes, and this community together. You are the rides to training, the fuel before games, the voice of encouragement after tough losses, and the biggest cheerleaders during the big moments.
Today we celebrate all of you β for the sacrifices, the patience, the love, and the commitment you give every single season.
Happy Motherβs Day to all the amazing NRU moms from the entire Thunder family. β‘οΈπ
03/30/2026
π₯ NRU U19 BRANCH REPRESENTATIVE TRYOUTS π₯
Think youβve got what it takes to compete at the next level?
This is your pathway to Ontario Blues U19 selection and the CRCβs in Guelph.
Weβre identifying and selecting the top U19 athletes to represent NRU this spring.
π OPEN TRYOUT DATE
β’ Sunday, April 12
β± Time & Location: TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY
π INVITE-ONLY TRAINING SESSIONS
β’ Wed, April 22 β 7:00β9:00 PM
β’ Sun, April 26 β (TBD)
β’ Fri, May 1 β 7:00β9:00 PM
π MATCH SCHEDULE
β’ Sunday, May 3 vs TRU (TBD)
β’ Sunday, May 10 vs EORU (Cobourg)
β’ Friday, May 15 vs SWRU (Guelph)
β± KICKOFF TIMES
β’ Girls: 12:30 PM
β’ Boys: 2:00 PM
(May 15 kickoff times TBD)
π₯ ELIGIBILITY
β’ Open to male & female athletes born in 2007 & 2008
β’ Born in 2009? Contact a coach for approval
π© Questions? [email protected]
π Register your Expression of Interest β link in bio
β
This is identification rugby β not participation.
Standards matter. Compete. Get selected.
03/29/2026
π₯ ROSTERS ANNOUNCED β NRU TROPICAL 7s 2026 π₯
The wait is over. Our squads are set and ready to take on Tampa.
π Tropical 7s Tournament
π
April 3β4, 2026
π U18 Womenβs ELITE
Coached by Dave McLean & Adrian Brown
β‘ U18 OPEN
Coached by Mark Smerdon
π U16 ELITE
Coached by Ian Fitzgerald & Grace Jacklyn
Three teams. One standard.
This group represents the best of NRUβbuilt on hard work, resilience, and a commitment to each other. Now itβs time to compete.
π₯ Fast. Physical. Fearless.
Letβs go to work.
03/09/2026
Happy International Womenβs Day πβ‘οΈ
Today we celebrate the incredible women of NRU who travelled across the country to represent Ontario in British Columbia. Their commitment, courage, and pride continue to raise the standard for womenβs rugby in our region.
These athletes show what happens when talent meets work ethic and belief.
Courage | Pride | Standards
The future of the womenβs game is powerful β and itβs already here.
02/13/2026
π₯ COACH ANNOUNCEMENT | SET PIECE π₯
Weβre excited to welcome Tom Van Horne to the NRU coaching team as our Set Piece Coach for the 2026 season. β‘π
π Role: Set Piece Coach
π― Focus: Lineouts & Scrums
Tom brings strong technical knowledge and a passion for detail β helping our athletes win the key moments that decide matches.
Strong set piece.
Strong platform.
Strong team. πͺβ‘
RugbyDevelopment HighPerformance BuildTheStandard
02/12/2026
π₯ MEET THE COACHES | 2026 SENIOR MEN INTER-BRANCH π₯
Weβre proud to introduce the leadership team guiding our NRU Senior Men Inter-Branch squad this season. β‘π
π Head Coach β Scott Hendry
π Attack Coach β Tyler Leggatt
With experience, clarity, and high standards, this staff is focused on building a competitive, connected, and resilient team ready to represent the Union with pride.
Standards. Culture. Performance.
This is Inter-Branch Rugby. πͺβ‘
02/08/2026
πππ Help Our NRU Girls Reach Tropical 7s 2026! πππ
Our athletes have earned the chance to compete on one of the biggest youth rugby stages in North America β and now weβre asking our community to help make it possible.
These girls train year-round, balance school and sport, and represent NRU with pride, grit, and heart. This tour is about more than rugby β itβs about confidence, leadership, and lifelong growth.
Your support helps cover:
βοΈ Travel & accommodation
π Tournament fees
πͺ Training & recovery
π§ High-performance development
Every donation β big or small β makes a real difference.
π Please donate if you can
π Share this post
π Help us spread the word
π Link in bio to support our team
Thank you for believing in our athletes and backing their journey ππ