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Algonquin College’s men’s and women’s rugby teams won’t play this fall, a decision that’s shocked players as they search for more answers.
In a written statement, the Algonquin Students’ Association cited “ongoing financial challenges in the post-secondary education sector” as the reason for suspending the programs, adding it remains committed to supporting other teams and athletes.
CBC asked why rugby was singled out specifically, but did not get a response. The association, which funds athletics at the college, also declined an interview.
Several players told CBC they first learned something was up when they got an email from the students’ association inviting both teams to a meeting, with no indication of what it was about.
Less than 24 hours later, they were told the program was being cut.
“It was like a five-minute meeting,” said Princess Ikeson, a hooker on the women’s team. “Everyone was put on mute … we couldn’t really ask questions, give feedback — anything like that.”
She said it didn’t feel real at first.
“I just thought it was a joke,” she said. “Our phones were blowing up … everyone was confused and we couldn’t really get any answers.”
Players on the men’s team described a similar experience.
“It was devastating,” said fly-half Luke Flores. “It didn’t hit me until the next day.”
Flores said the lack of explanation has been particularly frustrating.
“Rugby is the only sport being cancelled as of now, and so far we haven’t gotten a real explanation other than ‘no,’” he said.
According to the Algonquin Students’ Association, the decision to suspend the men’s and women’s rugby teams was driven by financial constraints facing the post-secondary sector. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)’A big part of my identity’
CBC also reached out to the college itself for comment, but a spokesperson said they would defer to the students’ association.
Players said the impact of rugby program’s suspension goes beyond simply losing a game they love.
“It’s brought me more of a community. I definitely consider these girls as family,” said winger Faiza Foucher-Ahmed.
For Ikeson, rugby’s been an escape.
“It’s definitely become like an oasis for me,” she said. “You could have the worst day ever, and I get to practice and everyone’s making me smile.”
Jack Badger plays on the men’s team, and called rugby “a big part of my identity.”
“I see it as another part of my life,” he said. “Whether it’s playing the sport or it’s watching the sport, it’s always just meant so much to me.”
In the two days following the announcement, a player-made petition to save the program accumulated more than 2,000 signatures, including support from alumni, other teams, coaches and Olympians.
“Across Canada, the rugby community is very tight-knit,” Badger said. “Everybody supports everybody.”
Now, players are trying to turn that support into a path forward. They say they’re exploring fundraising efforts, and several potential sponsors have already expressed interest in supporting them.
But those plans hinge on getting more information from the students’ association — something the players say has been difficult so far.
“We’re coming up with these kinds of solutions,” Flores said. “But they’re just turning us away … with no real explanation as to why.”