May 12, 2026 (Langford, BC) — Rugby Canada is proud to share the latest progress on the opening of its first two Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in Ottawa and Calgary, presented by Raymond James Ltd., marking the next step in the growth of Canadian rugby’s high-performance system.

Designed to deliver regular training environments across the country, the Regional Training Centre Ottawa and Regional Training Centre Calgary, presented by Raymond James Ltd. will serve as development hubs for regional men’s and women’s players with the top potential, ranging from identified U20 to provincial players and national team talent continuing to develop in Canada. These centres will provide access to training facilities, experienced technical coaching, and integrated sport science support, with the aim to increase the critical contact hours in rugby within our high-performance pathway.

Since the 2024 partnership between Rugby Canada and Raymond James Ltd., the company has supported the women’s high-performance program, including being the presenting sponsor of Canada’s U20 Women’s Rugby Team. In addition to supporting the broader pathway development system, Raymond James Ltd. has also stepped in to aid players’ goals both on the field and in their education. This commitment to developing future players and supporting their growth reinforces why continued investment through the RTC’s is a natural extension of Raymond James Ltd.’ existing partnership.

“Investing in the communities we serve is an important dimension of our partnership with Rugby Canada,” said Samantha Ouimet, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Marketing, Raymond James Ltd. “Being the presenting sponsor of the Regional Training Centres is special because it creates pathways for Canadian athletes to train closer to home while also ensuring they have access to the quality of facilities they have earned through the dedication, talent, and sportsmanship they consistently exemplify in their representation of our country in the great game of rugby.”

“After a year and a half of research, stakeholder engagement, and preparation it is thrilling to see players training within our Regional Training Centres,” said Meaghan Howat, Program Director, National Training Centres. “It is exciting for the players and coaches involved to have this type of programming to support and enhance their development. It has been great to work with each local partner to achieve our facility and staffing needs to best support our domestic players and achieve the outcome of starting two RTCs for 2026.”

The RTC Ottawa, began its initial sessions this past February, in partnership with the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Rugby Ontario to deliver programming that strengthens the domestic pathway in central Canada. The initial cohort saw 35 men’s players accept their invite to Ottawa, representing 8 universities, national team, pacific pride, and age-grade Canada.

“The new regional training centre in Ottawa, supported by Rugby Canada and presented by Raymond James Ltd., is a positive step for the game in this country. It’s a smart, practical move that helps create a clearer pathway for players who have the ability and drive to one day represent Canada at the national level,” said RTC Coach Aaron McDonald. “There are so many great regional coaches across the country who care deeply about developing players and giving back to the sport. Utilizing these local resources is an efficient way to use the strength we already have in our rugby community.”

Stephen Meehan, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team, joined the April 17th session at the RTC Ottawa to provide some coaching support. “It was great to be there firsthand and experience such an enthusiastic group of players and coaches. The visit reinforced the great work already underway and highlighted opportunities to further strengthen the program. Overall, it’s an exciting program with strong momentum and huge potential which is important for the future development of rugby in Canada.”

The RTC Calgary, began its first gym session in early April in partnership with the University of Calgary, Rugby Alberta, and the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta (CSIAB)—ensuring western-based athletes have access to a daily training environment closer to home. 29 women’s players accepted their invitations, representing multiple universities as well as age-grade and senior national team programs. The men’s group included 31 players from eight universities, along with athletes from the Pride Academy and national age-grade pathways. Field sessions will be starting at the University of Calgary in May.

“It’s a really good opportunity for CSI Alberta, and for me personally, to be part of these athletes’ journey,” said Tim Neenan, Strength and Conditioning Coach at the CSIAB. “For me, it’s about creating an environment where this talented group can develop the movement quality and physical capacities needed to support their sporting performance and be well prepared for what comes next.”

Coach Greg Hedgecoe adds, “The RTC provides an excellent developmental pathway for our high-performance rugby players, accelerating their development through advanced physical and technical preparation.”

Strong coaching staff are represented in the RTCs who have significant involvement locally spanning all areas of our pathway in experience from age-grade, senior provincial, Canada summer games, and University programs.




RTC Ottawa Coaching Staff Include:



James Flemming
Greg Hedgecoe
Aaron McDonald


 

RTC Calgary Coaching Staff Include:



Simon Chi
Leah Conforti
Dustin MacPherson
Nick McAuley
James O’Neill



Guided by a nationally designed curriculum encompassing both Sevens and 15s, each RTC brings together strength and conditioning, athletic therapy, physiotherapy and sport medicine services. The model is built to not only accelerate player development but also coach and official pathways – all while aligning clubs, universities, PSOs and Rugby Canada on a shared approach to talent identification and preparation for national team performance.

As presenting partner, Raymond James Ltd. will support the creation and ongoing delivery of the Regional Training Centre network across Canada.

“As the initiative continues to evolve and grow, in conjunction with domestic competition opportunities, players can develop the necessary technical and tactical skills to be prepared to compete at the next level while training closer to home,” said Howat. “Rugby Canada would like to thank Raymond James Ltd. for their support in the development of The Regional Training Centres.”

The RTCs will serve as a blueprint for future expansion, with additional locations to be considered for 2027. Rugby Canada would like to thank Raymond James Ltd., Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Rugby Alberta, Rugby Ontario, University of Calgary, and the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta for their support.

The RTCs are a crucial addition to Rugby Canada’s national infrastructure. However, such initiatives require financial support to ensure sustainability and potential expansion. The costs of training centres with elite performance services are prohibitive, yet necessary, to provide critical opportunities for players to develop domestically. Interested parties looking to support the RTC project can reach out to Meaghan Howat ([email protected]).

For more information on the Regional Training Centres, presented by Raymond James Ltd., visit https://rugby.ca/en/hq/regional-training-centres.