Rugby Alberta is Hiring – Manager, Rugby Operations

Rugby Alberta is excited to announce that we are hiring a Manager, Rugby Operations to join our team and help drive the future of rugby across the province.

As a player-centered, development-driven provincial sports organization, Rugby Alberta is committed to building vibrant, inclusive rugby communities. We are looking for an experienced, motivated leader who shares our passion for growing the game and supporting athletes, coaches, clubs, and volunteers throughout Alberta.

For more information about the opportunity and how to apply

ROSTER SET FOR CANADA’S WOMEN’S SEVENS TEAM TO BEGIN 2026 HSBC SVNS SERIES IN DUBAI

November 24, 2025 (Langford, BC) – Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team, Jocelyn Barrieau, has selected Canada’s travelling 14-player squad for the kick-off of the 2026 HSBC SVNS Series in Dubai, UAE.

The final roster of 13 players will be determined before the tournament begins on Saturday, November 29 at 12:04 a.m. PT / 3:04 a.m. ET, when Canada will face Great Britain in their opening match of the tournament.

“All the players and staff are excited to begin the sevens season this week in Dubai,” said Barrieau. “Since we assembled for camp earlier this month, there has been a lot of work put in to make sure we start the season strong. Last year was about solidifying our foundations and showing the world that we are one of the top teams on the series. Now we must continue to build on our successes and learn from the challenges we face as we frame our 2025-2026 season.”

Canada’s squad includes seven players from the team that helped capture a bronze medal at last season’s HSBC SVNS World Championship: Breanne Nicholas, Carissa Norsten, Carmen Izyk, Savannah Bauder, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Charity Williams and Larah Wright.

Norsten, the 2024 HSBC SVNS Rookie of the Year and recently named the 2025 U SPORTS Player of the Year, has been selected by Barrieau as the team’s captain for Dubai and Cape Town.

“Carissa is everything a Canadian captain should be,” said Barrieau. “Strong, gritty, smart and has an amazingly kind character. She is the perfect fit to be a captain and leads by example. I am so happy to be working with her and this group moving forward to see how far and how high we can reach.”

Hogan-Rochester is the lone player on Barrieau’s roster who also helped Canada capture a silver medal at the Rugby World Cup in September. Several players from Canada’s World Cup squad were unavailable for selection as they are competing in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) league in England.

Calgary’s Ivy Poetker and Ontario’s Kennedi Stevenson have been selected for their first tour with Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team and could make their debuts in Dubai or Cape Town.

Chloe Daniels and Piper Logan, members of Canada’s 2024 Olympic team, were both unavailable for selection due to injuries.

The Sevens Stadium in Dubai is host to the first stop of the 2026 HSBC SVNS Series, the first of nine tournaments in the newly formatted circuit, featuring the top eight women’s and eight men’s sevens teams in the world.

 

DUBAI POOL PLAY SCHEDULE
Saturday November 29

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs Great Britain
12:04 a.m. PT / 3:04 a.m. ET

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs Australia
3:05 a.m. PT / 6:05 a.m. ET

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs Japan
5:49 a.m. PT / 8:49 a.m. ET

 

WHERE TO WATCH

All of Canada’s HSBC SVNS Series matches in Dubai and Cape Town will be available live on TSN+

 

MORE INFO

Following the Dubai tournament, the team will travel to South Africa for Cape Town SVNS (December 6-7, 2025). The first tournament of the new year will take place in Singapore from January 31 to February 1, 2026. Catch both Canada’s Men’s and Women’s Teams in action on home soil at HSBC Vancouver Sevens (March 7-8, 2026) at BC Place. Buy tickets now at vansevens.com.

For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series and live coverage, including details on the event format, the schedule and the latest news, visit the official website: https://www.svns.com/en

 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S SEVENS TEAM DUBAI & CAPE TOWN SQUAD

4. Breanne Nicholas (Blenheim, ON) – Kent Havoc RFC

5. Savannah Bauder (North Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia / Capilano RFC

6. Charity Williams (Toronto, ON) – Markham Irish / University of British Columbia

8. Carmen Izyk (High River, AB) – Foothills Lions / Queen’s University / RCTPM 

13. Krissy Scurfield (Canmore, AB) – University of Victoria 

14. Eden Kilgour (Barrie, ON) – Westshore RFC / University of Victoria

19. Carissa Norsten (Waldheim, SK) – Kirin RWC / University of Victoria

21. Adia Pye (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / University of British Columbia

24. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC

38. Kennedi Stevenson (Georgetown, ON) – Brantford Harlequins

47. Larah Wright (Calgary, AB) – University of Victoria 

55. Monique Coffey (Dauphin, MB) – Scion Sirens

68. Ivy Poetker (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Rams

99. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish

2025 Rugby Alberta Annual General Meeting – December 6, 2025

Rugby Alberta will be holding its Annual General Meeting on
Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00–11:30 AM (MST).

The meeting will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams, with log-in/registration opening at 9:45 AM.

Pre-registration is required by December 2nd for voting eligibility.

Click here to Register

Rugby Alberta AGM Agenda 2025

U21 Women’s Rugby Canada ID Camp Returns to Edmonton

January 3–4 at Foote Field

Showcase your talent and take the next step toward representing Canada at the U21 level. Rugby Alberta is thrilled to host the U21 Women’s Identification Camp on January 3–4, 2026, at Foote Field in Edmonton, Alberta. This annual winter camp is a cornerstone for identifying top talent and preparing athletes for the Canadian Rugby Championships and Rugby Canada U21 program.

We are excited to announce that Dean Murten, U21 Women’s Head Coach for Canada, will be actively involved in the camp. Dean brings extensive experience and will lead sessions focused on high-performance development, providing athletes with invaluable insights into the national program.

“We have a great relationship with the U21 program. Over the last three years, running a winter ID camp has provided incredible opportunities for athletes to get on the radar prior to the Canadian Rugby Championships.”

Register Now:

Spots are limited—secure yours today! Click here to register: U21 Rugby Canada Women’s ID Camp Registration – Fill out form

What to Expect:

  • Dates: January 3–4, 2026
  • Location: Foote Field, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Cost: $50 per participant
  • Check-In: January 3 at 8:00 AM
  • Field Sessions:

– January 3: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

– January 4: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Eligibility:

  • Athletes must be born in 2005/2006/2007 (U21 age group).
  • All participants must be fully registered with Rugby Alberta and a member club within the province.

Payment Options:

  • e-Transfer to info@rugbyalberta.com (Include the athlete’s name in the comments)
  • Register on SportLomo (CLICK HERE)

Additional Information:

  • Bring your own snacks and water; breaks are scheduled during sessions.
  • A therapist will be on-site for emergency care only.
  • This camp is a key step for athletes aiming to join the national U21 program.

 Brave Rugby November Camp

Rugby Alberta is excited to release the full schedule for the upcoming Brave Rugby Camp, taking place on November 23, 2025, at Foote Field in Edmonton, AB. This camp is designed to introduce athletes to the Brave environment, provide foundational skill development, and create opportunities to connect with peers and coaches.

Athletes are asked to arrive around 9:45 AM to check in and prepare for the first session.

Camp Schedule

10:00–11:00 AM — On-Field Intro Session
The morning session will ease athletes into training with warm-up activities and foundational skill work led by the Brave coaching staff.

11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Lunch & Team Building
Participants will enjoy a lunch break paired with team-building activities focused on connection, culture, and leadership.

1:00–3:00 PM — Afternoon On-Field Session
The day concludes with an additional on-field session, giving athletes more time to learn, develop, and experience the Brave training environment.

Click Here to Register

Rugby Alberta Establishes High-Performance Committee to Strengthen Athlete and Coach Pathways

Rugby Alberta is proud to announce the establishment of its High-Performance Committee (HP Committee), a strategic advisory group dedicated to advancing player and coach development across the province.
The committee’s primary mandate is to support the Rugby Alberta Board of Directors in designing, implementing, and managing high-performance pathways that empower Alberta’s athletes and coaches to compete and excel at the national and international levels.
The HP Committee brings together key stakeholders from across Alberta’s rugby community. It includes the Rugby Alberta Director of Rugby Operations, members of the Rugby Alberta Board, and representatives appointed by the Edmonton Rugby Union (ERU), Calgary Rugby Union (CRU), and Alberta Junior Rugby Association (AJRA). To broaden expertise, the committee may also invite public members with specialized knowledge to contribute to specific initiatives or projects.
The High-Performance Committee will play a central role in shaping the future of elite rugby in Alberta. Its responsibilities include providing leadership and direction for player and coach development, defining team structures for all Rugby Alberta Wolf Pack programs, and overseeing the recruitment and selection of coaches and managers. The committee will also submit high-performance initiatives for inclusion in Rugby Alberta’s annual business plan and budget, and share regular updates through Rugby Alberta’s official communication channels.
Each year, the committee will prepare a comprehensive Wolf Pack Program Plan by the end of November. This plan will outline coach recruitment timelines, tournament and training schedules, identification (ID) camp dates, and, where applicable, tour details. Reports will be presented to the Board of Directors, included in the Annual Report, and shared at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) as required.
“This committee represents a major step forward for high-performance rugby in Alberta,” said Peter Houlihan, Director of Operations, Rugby Alberta. “By aligning resources and expertise, we are creating a clear and sustainable pathway for athletes and coaches to reach their full potential.”
Rugby Alberta Vice President and Committee Chair Paul Looker added: “This committee will allow us to put forward recommendations to the Rugby Alberta Board that enhance transparency in how programs are facilitated and provide timelines for stronger annual planning.”
Stay connected with Rugby Alberta for updates on Wolf Pack programs and high-performance initiatives.

Support the Future of Rugby in Alberta!

Rugby Alberta is excited to announce its 2026 Sponsorship Drive, inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals to contribute to the growth of rugby and empower athletes throughout the province. With a renewed focus on development, inclusion, and excellence, this initiative supports various programs, ranging from grassroots youth rugby to elite provincial teams like the Alberta Wolf Pack.

 

Why Sponsor Rugby Alberta?

As a sponsor, you will gain brand visibility, opportunities for community engagement, and the chance to align with a sport that values teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Your support will help fund:

– Community outreach and inclusion initiatives

– Youth development programs such as Rookie Rugby and the Alberta Summer Games

– Coach and referee training

– High-performance pathways for athletes aged U16 to senior

 

Another Way to Give: The Rugby Alberta Endowment Fund

In collaboration with the Canadian Rugby Foundation, Rugby Alberta has established the Rugby Alberta Endowment Fund—a long-term initiative aimed at eliminating financial barriers for athletes pursuing high-performance rugby.

Until November 15, 2025, Rugby Alberta will match all donations up to $25,000, effectively doubling your impact. Donations are eligible for charitable tax receipts, making this a meaningful and tax-efficient way to support Alberta’s rugby community.

Donate to the Fund Here!

Get Involved Today

Whether you’re a local business, an enthusiastic rugby supporter, or a community leader, your support helps Rugby Alberta build Good People, Good Places, and Good Programs. You can also set up a monthly donation for as little as $2.00.

Together, we can ensure that every athlete—regardless of their background—has the opportunity to thrive.

For sponsorship inquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mark Tilles at events@rugbyalberta.com. Visit us at Rugby Alberta Partners for more information.

Upcoming 2026 Coaching Courses

Rugby Alberta is excited to announce upcoming World Rugby Level 1/NCCP Community Initiation courses for 2026!

This Instructor-Led Training session is a necessary step in the World Rugby Level 1/NCCP Community Initiation pathway. Designed for new coaches, this course equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to introduce players to rugby in a safe, enjoyable, and supportive environment.

 

Upcoming 2026 Sessions:
📍 Calgary – January 31 (Centennial High School)
📍 Edmonton – February 22 (Leduc Recreation Centre)
📍 Calgary – February 28 (Bishop Carroll High School)
📍 Edmonton – March 7 (Servus Credit Union Place, St. Albert)
📍 Calgary – March 21 (Bishop Carroll High School)

 

💲 Course Fee: $160 + Tax

 

How to Register:
1️⃣ Log in to your Sportlomo account (Click here to access Sportlomo)
2️⃣ Click “Access The Breakdown” on your grey member card
3️⃣ (You may need to agree to the new terms and update your information if prompted)
4️⃣ Go to “My Courses & Learning Plans” to register

Braves Rugby 7s Camps Announced

Rugby Alberta is proud to launch the first Braves Rugby 7s Camps — part of our new Indigenous rugby program, Braves Rugby. These camps mark the next step in growing the game and celebrating Indigenous participation in rugby across Alberta.

Open to Indigenous youth of all skill levels, the Braves Rugby Camps are a fun and inclusive opportunity to learn rugby fundamentals, build community, and experience the spirit of the game. Participants will take part in skills sessions, games, and team activities led by experienced coaches in a welcoming environment.

Be Brave like a Buffalo and join us for one of our upcoming camps! 🦬

📍 Edmonton Camp

Date: Sunday, October 19
Location: Strathcona Druids RFC — 23360 Twp Rd 524A, Sherwood Park
Time: 14:00–16:00

📍 Calgary Camp

Date: Sunday, October 26
Location: Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club — 4334 18 St NE, Calgary 
Time: 14:00–16:00

These camps are free to attend — just bring your energy and enthusiasm!

🔗 Register now to secure your spot: [Click Here]

Braves Rugby 7s – Call for Players, Coaches & Volunteers

We’re excited to launch a new Indigenous Rugby 7s program and are gathering interest for our first Braves 7s Camp!

📅 Camp Dates: October 18 & October 26
📍 Location: To be determined based on survey responses

We’re inviting players to share their contact information to stay updated and get involved. Click Here to fill out our interest form.

We’re also looking for coaches and volunteers to join the Rugby Alberta Braves program. Level 1 coach education will be provided to help support programs across multiple communities.

If you’re interested in coaching or volunteering, please contact snesbitt@rugbyalberta.com

Let’s grow the game together!