Georgian Bay Titans launch new men’s rugby team

Georgian Bay Titans Rugby’s men’s team will return to the pitch this season, after more than 10 years without a regular adult men’s team.

Todd Hammond, past president of the club and the men’s head coach, said the Titans managed to put together a men’s team four years ago for one season, but previous to that, there hadn’t been a men’s team in 10 years.

“For me, it’s a really important thing. I’ve known a lot of these athletes and coached them. To see them come back and play here feels really good. It’s like a homecoming for me,” he told CollingwoodToday.

Founded in 2007, the Georgian Bay Titans Rugby Club started as an under-19 men’s club. Over time, Hammond said the men’s program dwindled out. Since then, the club has focused primarily on youth programming.

“We’ve had a lot of success with those programs, with 300 kids every year,” he said. “Over the last four years, we’ve developed an adults flag program. It’s grown from 12 athletes the first year to nearly 40 last year.”

Hammond said he believes that although there are lots of people in the area who love rugby, there’s a geographical issue where there are few teams close by, with the next closest being Barrie.

Travel can be a barrier to joining a league, he said.

“By offering this, we’re giving them a homegrown opportunity,” said Hammond. “It’s time for us to re-start a team here.”

Hammond said he’s seen the overall rugby offerings at the club grow by leaps and bounds. He said there’s also interest in increasing programs for girls, and perhaps starting up a women’s program long-term.

“We’re seeing more and more of our athletes now playing at the college or university level,” he said, noting there are about 30 registered for the new men’s team so far. “There are a huge number of local athletes now who are looking for a local option to play.”

Registration is now open for this coming season and closes April 9, with regular league play starting in May. Indoor training will take place on Wednesday nights starting in April at Collingwood Collegiate Institute. The first exhibition game is May 3 at Harbourview Park.

For more information on Georgian Bay Titans Rugby including how to register, click here.