Good afternoon all, 

This past week saw U18 and U16 teams host touring sides and it really was a joy to see our community come together to provide the best BSRFC experience. From the camaraderie on the field, to the hosting of the BBQ, to the opening of homes for players, to the memories that will last a lifetime, thank you everyone, you are what makes our club so special. 

Club News

Each week, Ross Annett, our VP Planning and Director of Registration sends a report on our registrations and I asked him to give a summary of what trends he was seeing. This is his mid year report – “State of the Union” 

1. The club is growing and retaining better every year. Registrations hit a five-year high (444, still mid-season), and overall retention climbed from 53.8% to 69.8% over four years; more people are staying, not just joining.

2. Seniors are thriving on every measure. Headcount (125) and retention (79.2%) both hit five-year highs in 2026, including a genuine Senior Women rebuild: from near-total turnover in 2025 to 36 registrants, 72% of them staying. Part of that’s real junior conversion, since 41% of last year’s U18 Girls moved straight into Senior Women.

3. Juniors (U16–U18) and the girls’ pathway are the model for what’s working. Retention nearly doubled (46% to 74%) while headcount grew from 103 to 176, led by U16/U18 Girls combining strong new recruitment with rising retention; growth and stickiness improving together.

4. Entry-level (U6) is small but tripling. Off a low base (3 → 11), due to Try Rugby days and Community outreach, it’s a leading indicator for U8/U10 in future years,

5. Coaching staff are the backbone of retention – we have 50 registered coaches, many of which are moving through the age groups with the players, providing stability and excellent coaching, thereby enhancing retention. 

It really is a good news story and I am so proud to celebrate it.

Congratulations to our athletes who were selected for the Ontario Blues this week in Guelph – fantastic to see so many BSRFC names.

U19 Canadian Rugby Championships  

• Senior Women: Lauren Ruff, ShonDreya Smardon
• Senior Men: Jack Priestman

U17 O’Neils Challenge Cup

• U18 Boys: Jonas Garcia-Gutierrez
• U18 Girls: Maggie Grills, Carys McCleery, Lauren Nowiski, Georgia Priestman, Naomi Kavanagh (NTR)
• U16 Girls: Cordelia Burgess, Mackenzie Oliphant

Have a great week,

Anne