I have been privileged to watch some incredible rugby over the last week, cheering for the Canada women in the World Cup and also watching our teams compete at an increasingly more competitive level. As we celebrate National Coaches Week, I was reminded today of the care our coaches take of the players as I was notified of a blue card and it is a timely reminder that September is Concussion Awareness Month and reminds us that brain health matters everywhere.

Rowan Stringer was a high school and Barrhaven Scottish rugby player who tragically passed away at just 17 from Second Impact Syndrome (SIS). She suffered multiple concussions within the same week without telling her parents or coaches. A coroner’s inquest later found that her death was preventable.

Her legacy lives on through Rowan’s Law, Canada’s first and only concussion safety law and Rowan’s Law Day is September 24. In Ontario, it mandates annual concussion education for athletes, parents, coaches, and team officials. We all share a responsibility to make sport, recreation, and physical activity as safe and inclusive as possible. Concussion Awareness Month is an opportunity to spread knowledge, fight stigma, and build a safer Canada for everyone.

Team Updates

This weekend was the Regional qualifiers for the U14 to U18 teams at Twin Elm. I am delighted to say,

• U14B, U16G and U18G won Gold, winning their age groups as Eastern Ontario champions
• U14G took home Silver
• U16B and U18B took Bronze.

Congratulations to all the teams who took on tough competition and this means all of the teams head to Kingston next weekend for the Provincial finals. Go Scottish!!!!

The Old boys took part in Lanark Old boys tournament and had a great time at the event.

Important Dates

Saturday, Sept. 27: We are having a Women’s Rugby World Cup watch party at The Royal Oak Barrhaven (4110 Strandherd Dr.) starting with the Bronze medal match at 7:30 am and the gold medal match at 11 am. Come have breakfast and stay for the morning to cheer Canada to success.