OUR HISTORY

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Toronto City Rugby Club traces its roots back to 2006, when the Di Nardo family began organizing U12 rugby in the 401/Yonge corridor. By 2007, the Saracens U10 and U12 teams had formed with the support of Chris Rideout, while Dave “Tiger” Williams established the Scottish U10s. At the time, neither club could consistently field a full U10 team, so Dave and Barb Di Nardo joined forces—combining players and competing together at local rugby festivals.

Over the next several years, player numbers steadily increased. U12s progressed to U14s, U10s moved into U12s, and a new U8 program was introduced. Growth came with challenges, and in a practical show of unity, Dave and Barb even ordered blue jerseys featuring both club names: “Saracens” and “Scottish.” They also took to local pubs, recruiting rugby-playing parents from other clubs and encouraging them to bring their children into the game.

This spirit of collaboration eventually led to the formation of a single junior club representing the entire City of Toronto—what would become Toronto City Rugby Club.

In 2016, Damien Benedict, Shannon Quesnelle, Lara Morgan, and Robbie Burns came together to launch the club’s girls’ program, the Toronto City Amazons, marking a major milestone in the club’s commitment to inclusivity and growth of the women’s game.

From its humble beginnings in 2006 with just 10 players, Toronto City Rugby Club has grown to more than 360 athletes today. The founding families of the club’s early years include the Di Nardos, Quesnelles, Shaws, Spargos, Webbs, Bryans, and Benedicts—families whose commitment and volunteerism helped shape the club’s culture and values.

Following COVID-19, Toronto City Rugby Club assumed responsibility for facilitating the junior programs of both the Saracens and the Scottish. Today, the club is focused on building strong, sustainable pathways for youth aged 6 to 18.

Toronto City Rugby has also played a pivotal role in developing high-performance athletes. Notable players who began their rugby journey with this group and went on to represent Canada at various levels include Riley and Morgan Di Nardo, Kiki Idowu, James and Stephen Webb, Jack Bryan, Reese Morgan, Victoria Stanley, and Adam Doane.

As the club continues to grow, athletes are encouraged to pursue senior club rugby as well as college and university opportunities. Together, Toronto City Rugby Club, the Saracens, and the Scottish continue to work collaboratively to ensure rugby in North Toronto not only endures, but thrives.

At its core, Toronto City Rugby Club is built on values of inclusivity, community, respect, and opportunity. The club’s legacy is rooted in families, volunteers, and coaches who believed in creating a safe, welcoming environment where young people could develop confidence, character, and lifelong friendships through sport. With clear development pathways from grassroots to junior, senior, collegiate, and national levels, Toronto City Rugby remains committed to growing the game while supporting each athlete’s individual journey—on and off the field. As the club looks to the future, it continues to honour its past by putting people first and ensuring rugby remains accessible, values-driven, and community-powered for generations to come.