Toronto's inclusive rugby club

Our Club

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Who we are

Toronto Muddy York RFC is an inclusive rugby club based Toronto, Canada. As an inclusive club, we are open to all people regardless of experience, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity or disability.

Established in 2003, we primarily compete against teams in the Toronto Rugby Union. We also travel for exhibition matches against other teams, and host our annual Beaver Bowl Tournament, when we invite other IGR (International Gay Rugby) and regional clubs to join us in Toronto over the Labour Day weekend.

Our name – Toronto Muddy York – is a tribute to the original name of our hometown. Our team colours – blue and yellow – come from both the City of Toronto’s coat of arms, and the Rugby School in Warwickshire, where the game was created in 1823. Blue symbolizes tradition, loyalty, unity and strength; while yellow symbolizes success, athletic achievements and joy.

We welcome members of all skill levels, from absolute novice to seasoned player. Participants benefit from a rewarding game that is not only physically challenging, but also fosters a profound sense of camaraderie both on and off the pitch. Why not join us at our next practice to see for yourself? Get in touch with our recruitment coordinator to find out more.

 
Neil Littlejohns Club President Position: Full Back I joined Muddy York as soon as I moved to Toronto to make new friends and discover a new sport. The club has become the cornerstone of my social life and I’ve made many great friends. I’m getting better at rugby too! In my first year with the club, I got to know the basics playing rugby. Though I’d been watching rugby for some time, it turns out that understanding what’s going on when watching doesn’t automatically translate into knowing what to do when playing! It’s pretty common to be confused at first, but really rewarding once you get the hang of it. Helping to run the club has been challenging, but a great experience. Building on the club’s momentum is a team effort, and I focus on making sure we communicate effectively, support our local community and work to ensure that anyone who wants to be part of our club can do so.

Neil Littlejohns
Club President
Position: Full Back

I joined Muddy York as soon as I moved to Toronto to make new friends and discover a new sport. The club has become the cornerstone of my social life and I’ve made many great friends. I’m getting better at rugby too!

In my first year with the club, I got to know the basics playing rugby. Though I’d been watching rugby for some time, it turns out that understanding what’s going on when watching doesn’t automatically translate into knowing what to do when playing! It’s pretty common to be confused at first, but really rewarding once you get the hang of it.

Helping to run the club has been challenging, but a great experience. Building on the club’s momentum is a team effort, and I focus on making sure we communicate effectively, support our local community and work to ensure that anyone who wants to be part of our club can do so.

Lori Spray Head Coach I have been involved in rugby as both a coach and a player for 16 years. Starting as a new player to the sport when I was 15, I loved the team aspect of rugby. The success of the team truly relies on all 15 players on the pitch working together to achieve the common goal. I came to Muddy York in 2017, transitioning into the head coach position in 2018. This is a truly wonderful group of people. The warmth, support and compassion on this team—not to mention the love for the sport of rugby—is one that is unique in all of the experiences I have had with team sports over the years. Regardless of your athletic ability, experience with the sport, or your sexuality, there is a spot for you on Muddy York RFC. We work hard to achieve our goals, we meet great people and we have a great time both on and off the pitch. I am excited to see the direction the club is heading in going forward. Let’s Get Muddy!

Lori Spray
Head Coach

I have been involved in rugby as both a coach and a player for 16 years. Starting as a new player to the sport when I was 15, I loved the team aspect of rugby. The success of the team truly relies on all 15 players on the pitch working together to achieve the common goal.

I came to Muddy York in 2017, transitioning into the head coach position in 2018. This is a truly wonderful group of people. The warmth, support and compassion on this team—not to mention the love for the sport of rugby—is one that is unique in all of the experiences I have had with team sports over the years.

Regardless of your athletic ability, experience with the sport, or your sexuality, there is a spot for you on Muddy York RFC. We work hard to achieve our goals, we meet great people and we have a great time both on and off the pitch. I am excited to see the direction the club is heading in going forward. Let’s Get Muddy!

Shu Wang Team Captain Position: Inside Centre Shu’s our captain! (Bio to come).

Shu Wang
Team Captain
Position: Inside Centre

Shu’s our captain! (Bio to come).

 
Ryan Smith Recruitment Coordinator Position: Outside Centre I joined Muddy York in 2018 after dabbling in rugby abroad. Highlights have included competing for the Bingham Cup in Amsterdam with 71 other gay teams from around the world, and the post-practice/game drinks here in Toronto. This was my first time playing a contact sport - it was scary, but there's nothing like the invigoration of making a tackle or getting some headway on the field. The gay rugby community has been amazing - friendly, social, and diverse. If you're thinking about it, I highly recommend coming to check it out!

Ryan Smith
Recruitment Coordinator
Position: Outside Centre

I joined Muddy York in 2018 after dabbling in rugby abroad. Highlights have included competing for the Bingham Cup in Amsterdam with 71 other gay teams from around the world, and the post-practice/game drinks here in Toronto.

This was my first time playing a contact sport - it was scary, but there's nothing like the invigoration of making a tackle or getting some headway on the field. The gay rugby community has been amazing - friendly, social, and diverse. If you're thinking about it, I highly recommend coming to check it out!

Nicholas Tremblay Position: Flanker I finally joined Muddy York in 2018 after being on and off involved in rugby over the years. It's been a really cool and fun learning experience that's helped me discover a lot about myself. Rugby has given me friendships with people all over the world while also helping me take out the frustrations of being a student and working in a customer-facing industry. It's a win-win.

Nicholas Tremblay
Position: Flanker

I finally joined Muddy York in 2018 after being on and off involved in rugby over the years. It's been a really cool and fun learning experience that's helped me discover a lot about myself. Rugby has given me friendships with people all over the world while also helping me take out the frustrations of being a student and working in a customer-facing industry. It's a win-win.

 

Contact Us

If you have a question about our club, media enquiry, or anyhting else you’d like to discuss, get in touch using the form below and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

 

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