Millers Rugby

Welcome! Putting your kid into U18 Boys rugby is one of the best things you can do for them. At this age, rugby in Ontario is all about developing skills, fitness, strategy, and teamwork - with full senior-level contact on a full field that prepares them for university, club, or even higher representative rugby while keeping things safe and exciting.
Here's what you can realistically expect:

1. The Game Itself - Closer to the Real Deal!

U18 Boys in Ontario play 15-a-side on a full-size field.

Full contact: proper tackling, contested rucks and mauls.
Scrums: fully contested push (safely managed with strict technique).
Lineouts: fully contested, with lifting allowed.
Kicking in open play is a big part of the game now.
Games are longer: two 35-minute halves, with rolling subs.

Separate boys teams - clear positional roles and advanced tactics.

2. Season & Schedule (Typical in Ontario)

Millers Rugby intention is to bring youth rugby to rural Ontario. We are actively working to establish teams in a number of communities.

If you have a community or high school interested in starting a team, please contact us.

For the upcoming season, we are looking to grow our teams in the following communities:
Middlesex Centre (Komoka, Mt. Brydges, etc.)
St Thomas ( St Joes High School)
etc.

Seasons run spring/summer 15s (June-August) and an optional fall 7s season.

Practices: usually 2 nights a week (90-120 minutes), with fitness and skills focus.
Games: Wednesday evenings.

Total time commitment: more than younger ages, with some travel, but still balanced for school and life.

3. Cost

Mouthguard is mandatory
Rugby or Soccer cleats (no toe studs).
Many kids wear scrum caps for extra head protection or to keep their hair out of their eyes.
No other big expenses at this age.

4. What Your Kid Will Actually Do

Run, pass, tackle hard, dominate breakdowns, pack into full scrums and lifted lineouts.
Learn advanced positional roles, set plays, fitness conditioning.
Lots of contact and tactical drills to build confidence and skill.

Millers prides themselves in having some of the best coaching at this level with many players advancing to Ontario level representative teams.

Coaches are certified and experienced, trained by World Rugby with huge focus on technique and safety.

5. Safety

Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario have strict progressions - full contact builds on earlier foundations for safety.

Coaches trained in concussion protocols, safe scrummaging, and tackle technique.

Refs monitor dangerous play closely; injuries are managed well with good habits taught early.

It's physical, but designed to be safer than it looks with proper coaching.

6. Parent Life

You'll probably be asked to help with driving to away games, snacks, or field setup.
You'll stand on the sideline with other parents drinking coffee, cheering massive hits and big runs (for all the kids!).
Kids come home muddy, bruised a bit more, exhausted, super proud, and already planning next game.

By the end of the first month, your kid will be begging to go to rugby.

This is the age where boys often get totally hooked - the physicality, strategy, and camaraderie make it addictive. It builds tough, respectful young men. You've got this! 🏉