Rugby Manitoba
About Us
A part of Manitoba's sporting culture since 1879
Rugby Manitoba is the provincial governing body for the sport of rugby in Manitoba, responsible for the development, promotion, and organization of the game throughout the province. Working in partnership with clubs, schools, coaches, referees, volunteers, and community organizations, we strive to provide inclusive, safe, and rewarding rugby experiences for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Our organization supports grassroots participation, youth development, and competitive pathways, helping players progress from introductory programs to provincial and national opportunities. Through leagues, tournaments, coaching and officiating education, and player development initiatives, Rugby Manitoba works to strengthen the sport and ensure long-term growth across the province.
Guided by the core values of rugby—respect, integrity, passion, discipline, and teamwork—we are committed to fostering a positive environment where individuals can develop both on and off the field. Rugby Manitoba is proud to support a vibrant and diverse rugby community that brings people together through sport.
Our History
Supporting rugby leagues and communities across Manitoba
Rugby has been part of Manitoba’s sporting culture for nearly 150 years. The game first appeared in Winnipeg in 1879 with the formation of the Winnipeg Rugby Football Club, beginning a long tradition of club competition, community involvement, and athletic excellence. In its early years the sport was played on open fields throughout the city and quickly drew interest from other athletic clubs and schools.
Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rugby grew steadily as new clubs formed and provincial competitions developed. In the post-war decades, clubs such as the Assiniboine Rugby Football Club, Winnipeg Wasps Rugby Football Club, and Saracens Rugby Football Club helped shape the competitive structure of the sport and build rivalries that remain central to Manitoba rugby today. These clubs not only competed for provincial championships but also helped organize leagues, train referees, and promote the sport within their communities. Their efforts laid the foundation for the organized club system that continues to support rugby across Manitoba.
Growth accelerated in the 1970s with the introduction of organized high school competitions in Winnipeg, creating a strong development pathway for young athletes. School programs allowed players to learn the sport at an earlier age and strengthened connections between youth, university, and senior club rugby. The expansion of women’s and girls’ rugby in the 1980s further strengthened the sport across the province and brought new communities into the game.
Today, Rugby Manitoba supports clubs, schools, coaches, referees, and volunteers throughout the province. Matches, championships, and community events held at rugby facilities across Manitoba reflect the province’s lasting passion for the game and its commitment to growing rugby for future generations.
A Timeline of Rugby in Manitoba
Expanding and developing rugby for future generations
1879 – Rugby Arrives in Manitoba
Rugby is first played in Winnipeg with the formation of the Winnipeg Rugby Football Club, marking the beginning of organized rugby in the province.
1890s – Organized Competition Begins
Provincial competitions and local club matches become more common, helping establish rugby as a regular sport in Manitoba communities.
Early–Mid 1900s – Club Rugby Expands
Rugby continues to grow in Winnipeg and surrounding areas through club competitions and regional rivalries, building a strong foundation for the sport.
1960s–1970s – Provincial Organization Develops
The modern structure for governing rugby union in Manitoba begins to take shape, eventually forming what is now known as Rugby Manitoba.
1973 – High School Rugby Begins
Teachers and volunteers introduce organized high school rugby in Winnipeg, creating new opportunities for youth participation.
Mid-1980s – Growth of Women’s and Girls’ Rugby
Girls’ high school rugby and women’s club programs begin to develop, significantly expanding the sport across the province.
1990s–2000s – Provincial Pathways Expand
Development programs, coaching education, and provincial representative teams strengthen the pathway from grassroots rugby to national opportunities.
Present Day – A Growing Rugby Community
Today, Rugby Manitoba supports clubs, schools, referees, coaches, and thousands of players across the province. Competitions, development programs, and community partnerships continue to grow the game and strengthen Manitoba’s rugby culture.
