ROWERS RUGBY

Registration is completed through the Rugby Canada online registration system. In addition to registering with Rugby Canada, all players must complete and submit the Vancouver Rowing Club Membership Form to the Club Office.

HOW TO REGISTER

1. Click the registration link to access the Rugby Canada Members Area.
2. Create an account or sign in to your existing account.
3. For Mini and Age Grade players, a parent or guardian must create the account and add the player as a family member.
4. Select the appropriate registration category:
   • Senior Full Year
   • Senior Half Year
   • Collegiate
   • U19
   • Mini (includes Mini and Grade 6 Mini programs)
   • Non-Member Coach
5. Confirm that the correct registration type is displayed and click Register.
6. Review the waiver and accept the terms and conditions.
7. Complete the registration form, including personal details, citizenship information, playing position, and volunteer preferences.
8. Enter your name to electronically sign the registration form.
9. Select the appropriate fee option and verify that the correct participant and annual registration have been selected. Your registration fees will appear in the invoice summary.
10. Complete payment by credit card through the secure online payment portal.
11. Once payment has been processed, a confirmation and invoice will be automatically generated.

NEED HELP?

If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact the Club Registrar or the  Club Office for assistance.

Academy players train and compete together in the BC U19 league during the fall season before being placed into senior men’s teams in the spring, based on their ability, development, and physical readiness. While players train with their assigned senior teams in the spring, they continue to receive specialized Academy training and support throughout the program term, which runs from September 1 to May 15.

To be considered for the Academy, players should demonstrate a passion for rugby, a competitive spirit, the physical attributes suited to the game, and a desire to reach their full potential both on and off the field.

PLAYER RECRUITMENT & SUPPORT

The VRC Rugby Academy takes an active approach to player recruitment, seeking out promising young athletes across British Columbia and Alberta. The program is designed for players who may not yet have had the opportunity to fully develop their abilities but who show the character, drive, and potential to succeed.

The Academy is free outside of regular club membership dues, which include access to club facilities. Academy members benefit from coaching, mentorship from current Premier-level players, strength and conditioning guidance, nutritional advice, and physiotherapy support.

The program also supports players beyond rugby. Athletes relocating to Vancouver may be assisted with affordable homestay arrangements, employment connections through the club’s network, and guidance on educational options, including college and university pathways.

OVERSEAS EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Each year, select Academy players may have the opportunity to represent the Rowing Club through an exchange with our sister club, Sunnybank RFC, in Brisbane, Australia. This exchange provides players with the chance to live, work, and play rugby in a highly competitive club environment while gaining valuable international experience.

ACADEMY HISTORY

Since its launch in 2008, the VRC Rugby Academy has helped develop young players and support their progression into senior rugby. The U19 Academy side has enjoyed strong results in BC competition, including:

• 2008 Mainland Finalists
• 2009 Mainland Semi-Finalists
• 2010 BC Champions
• 2011 Mainland Semi-Finalists

COACHING & DEVELOPMENT

Academy players are supported by experienced coaches, former elite players, and current members of the VRC rugby program. Through technical coaching, positional development, strength and conditioning, and mentorship, the Academy provides a strong foundation for players looking to grow within the sport.

For players ready to challenge themselves, develop their game, and become part of one of Vancouver’s most historic rugby clubs, the Rowers offer an environment built on tradition, opportunity, and community.

FUTURE ROWERS RUGBY PLAYERS

As one of North America's fastest growing sports, Mini Rugby provides an excellent opportunity for young girls and boys of every size and description to participate in a fun, inclusive activity.
 
The Rowing Club's Mini program is for ages 5-12 (Grades K to 6) and there is no skill or experience necessary to join. Many players who began in the program have gone on to represent Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada at various age grades.
 
Both girls and boys are welcome to come down and learn the game in an environment that stresses safety and fun over competition. The Rowing Club has run a successful, growing program for several years and is always looking for new players to join.
 
Practices for the 2015 - 2016 season begin in September and are ongoing throughout the season. Our first practice will be Sunday, September 6, 2015. Practices occur every Sunday morning from 10:00am to 11.00am at Brockton Oval in Stanley Park with the exception of Jamboree days. Jamborees are tournaments hosted by member clubs and occur every two to three weeks throughout the season. The season runs from September through April with a break from early December to late January.
 
The VRC Mini Rugby Section hosts Jamborees, a Christmas Party in early December and an end of season Barbecue and awards ceremony. Both the later are held at the Historic Vancouver Rowing Club at the entrance to Stanley Park in Vancouver. Dates for upcoming Jamborees and club events will be posted as soon as the schedules have been released.

For more information regarding Mini Rugby contact: [email protected]

On-line registration available click here.

For directions to Brockton Oval click here

In the autumn of 1908, VRC rowers seeking to keep fit during their off-season formed a rugby team. Since that fateful year, "The Rowers" have become synonymous with rugby in Vancouver.  Now, VRC rugby is entering an exciting stage of redevelopment as it prepares once again to ascend familiar heights. 

Our history is not only long; it is full of successes. In the past ten seasons alone the club has won numerous titles: six Vancouver league titles in various divisions; three Vancouver play-off championships; three overall club championships; four BC championships in men's rugby; four provincial championships in women's rugby and two U21 provincial men's championships.

Individual successes have been common as well. Most recently, The Rowers have produced a string of international players from our men's, women's and U-21 sides: Ian Stuart, Richard Bice, Ian Cooper, Chris Mitchaluk, Ian Kennedy, Andy Wilson, Ruth Hellerud-Brown, Heather Wilson, Scott Harnden, Dawn Williams, Brad Martin, Rob Houston Mike Webb and Stirling Richmond just to name a few.

While maintaining a high standard of domestic play the club has also ventured abroad to enjoy foreign competition. Over the past twenty years, the scarlet and white hoops of The Rowers have toured the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Philippines, France, Scotland, England and Wales. Each year we host touring teams from all over the world and many of them have decades of touring history with the Rowing Club.

The many hundreds of men and women who have worn the red and white have also gone on to make great contributions to our city. Rugby team members have fought in the two World Wars and the Korean Conflict. They have become captains of industry, local magistrates, famous politicians, philanthropists and pillars of the community in support of amateur sport.

Each year at our Captain's Dinner, we honor not only past captains of our victorious teams, we also acknowledge all those who have contributed, on the field or off, to our remarkable club history. 

ROWERS CLUB HOUSE

Located in beautiful Coal Harbour at the entrance to Stanley Park, the Vancouver Rowing Club clubhouse has been a landmark on Vancouver's waterfront since 1911. While the building has been thoughtfully upgraded and expanded over the years, it continues to retain its historic Tudor Craftsman character and unique atmosphere.

As a shared home for the Club's rowing, rugby, field hockey, and social members, the clubhouse serves as a gathering place where sport, community, and tradition come together. Members enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including a fully equipped weight room, comfortable social spaces, and stunning waterfront views.

The clubhouse features the iconic Carver Room, a licensed member space overlooking Coal Harbour, as well as the Harbour Room and Trophy Lounge, which can accommodate up to 250 guests for events and special occasions. Outside, our expansive oceanfront patio provides the perfect setting to relax, socialize, and enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Vancouver.

Whether you're training, attending a club event, or simply connecting with fellow members, the Vancouver Rowing Club clubhouse offers a welcoming environment that has been at the heart of the Club for more than a century.


ROWERS HOME PITCH

Our home pitch is the historic Brockton Oval, reputed to be one of the top ten pitches in the world because of its scenery and location. Located at the east end of Stanley Park, it boasts a spectacular view of the inner harbour and the north-shore mountains.

Over the last one hundred years, Brockton has played host to numerous national and provincial squads in its dual role as  an international venue. Canada, the All-Blacks, British Lions, Wallabies, Wales, Scotland and England have all played on our hallowed ground in years gone by.

The strength and success of the Vancouver Rowing Club Rugby Section is built on the dedication of its volunteers. From organizing teams and events to supporting players, maintaining facilities, and preserving the club's proud traditions, countless individuals contribute their time and energy throughout the year to ensure the Rowers continue to thrive both on and off the field.

Led by a committed Executive Committee and supported by coaches, team managers, volunteers, and members, the Rugby Section remains a welcoming and community-focused organization. Their leadership and service help create an environment where players of all ages and abilities can develop their skills, build lasting friendships, and enjoy the game of rugby.

2024/25 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Justin Parlato - Chairman / President
Robynne Shannon - Woman's Representative
Scott McTavish  - Men's Representative
Ian Prendiville - Senior Mens Coach
Christopher Seyler - Member at Large, Youth and Minis Program Director, Senior Women's Head Coach   
Eddie Quinn - VRC Board Section Director, Director of Social Events 
Rory Sanderson - Treasurer
Rhiannon Owen - Secretary

After more than a century of rugby in Vancouver the Rowers have seen an extensive list of players at all levels of rugby play at the club.

Our Alumni are have always been an integral part of the continuation and success of the Rowers by providing financial support, assisting with job placement and volunteer work on the Rowers Executive committee and other jobs.

VOLUNTEER WORK

If you would like to give back to the club by volunteering for jobs we always welcome a helping hand. We have a number of positions available including the Executive committee, fund raising and game day preparations.

Contact Robert Flood for more information by email.

CONTACT YOUR OLD TEAMMATES

If you are interested in getting in touch with your old rugby buddies contact Robert Flood by email.

What do I get for paying club dues?

If playing for one of the best rugby clubs in the world is not enough, you also get:

• Access to all facilities at the Vancouver Rowing Club (our clubhouse) including our recently upgraded gym
• Your VRC membership dues are included
• You are registered with Rugby Canada as an active player
• You are insured against injuries by Rugby Canada

Why do I need to be registered / Insured?

Playing rugby in Canada is strictly governed by Rugby Canada. All players who wish to play rugby in Canada, even players from other countries will not be insured against injuries unless they are registered with Rugby Canada.

The Rowers facilitate this registration process by having you to pay your dues and completing a Rugby Canada registration form which gives you insurance coverage.

What if I join the club half way through the season?

You will not be expected to pay the full years membership. The section will work out the pro-rated fees for you.

Where do I find the game schedules?

Click here for BCRU schedules