Upright Rugby Canada: A Commitment to Long-Term Athlete Development

The Long-Term Rugby Development (LTRD) model, an adaptation of Sport Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, is the foundation of rugby growth in Ontario. This globally adopted, science-based approach is designed to support athletes through their natural stages of growth and development, ensuring their needs are met at every phase of their journey.

At Upright Rugby Canada, our Program Development Model embodies this philosophy with a focus on:

• Safety: Providing a secure environment that prioritizes player health and welfare within the sport of rugby.
• Enjoyment: Creating an enjoyable, player-centered environment that fosters learning and development.
• Personalization: Offering a tailored player development pathway that aligns with individual needs and aspirations.
• Lifelong Engagement: Promoting a lifelong love for rugby and the pursuit of physical activity.
• Best Practices: Employing methods that support optimal growth and development.

We recognize that every player’s journey is unique. While not everyone will aspire to represent the national team, all athletes have personal goals. Upright Rugby Canada is committed to helping each player achieve success by fostering an environment where they are more likely to reach their potential than in programs lacking this level of structure and focus.

Our programs embrace the “10,000 hours” principle of skill mastery, integrating it into:

• Player Development Programs: For athletes aged 14 to 18, these programs refine and elevate skills to the next level.
• High-Performance Camps: Designed for players aged 10 to 16, these camps build foundational skills and enjoyment of the game.

On average, Upright athletes gain 100 more hours of playing, training, and enjoying rugby annually compared to the typical Ontario player. Our facilities and carefully crafted programs ensure they are closer to achieving the optimal training hours required to master their skills.

At Upright Rugby Canada, development goes beyond just playing the game—it’s about building skilled, informed, and passionate players who enjoy rugby and are motivated to work hard to achieve their goals.

Young aspiring rugby players would likely want to participate in international tours and competitions for several reasons:

1. Skill Development: Playing against teams from different countries exposes players to diverse playing styles and tactics. It challenges them to adapt and improve their game, enhancing their overall skill set.
2. Experience and Exposure: International tournaments offer players the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a larger stage. Competing at this level can lead to recognition, both from scouts and within the rugby community.
3. Cultural Exchange: Traveling to different countries and interacting with players from diverse backgrounds helps young athletes broaden their perspectives, learning about new cultures and gaining international friendships.
4. Personal Growth: Being away from home, handling new situations, and overcoming challenges on and off the field can foster maturity, independence, and resilience. It’s a great way to build confidence and life skills.
5. Team Bonding: International competitions allow players to bond with teammates in a way that local matches may not. The shared experience of travel and competition can strengthen team dynamics and camaraderie.
6. Opportunities for Future Career: Success in international competitions often opens doors to further opportunities, such as invitations to elite training camps, higher-level competitions, or even professional trials.
7. Increased Motivation: Competing internationally can ignite a sense of purpose and inspire young players to push themselves further, both in their training and on the field.
8. Exposure to Higher Standards: Playing against some of the best young players worldwide can give individuals a sense of where they stand in comparison to others, and motivate them to work harder to reach the next level.

Overall, international tours and competitions can be a transformative experience that pushes young players to excel, personally and athletically.