Free youth rugby event will take place in Meadow Lake on Feb 1. (Image Credit: ID 5169973 © Ruslan Kokarev | Dreamstime.com)

By Alyssa Rudolph

LOCAL SPORTS

‘It’s all about having fun’: Meadow Lake youth invited to free try rugby event

Jan 27, 2026 | 1:03 PM

A free rugby event in Meadow Lake aims to introduce youth to the sport’s fundamentals.

During the event on Feb. 1, athletes will participate in activities to help learn about the sport, receive information about the upcoming rugby season, and enjoy a pizza party.  

Rufas Crawford, a rugby coach in the community, said the event was made possible due to a grant received from Rugby Canada. 

“It’s all about getting rugby back into schools. Bringing it into the school, into the gym classes, getting people excited about it, and then offering all the schools to come together for an event,” he said. 

Any youth between the ages of 10 and 18 can participate with no experience required. Athletes will be split into appropriate age groups then will be assigned to different stations with engaging activities.  

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“It’s just about having a fun event. It won’t get too competitive, it won’t get too in depth, it won’t build up too much of a sweat,” Crawford said.  

After the activities, there will be an information portion where participants can enjoy pizza and learn more about the upcoming season. 

“Hopefully where we can have the parents involved, and they can ask any questions, and we’ll talk about our upcoming season. It’s just a chance for parents to ask questions altogether,” Crawford said.  

The long-time rugby coach is encouraging youth to attend the event to experience the sport’s unique culture of respect compared to others.  

“The referees are sir or ma’am, and it’s, ‘excuse me, sir, excuse me, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am’. There’s a type of brotherhood in rugby that you don’t see in any other sports. I think rugby has that little bit of extra benefits and so that’s what I like to promote at these things as well,” he said. 

Athletes should show up to the Co-op Centre for 12 p.m. with clean indoor shoes, a water bottle, and gym clothes. 

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com