TORA Rugby
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Vision
To create a legacy of inclusivity and respect for TORA athletes to represent their best
abilities at all levels on and off the pitch.

Purpose
1. To grow and develop youth rugby in the Thompson Okanagan Region.
2. To undertake any other roles, functions, responsibilities or actions to best serve the
sport of rugby in the Thompson Okanagan Region.

 

What is considered the Thompson Okanagan?

The Thompson Okanagan is built of 6 primary areas: Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Merritt, Salmon Arm, Vernon

*Players from the Kootenays, Northern BC, Cariboo are also welcome!!

Age Grade Summary

We have boys and girls programs for U15, U17, and U19. 

Birth Year Age Grade 
2007 - 2008 U19
2009 - 2010 U17
2011 - 2012 U15

 

What Players Gain by being a part of TORA

  • Exposure to advanced coaching and positional development.
  • A competitive environment that mirrors provincial expectations.
  • A clear pathway toward provincial and national opportunities.
  • A sense of Okanagan identity and pride through regional representation.

BC Rugby’s Junior Pathway to the BC Bears (Provincial Development Program)

BC Rugby operates a structured, progressive pathway that takes athletes from regional competition to provincial representation with the BC Bears.

 

Key Components of the Provincial Pathway

U15 Build‑a‑Bear Camps Introductory provincial development camps focused on skill fundamentals, athletic development, and BC Bears standards.

Provincial Regional Championships (PRCs) The most important selection event for U17 and U19 Bears. Regional teams—including TORA—compete in a multi‑day tournament.

U17 BC Bears Program A performance‑focused program that introduces athletes to high‑level provincial rugby, including interprovincial competition such as the O’Neill’s Challenge Cup.

U19 BC Bears Program BC’s top junior athletes compete in the Canadian Rugby Championships and other elite events. This is the final step before university, academy, or national age‑grade pathways.

 

What the BC Bears Pathway Provides

  • High‑performance coaching and sport science support.
  • Exposure to national‑level competition.
  • A development environment aligned with Rugby Canada’s long‑term athlete development model.
  • Opportunities for selection to national U18, U20, and academy programs.

How the TORA and BC Bears Pathways Fit Together

TORA and BC Bears systems are intentionally aligned. TORA prepares Okanagan athletes for the PRCs, and the PRCs serve as the primary selection event for the BC Bears. This creates a transparent, merit‑based progression from club / high school rugby to provincial representation.

 

The Development Ladder

  1. Club / High School Rugby (Local) Players develop foundational skills and game understanding within their home clubs.
  2. TORA (Regional) Regional identification, advanced coaching, and competitive preparation.
  3. Provincial Regional Championships (Provincial Selection Event) TORA athletes compete against other BC regions; selectors identify top performers.
  4. BC Bears U15, U17, U19 (Provincial Teams) Provincial training, competition, and exposure to national pathways.
  5. National Age‑Grade & University/Academy Opportunities Rugby Canada U18/U20, university varsity programs, and high‑performance academies.

What Parents Should Know

  • The pathway is open and merit‑based—performance, attitude, and commitment drive selection.
  • The TORA program is the Okanagan’s official route into BC Bears selection.
  • Athletes do not need to leave the Okanagan to access high‑performance development.
  • The pathway emphasizes long‑term athlete development, not early specialization.
  • Coaches at each stage collaborate to support player growth, welfare, and balance with school and other sports.

What Players Should Know

  • Every stage builds on the one before it—focus on fundamentals and consistency.
  • Coaches value coachability, work ethic, and resilience as much as physical ability.
  • The pathway is designed to help you grow at the right pace, not rush you.
  • Representing TORA is a major achievement and a key step toward the Bears.
  • Provincial and national opportunities are realistic for committed Okanagan athletes.

 

Sponsors