TORA Rugby
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TORA Vision & Purpose

Vision

To build a strong and united rugby community across the Thompson Okanagan where athletes are inspired to pursue excellence, leadership, and lifelong involvement in the game.

Purpose

  • Develop rugby athletes through quality coaching and competition.
  • Create regional pathways toward provincial opportunities.
  • Promote teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
  • Strengthen rugby participation across the region.
  • Support long-term athlete growth on and off the field.

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

  • 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 Junior Pathway

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

U15 Build-a-Bear Camps

Introductory provincial development camps focused on skill fundamentals, athletic development, and BC Bears standards.

U17 BC Bears

A high-performance provincial program introducing athletes to elite competition and interprovincial events.

U19 BC Bears

BC’s top junior athletes compete nationally before progressing toward university, academy, or national pathways.

Provincial Regional Championships

The primary selection event for U17 and U19 Bears where regions compete in a multi-day tournament.

What The Pathway Provides

  • High-performance coaching and sport science support.
  • Exposure to national-level competition.
  • A development model aligned with Rugby Canada standards.
  • Opportunities for national U18, U20, and academy selection.

The Development Ladder

Club / High School Rugby Players develop foundational skills within local clubs and schools.
TORA Regional Program Advanced coaching, identification, and competitive preparation.
Provincial Regional Championships Athletes compete against BC regions and are evaluated by selectors.
BC Bears Programs Provincial competition and access to elite development environments.
National & University Opportunities Rugby Canada pathways, varsity programs, and academies.

What Parents Should Know

  • The pathway is open and merit-based.
  • TORA is the Okanagan’s official route into BC Bears selection.
  • Athletes can access elite development without leaving the Okanagan.
  • Long-term athlete development is prioritized over early specialization.
  • Coaches collaborate to support athlete welfare and balance.

What Players Should Know

  • Every stage builds on the one before it.
  • Coachability and work ethic matter as much as talent.
  • The pathway supports growth at the right pace.
  • Representing TORA is a major achievement.
  • Provincial and national opportunities are realistic for committed athletes.

 

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