In just over a year, the Aurora Wolves rugby program has grown into a force to be reckoned with, bringing northern athletes together and giving them a competitive stage. This year, the program sent three teams to compete in the Vancouver Sevens tournament, demonstrating the rapid development of rugby in the region.
"We took three teams down for a total of 43 athletes," said Katie Gordon, the organizer of the Aurora Wolves program. "That included a U16 girls team, a U18 boys team, and a U16 boys team. The really exciting part was that our U18 boys team was made up entirely of northern athletes, primarily from Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Prince George, and Terrace."
This marks a significant milestone for the program, which initially needed support from other regions to fill its roster in its first year. Now, with 35 of the 43 players hailing from northern communities, the program is showing remarkable growth.
Competitive performance and coaching support
The teams competed fiercely in Vancouver, placing fifth, seventh, and eighth in their respective divisions. Some games even ended in ties, proving that the northern teams are closing the competitive gap with well-established programs.
The coaching team played a vital role in the program’s success, with Braden McCallum (Williams Lake Rustlers) and Liz Harmon (1697s, Prince George) leading the U18 boys, Brian McNamara and Adam Gordon (1697s) coaching the U16 boys, and Katie Gordon herself coaching the U16 girls alongside Devyn Parker.
Overcoming geographic challenges
One of the biggest challenges faced by northern rugby athletes is distance. In the past, players had to try out for the Thompson-Okanagan Rugby Association (TORA) team, which required extensive travel for short tryouts and practices. Recognizing the need for a regional team, Katie and her team have worked hard to centralize ID camps in locations such as Williams Lake, Prince George, and Fort St. John.
"The goal is to provide more equity in the north," Katie explained. "We want to unite our clubs and give kids who are passionate about rugby a chance to compete at higher levels. It also helps them get noticed by Team BC for further development."
Expanding opportunities and community growth
While the Vancouver Sevens tournament was a major highlight, the program’s calendar is packed with more rugby action. Aurora Wolves will take a short break from March to May while high school teams compete, before ramping up again with regional competitions in June.
"We’ll have tryouts in June, then compete with Kootenay and Okanagan regions to represent at the provincials in July," Katie noted. "We’re also hosting the Prince George Sevens tournament in July, which will be a massive community event with divisions for all ages, from mini-programs for ages five to 12 to adult and old boys divisions."
The Wolves are also proud to have some of their athletes competing internationally. Several players will head to Florida in April, a testament to the growing recognition of northern talent.
Building for the future
Despite the program’s success, challenges remain. Field time is a constant battle, as northern teams compete against regions with more established rugby infrastructure. Travel remains a hurdle, with some athletes commuting vast distances for training and games. However, the Wolves have found support in local communities.
"Quesnel opened up their indoor soccer facility for our training camp, which was a game-changer," Katie said. "Prince George and Fort St. John also have great indoor facilities. But the reality is, we need to grow the sport in the north so that we can play each other more often and reduce the need for long-distance travel."
The Aurora Wolves are actively working on solutions, including a grant initiative aimed at bringing rugby equipment and coaching resources to remote communities.
"We’re offering to train local volunteers and provide equipment to help them start their own youth programs," Katie shared. "The more we can develop local teams, the stronger rugby in the north will become."
Standout athletes and recognition
The tournament saw several players shine on the field. Logan Aird and Amadeus Isnardy from the U18 boys team in Williams Lake were standouts, while Chance Rutty from Terrace showed immense dedication by attending every training opportunity despite the long travel distances. Ezra Harmon from Prince George impressed coaches with his gameplay and strategic acumen. Two young players, Loic Gordon and Clara Campbell, recently gained admission to the Canadian Sports School in Prince George, highlighting their potential for future success. Additionally, Joel Kuyek from 100 Mile House has been recruited by UBC Rugby and BC Bears, marking another significant milestone for northern athletes.
Looking ahead
With high school season approaching and major tournaments on the horizon, the Aurora Wolves are focused on building on their momentum. The program is dedicated to fostering rugby talent across the north and ensuring that young athletes have access to competitive pathways.
"If we can continue to grow the sport, provide opportunities, and build that sense of community, then we’ve done our job," Katie said. "It’s all about giving kids a chance to play and succeed." For those interested in getting involved or learning more, the Aurora Wolves encourage new players, parents, and volunteers to reach out and be a part of this exciting movement in northern rugby.
In just over a year, the Aurora Wolves rugby program has grown into a force to be reckoned with, bringing northern athletes together and giving them a competitive stage. This year, the program sent three teams to compete in the Vancouver Sevens tournament, demonstrating the rapid development of rugby in the region.
"We took three teams down for a total of 43 athletes," said Katie Gordon, the organizer of the Aurora Wolves program. "That included a U16 girls team, a U18 boys team, and a U16 boys team. The really exciting part was that our U18 boys team was made up entirely of northern athletes, primarily from Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Prince George, and Terrace."
This marks a significant milestone for the program, which initially needed support from other regions to fill its roster in its first year. Now, with 35 of the 43 players hailing from northern communities, the program is showing remarkable growth.
