In a true demonstration that rugby is for everyone, 12 members of the Jax inclusive rugby program took to the field at TD Place during half time at the Canada vs Scotland men’s match on July 6 to demonstrate their skills in front of 11,400 fans.

The program, which now includes over 180 intellectually and physically challenged youth and their able-bodied “enablers”, was borne out of a program started by Orléans teacher LeeAnn Napiorkowski at St. Peter High School in 2017 for intellectually and physically challenged students at the school.

That same year, she organized a jamboree for intellectually and physically challenged youth not knowing how many kids would show up.

She was pleasantly surprised when 85 kids showed up with the support of their parents.

There is no tackling in the program. Instead, play is similar to that of touch football. They do have line-outs and scrums, however.

A key aspect of the program, is the inclusion of able-bodied players who act as mentors to the youngsters.

After an extended period of inactivity during the COVID pandemic, the program was restarted in 2022 with another jamboree which was equally successful as the first. From there was formed the Canadian Jax United Rugby Football Club which operates during the winter and summer seasons.

During winter up to 12 youth practice and play every week with 15 able-bodied players/mentors.

The club’s goal is to provide rugby programming to anyone in Eastern Ontario regardless of experience or abilities.

The result is proof positive that physical and intellectual disabilities are not a barrier to playing rugby.

The program helps develop the players social skills, builds self-esteem and provides a means for kids and parents to build lasting friendships.

For Napiorkowski, a former rugby player and long-time coach at St. Peter High School, the program has given her nothing but pure joy.

“It ignores the politics and shenanigans the sometimes gets in the way of the game and brings you back to why we get into the sport in the first place,” says Napiorkowski.

For more information about programming and registration interested individuals can contact canadianjaxrfc@gmail.com, or visit their website at jaxrugby.ca.