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2024 Dinos Rugby Training Camp
August 26-30
if you are staying in student res you will need to apply for early entry
Why Choose Dinos Men's Rugby?
We believe that from an academic, rugby and cultural perspective, the University of Calgary and the Dinos Men's rugby program is first rate. Head Coach Nick Mcauley brings a wealth of experience having learned his trade in Scotland, represented senior provincial teams in his playing career, and has coached men's senior club rugby and age grade provincial rugby. He is supported by a coaching staff who have represented their city, province, and country in Canada's 15s and 7's programs.
Our program is focused on long-term player development. We want every player to leave our program as a multi-skilled athlete with a comprehensive understanding of the game, and ultimately, if you wish, to be able to use those skills and IQ to play at the highest level possible (City, Provincial, or National Team).
Program Overview
The Dinos Men's Rugby Program is a competitive club that participates in the Prairie University League consisting of Mount Royal University, University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, University of Regina, UBC Okanagan and University of Lethbridge. The program runs two squads (Black & Red) which allows for a strong focus on player development while also maintaining a high level of competition for more seasoned players.
The fall program is focused on 15's rugby in the Prairie University League which leads up to University Men's Rugby National Championships. In the winter the program participates in sevens tournaments in Red Deer, Moose Jaw, and BC against universities in western Canada while continuing to develop players within indoor training facilities.
A History of Championship Teams
Our program has a history of championship teams as the current prairies 15's and 7's champions.
We are ranked 8th in the country based on the 2023 Nationals held in Langley, BC.
University Prairie 15's Champions
2006 - 2023
University Prairie 7's Champions
2017 - 2022
Hindson Cup
Champions
2012, 2018, 2019, 2021
Typical Week as a Dino
We train three days a week on the rugby field with proper attention to skill development, and tactical and strategic game play. Our training schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. We place a large emphasis on strength and conditioning with a professional S&C coach on our staff. Strength and Conditioning sessions occur two to three days a week, typically on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Games occur over the weekend and some weekends will require in province or out of province travel for away games.
How We Train & Play
Our training sessions are executed with high intensity and we incorporate as much gameplay to simulate real game situations as much as possible. When we step on the field we switch on and focus on the task at hand, building towards the goal of a championship season. We work hard in the gym, and we work hard on the field. We play towards our strengths where we traditionally dominate the set piece and play wide attacking rugby.
Core Values and Culture
We pride ourselves on an inclusive and close-knit team culture that is built on four core values. It is through our core vales that we make decisions, choices, create habits, and demonstrate behavior as a championship team.
Commitment: Being dedicated to the cause of being a successful student-athlete. Pursuing excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Growth: Striving to improve as a rugby player, student, but most importantly as a person. We recognize that this is a critical time in your life and rugby will play a big part in your development and your university experience.
Brotherhood: We are a close-knit and inclusive team of brothers who look after and respect each other.
Fun: We set big goals for our players and teams but make sure that we enjoy the journey. Playing the game always has to be fun, first and foremost.
“The opportunity to play with Dinos Men’s Rugby team has been instrumental in my development as an athlete and as a person. The team culture is one of hard work, integrity, pride, winning, and honour to continue the Dinos legacy. A brotherhood has been built by the coaches and players, and is instilled in the rookies so they can carry the torch as they grow with the team. My Rugby career is the highlight of my University experience and I would not hesitate to recommend playing Dinos Rugby to any young athlete interested in the program.”
- Jack MacCready, 5th Year, Finance
Player Pathway
The Dinos Men's Rugby Program has many athletes that have gone on to represent their city, province and country. University rugby has been identified as a key pathway to representative honours and we work with our players to provide them opportunities to pursue their rugby goals at the next level.
University of Calgary
In 2016, the University of Calgary was ranked Canada’s No. 1, North America’s No. 1, and the World No. 12 University under 50 years old! It is located in one of the most vibrant, young and energetic cities in Canada, with an incredibly unique climate of all year round sunshine and winter snow against the wonderful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The UofC is composed of 14 faculties and more than 85 research institutes and centres, and has an annual enrollment of approximately 30,000 students.
Fast Facts
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Calgary is the #1 most livable city in North America
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Ranked in the top 250 universities worldwide (Times Higher Education World University Ranking, 2019)
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360 innovations and inventions since 2017
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18 Rhodes Scholars to date