Toronto City Rugby Club serves as the junior development program for both the Toronto Saracens and Toronto Scottish, with roots dating back to 2006. The initiative began when the DiNardo family organized youth rugby in North York, laying the foundation for what would become a collaborative effort between two of Toronto’s most established rugby clubs.

By 2007, the Saracens had launched U10 and U12 teams with the support of Chris Rideout, while Dave “Tiger” Williams led the formation of a U10 side for the Scottish. Facing challenges in fielding full squads independently, Dave and Barb DiNardo united their efforts, combining players for local festivals and creating opportunities for youth participation across club lines.

As the program evolved, new age groups were introduced and numbers steadily increased. However, tensions occasionally emerged as young players were reluctant to wear the jerseys of the “other” club. To foster unity, Dave and Barb introduced neutral blue jerseys bearing both “Saracens” and “Scottish” on the front, symbolizing cooperation and mutual respect.

Determined to build a program that welcomed all youth without club affiliation barriers, Dave and Barb officially established Toronto City Rugby Club as a city-wide junior rugby initiative committed to inclusion and development. The club’s founding philosophy was simple: prioritize playing opportunities for all children, regardless of club allegiance. In 2017, the club expanded with the launch of the girls’ program, the Toronto City Amazons, led by Lara Morgan, Shannon Quesnelle, Damein Benedict, and Robbie Burns. From humble beginnings with just 10 players, the club has since grown to over 300 athletes aged 6 to 18.

Toronto City’s by-laws formalize its role as the joint junior program for both the Toronto Saracens and Toronto Scottish. Dedicated volunteer administrators, coaches, and managers continue to work together to deliver quality programming and foster a passion for rugby in youth across the city.

Notable alumni who began their rugby journeys with Toronto City and have gone on to represent Canada at various levels include Riley and Morgan DiNardo, Kiki Idowu, James and Stephen Webb, Jack Bryan, Reese Morgan, Victoria Stanley, and Adam Doane.

Through ongoing collaboration between the three clubs, Toronto City remains a cornerstone of youth rugby in Toronto, committed to community, development, and the growth of the sport.