Which sports played down under are active in Winnipeg and Manitoba? Here’s an update.
RUGBY – There are several active rugby clubs in Manitoba, including the Winnipeg Wasps Rugby Club and Assassins RFC. For a full list of teams and additional information about events and competitions, visit Rugby Manitoba.
Haka Rugby – Since 2022, Haka Rugby Global has brought their unique blend of Māori culture and rugby experience to Winnipeg. Targeted to boys and girls between the ages of 6-18, the annual three-day event is run by coaches who are ex-professional rugby players with the highest coaching qualifications in the game. Organising more than 85 camps around the world, the Winnipeg events are generally held in July of each year. Led by Troy Nathan, Regan Sue, and local ambassador Caleb Stick, coaches and organisers share their love of rugby and Māori culture. “We believe, through our professional experience and knowledge of rugby that we offer the perfect environment for players to LEARN, GROW and THRIVE within the sport. Through our experience of playing, both in New Zealand and Europe, we want to bring the best of New Zealand grassroots rugby to clubs around the globe while also teaching players about our Māori heritage.” For more information and to sign up for their next camp in your area, visit their website at Haka Rugby Global.
CRICKET – This sport is extremely active in Manitoba. There are currently three divisions and approximately 40 teams, and for many years, a number of DUCW members were part of the Taverners Cricket Club, including Rob Vernon, Pat McGrath, Sid Roberts, and Philip Munro-Smith. Games are played in several locations throughout Winnipeg, with the cricket pitch in Assiniboine Park currently undergoing a redesign and upgrade of the existing field. For more information, visit the Manitoba Cricket Association.
GOLF – This sport is particularly prevalent in Manitoba, and there is an abundance of courses in and around Winnipeg and beyond. The DUCW hold an annual event every August, and you are welcome to join us, or to find a location that suits you. For more information, visit Golf Manitoba.
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AFL – In 2017, the Winnipeg Bears Australian Football Club began as an amateur entity. Initiated by Ian Hilding and Allan Sharman, the Club organised regular training sessions and games, and social gatherings to watch, among other things, the AFL Grand Final screened live from Australia. Unfortunately, the Club is no more, but in their short span claimed several achievements. In July 2018, the Bears were invited to field a Division 2 team at the AFL Canada National Championships in Toronto in July 2018. And in August 2022, player and past-DUCW member Steve Setka was selected to play with the Northwind AFL Team in Canada’s pursuit of the crown in the 49th Parallel Cup against the US. For more about AFL in your area, visit AFL Canada.
NETBALL – Several efforts were made at various points to start up a netball club in Winnipeg, but there just weren’t enough players around to make that happen. For more about this sport in your area, visit Netball Canada.