Kingston Panthers host largest rugby tournament in the city

The Kingston Panthers Rugby Football Club (KPRFC) held its annual Club Day festivities this past weekend, bringing rugby players from across Ontario and Quebec together in the city’s east end.

The events took place at Lasalle Secondary School and Grenadier Park fields on Saturday, Jul. 6 and Sunday, Jul. 7, 2019. While the club has hosted a one-day event in previous years, this year the Panthers hosted games across six different pitches over the course of two full days. Organized by the KPRFC, the event is the largest annual Rugby tournament in the city.

The weekend saw approximately 150 participants in the Flag Rugby Festival for U7/U9s and U11 Contact Rugby as well as over 2,500 players and spectators in attendance. In total, 12 U13 teams from across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, Junior Men’s and Women’s teams from U15 to U19, and both Senior, Men’s and Women’s, and Masters events were hosted over the weekend.

Many junior athletes from KPRFC were selected to play for the Eastern Ontario, Ontario, and Canadian teams.

“I’ve loved my time and friendships while playing for Kingston,” KPFRC player Todd McIntee said. “In my 30 years involved in this sport, I have made lifelong friendships and experiences that helped shape me into who I am today.”

Indeed, many of those with KPFRC expressed how important rugby and KPFRC are to them, even saying that “Kingston is a rugby city!”

“I can’t imagine our family without rugby in it,” said KPFRC player Patricia MacDonald.

For more information, follow the KPRFC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or visit their website at kingstonpanthersrugby.com.