In the fall of 1995 after the Saskatoon Wild Oats Rugby Club (founded 1974
captured the Saskatchewan Division I Provincial Championship, Wild Oat founding
member Dale Matthews said it was time to expand the North Saskatchewan Rugby
Union by forming a new club. Long time Wild Oat captain Rob Belyk told
Dale he had his support. The Wild Oats were a very good side with many
players on the sidelines hopeful to play for the 1st Division
team. They deserved the opportunity to play a higher level, it would
become the focus of Dale and Rob. It would be these young players that
were not on the 1st team that were asked if they would like the
opportunity to play for a new club. The Wild Oats sacrificed lots for the
future of rugby in Saskatoon, they surely had several more championship
years to come; their contribution of dividing into two separate clubs has
generated parity, a competitive union and the opportunity for many more
rugby enthusiasts to play.
The New Club
In the Winter of 1996, Wes Fitsimmons, Murray Hunter, Graham Matheos, Scott
Butcher, Dan Patenaude, Rob Belyk and Dale Matthews had the 1st
official club meeting. On the agenda was to name the club, decide on club
colors, produce a mission, plan a tour, and recruit players because our club
was new.
Junior Club - St. Joseph's Highschool
This spring, the Badgers Rugby Club started a junior highschool team. Badgers
representatives were positively greeted by the staff and successfully signed up
46 students during the initial signup day. This spring and summer look like a
good and promissing building year for the Badgers team.