The Fergus Highland Rugby Club officially began in 1991 by a small group of rugby enthusiasts and 35 years later in 2026 the club lives on.
The Highland Rugby members are a diverse and inclusive group who share a united passion for the sport.
Joe Bowley has been a club member for about 20 years now and also served as Highland Rugby’s president for around 10 years.
Bowley said part of the club’s established success is because of the community that has been built around rugby and the clubhouse at Victoria Park in Fergus.
Up until 2003 the clubhouse was derelict, but thanks to Trillium grants paired with some hard work, it’s now the home of the Highland organization | Mik Horvath
Bowley immigrated to Canada 20 years ago with his family from England where rugby is an established sport across the Isles.
He has been involved with rugby since he was nine years old and the Fergus Highland Rugby Club provided a familiar and welcoming environment.
Their main venue is Victoria Park, which is located by Hwy. 6 and Albert Street West, and the space is maintained in partnership with Centre Wellington Township.
Bowley, alongside other members including executives, enjoy advocating for an activity which has a tangible impact on a person’s wellbeing.
Over the years the club has received thankful letters from parents who’s kids have started a new, positive direction in life thanks to Fergus Highland Rugby.
Bowley said self-improvement can be discovered in any physical sport and the club is simply happy to provide one of those avenues.
Local interest in rugby has been growing as an alternative sport which Bowley said benefits many; families get the opportunity to participate in local sports in an inclusive environment and it helps to ease the extra-curricular demand in regional school boards.
Rugby youth from all over Southern Ontario, not just Wellington County, flock to Fergus to utilize the services Highland Rugby provides.
Bowley believes Highland Rugby is in a good position now and has room for more growth.
Junior Girls team; Bowley said there has been a growing demand for more women’s teams within the club | Mik Horvath
To celebrate 35 years of success Fergus Highland Rugby is hosting a banquet on Saturday, June 20.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 7 p.m., dress code is semi-formal, all are welcome and the menu features roast pork, chicken, potatoes, onions, veggies and dessert afterwards.
