Hall Of Fame

Scott Bullock: was a standout player for the Barbarians during the club’s peak years in the early 1980s, when the team was ranked among the best in Ontario. Known for his skill, toughness, and consistency, Scott led by example throughout nearly two decades on the pitch, serving as First Team Captain for an impressive seven years.His leadership didn’t stop when the final whistle blew. Off the field, Scott has remained a passionate ambassador for the club, guiding the alumni community with the same dedication he brought to every game. His efforts in organizing and energizing the Black Sheep have been instrumental in maintaining the strong social fabric that makes the Barbarians one of the great rugby clubs in Canada.

Ian Dainty: a dedicated club leader and lifelong supporter of the game, as we welcome the Class of 2025 inductees. Ian joined the club in 1968, coming from the University of Toronto’s Phys. Ed. program. He quickly made his mark as a standout player, holding the position of 1st Team centre for several years. In 1974, his leadership on the field was recognized when he was elected Club Captain. As his career evolved, Ian continued to serve the club off the field. He was Club President for three years and played a key role in organizing the Black Sheep Rugby Team, coordinating games, referees, and player involvement with precision and care. Beyond our club, Ian’s influence extended across the province. As a board member of the Ontario Rugby Union, he was instrumental in restructuring the senior league format, helping to shape the future of competitive rugby in Ontario.
Jack Heald: is the epitome of the traditional rugby player, having played for 10 different clubs across 9 countries, beginning in England and culminating with the Aurora Barbarians. His international experience brought depth, passion, and a worldly understanding of the game to every team he joined. Jack’s connection to our current club began in 1995 with York County. He continued to contribute on and off the field, playing his final game for the Aurora Barbarians in 2002 at the remarkable age of 61. His commitment didn’t end with playing. Jack coached with York County and Aurora, finishing his coaching journey with the U16 Aurora Barbarians, helping to shape the next generation. In leadership, Jack made just as strong an impact. He served as the final president of the Aurora Rugby Club and became one of two co-presidents of the newly formed Aurora Barbarians following the merger, ensuring a smooth and unified beginning for the club as we know it today
Dino Manoukas: journey with the Toronto Barbarians began in his teenage years, where he quickly became a standout player and a beloved presence on the field. But his impact extends far beyond his playing days. Dino has been a pillar of support for the club, serving as a coach, mentor, and friend to countless players. As a trained Athletic Therapist, Dino provided expert care at nearly every practice and game, always there to help players recover and stay at their best. His selfless commitment and generosity have made him an irreplaceable part of our Barbarians family.
Laura Libby: began her journey with the club in 1995 as the athletic therapist for the York County Rugby Club. She remained a vital presence through its evolution into the Aurora Rugby Club and later into the Aurora Barbarians RFC following the 2002 merger. After 18 years of unwavering service, she retired from active participation in 2013, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, professionalism, and community spirit. Always on the sidelines, whether at juniors’, men’s, or women’s games, Laura provided expert care to anyone who needed it. Many players received treatment at her clinic, often for free or at significantly reduced rates, because Laura prioritized their recovery and well-being above all else. Her generosity and quiet strength made her a trusted figure within the club. Laura’s impact extended beyond the local level. She brought her expertise to both Provincial and National teams as an athletic therapist, demonstrating excellence in her field while always staying grounded in her support for grassroots rugby.

Sarah Stern: joined the Toronto Barbarians in 1997 after playing rugby at Mount Allison University. She quickly became a driving force in organizing and strengthening the women’s program, both on the field as a player and off the field as a leader. From 2003 to 2007, Sarah served as Women’s Director, guiding the women’s side of the club through some of its most important years. When the merger with Aurora took place, she played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and united transition for players from both organizations into what would become the Aurora Barbarians. Her work behind the scenes helped build a stronger, more inclusive club and opened doors for future generations of women rugby players.

Robert “Bob” Lackey was the earliest promoter and coach of the Barbarians’ junior program, coaching a U-19 team to an Ontario club championship. He was a regular first team selection and recruited a number of long serving first team players in the 70s.

Roger Veale had a 10-year history as a first and second team player. He was team captain, junior coach, and president of the club. In 1972 he was a negotiator for the club in its acquisition of a partnership in Fletcher’s Fields.

Brian Lyall  was a founder of the Aurora Rugby Club and an inspirational force for building a rugby presence in our community. Active as an organizer and administrator, Brian was also the Club Coach from 1995 to 1999.

Barb DiNardo was instrumental in the establishment of the TBRFC women’s team and is a champion for the advancement of both women’s and minor rugby in Toronto.

Kemeel Franklin was a front row veteran for the ABRFC Women’s team for 25 years. A “best ever” teammate, social committee member, club advocate and Junior coach.

Leighton Chong was a Canada U-21 national team player with a 30-year playing commitment for Aurora Barbarians. Leighton served on the executive, finessed the role of Club Captain and excelled as the official photographer of the Barbs.

Brian D’Andrade
Bart Hennessy
Kenny Lee
George Tuck
Ivan Barron
 

Colin Baker – Colin was on the first wave of players from Victoria Park SS in the early 70s. At a young age he became committed to Rugby playing a key role on our Provincial Champion Colts Team in 1973. Colin has played for The Barbs every year since. He has served on the Club Committee in a number of roles over the years, as well as working for The TRU. He has been a tireless worker at Fletcher’s Fields for decades taking on every task and has represented us well.

Nat Bendavid – Nat has been the cornerstone of the women’s program for the past 15 years. He excellence on the pitch earned her positions with the National U-23, Canada 7s and Women’s 15s and made her a constant threat on the field with the Baabaas. Her dedication to the game and the club goes beyond just playing – she has been an incredible role model for young players and has actively coached the junior sides. Nat has also always pitched in to support the administrative side of running the club.

Drew Macpherson – Drew Macpherson joined the Toronto Barbarians for the 1990 1991 campaign brought over to the Barbs by Kevin Jones. The next year, 1992 Drew took over the role of player coach for the Toronto Barbarians and continued on as head coach through the clubs merger with Aurora in 2002. Drew continued as the Head coach of the aurora barbarians until 2008. Drew took the newly formed Aurora Barbarians men’s first team to an undefeated 14 -0 session in the Keenan division, ensuring promotion to the top level of Ontario rugby, the Marshall premier Division, unforeseen success would follow; Drew went on to lead the club to Premier Division titles in 2006, 2007 and 2008; Drew coached the senior men’s team to 2 appearances in the McCormick Cup finals winning the first cup for Aurora in 2007. Drew has brought is knowledge and love of the game to all levels of the rugby world; coaching U17 for Ontario, being an Ontario Selector and coaching with the extreme east Canada. Drew was always keen to lend a hand with the mini’s, juniors and women’s programs.

John Twomey – John was on the third wave of Victoria Park boys who brought talent, energy and commitment to The Club in the early eighties. Since then his work and Club loyalty have been highly visible. In the early 90’s when the Club struggled, John was one of the few who kept things running. He has filled every role as a team captain, Club captain, various executive positions and especially as our representative at Fletcher’s Fields. Up until last year, John was President of Fletcher’s Fields where he provided innovations and the upgrading of our facilities. John also provides vocal guidance to referees

John Brown

John is the “father” of rugby in York Region. John was a teacher at Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School and introduced rugby to the students there in 1970.  He went on to found the Aurora Yorks which later became the York County Rugby Club re-locating to Newmarket in the mid 70s. John supported the transition of the County Club to Aurora RFC and was inspirational at the school and club level until his retirement in 2000. John also served as President of Rugby Ontario from 1970 -72 and was inducted to the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 1999.

Marco Di Girolamo

Marco joined the club as a 16 year old and has been an elite player from his first appearance for the Barbarians in 1992.  He has made 23 appearances for Canada and Captained Canada’s international 7s team for two years.  He has never failed to play for the club when not seconded to national teams and has been the club’s MVP on five occasions. He has appeared in eight McCormick Cup finals winning on three occasions.

Tony Earl

Tony arrived from Bristol England after the War and soon gravitated to Rugby when it was in its fledgling stages. In 1950 three new Clubs were founded in Toronto and Tony soon was elected as Barbarians Captain, at a time when The Barbs were consistent Champions. Tony played regularly until he was 70. Over a 40 year span, Hundreds of young men played 3rd Team with this perennial Father figure. His son Richard was a top winger in the 80s. Tony would be 90 this year and is still missed.

Ian Macmillian

Ian led the second wave of Victoria Park imports in the mid-70s. He led our talented Colts team and was soon on the 1sts, a team he went on to Captain culminating in two Ontario Finals. Ian played for Ontario and went on to captain Canada. Over the last 30 years, Ian has been generous with his time providing coaching clinics at various schools with no discussion of a fee. Ian also initiated The Black Sheep Fund, which draws contributions from former players and supporters to help the costs of Junior Development for the Club.

Steve Marsland

Steve Marsland was the heart and soul of York County Rugby for several years. He seemed to be president, team captain, club whip and fundraiser all in one at a particularly challenging point in the club’s history. A good friend of Steve’s, James Green, was seriously injured in a collapsed scrum and latter died; morale in the club was low, as were the numbers, but Steve rallied the club in the mid 90’s and we steadily rose through the TRU divisions to become a dominant team. Steve’s constant support for York County was an inspiration and it held the club together through both good and bad times.

Nick Mitchell

Nick joined the Barbs in the 60’s as very active and skilled team member. He was Club Captain in 72-73 when he launched the first official Barbs Colts team which won an Ontario Championship. Colin Baker was a part of this championship team and many successful barbs have come through the “Colts ” since. Nick remained an active club supporter through the 80″ – 90s and from his teaching positions shepherded many successful Players to the Barbs. He has been a very visible presence in the Barbs organization the past 10 years with His leadership of the “Black Sheep Society” and infamous News “Bleat”. Through his hard work the Old Boys network has re-emerged and grown and now contributes substantially to the clubs financial and strategic success

John Reich

How much space do we have? John better known as JR has been a captain on field, Jr. coach to Ontario champs, club president forever, treasurer, financier, strategic thinker, equipment manager, tour organizer & moral compass to the club since his joining in the latter 1970’s.  In his 35 years, few Barbarians have not been positively affected by JR’s calming influence. If only he could kick with his left foot…

Nigel Toy

Nigel, a recent immigrant from New Zealand, joined us in 1968 and soon became a key player and later Captain where he showed remarkable leadership. He also played for Ontario “A” in the early 70s. Nigel introduced Rugby to North York and specifically Victoria Park SS which became a powerhouse in Ontario Rugby. 51 VP Alumni and 3 Teachers played for the Barbs, many playing a big part in our early 80s success. Nigel was also a Director of The ORU where he promoted Junior Development. The N.R.L. Toy trophy, awarded each year to the most improved player, was founded in his honour on his return to New Zealand in the 80s.

Fran Mason

Fran Mason retired from Rugby Ontario in August 2015 after working their for 11 years. Fran has been instrumentalist over the years not only assisting our club in many different ways but in supporting our Ontario and Canada players who were representing our club at the provincially or national level. The ABRFC Board of Directors in 2015 voted unanimously to award Fran the first ever Honourary Barb award and presented her with a club sweater on Junior Cup Day on her last day of service for Rugby Ontario. While she retired from Rugby Ontario, Fran will still be apart of the game in another shape or form down the road. Thanks Fran for everything you have done.

Domenic Scuglia

Mr. Domenic Scuglia was the Principal of St.Max Kolbe CHS in Aurora from 2009 to 2016. St. Max of Kolbe CHS became the home of the Barbs and our clubs largest feeder school upon opening. Mr. Scuglia has provided support, advice and guidance to our club for a number of years and draws from his experience of over 40 years of rugby in Ontario. He was the past president and Board of Directors for Rugby Ontario and a long-time club member of the Yeomen RFC. The ABRFC Board of Directors in 2016 voted unanimously to award Dom the second ever Honorary Barb award and presented him with a club jacket and long sleeve during a final meeting on May 16, 2016. While Mr. Scuglia leaves St. Max and moves to Regina, he will always be a part of our club. His son, Andrew has played for our Senior Men for a number of years and we look forward to seeing him at the games and around the park.

Nadia Popov (Future Hall of Fame)

During our 2019 Hall of Fame Dinner the club presented Nadia Popov with an award of distinction for her storied rugby club. Nadia began joined the club as a student at Sacred Hart CHS (Newmarket) as a under 16. She quickly raised through the ranks within the club and Ontario playing on virtual every team available to her. She attend Queens University and as became a staple on the Womens 1st XV helping capture our first OWL cup. During her studies at Queens, Nadia was offered a 7s card and moved to Victoria to train full time with the National Senior Women Sevens program. She would travel the HSBC circuit and won gold in 2015 in front of the home club at BMO Field. 

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