OSHAWA, Ont. - Durham College women's rugby has added a new force to its forward pack. Hayden Kealey, a prop and flanker from Ajax, has signed with the Lords and will join the team for the upcoming season.
Kealey arrives after a standout high school career and club success with the Oshawa Vikings. She brings grit, physicality and a winning mentality to a program that prides itself on toughness and teamwork.
"I've always loved playing rugby, and being able to play on one of the best teams is so fulfilling," Kealey said.
Kealey's rugby résumé already includes several milestones. With Ajax High School, she helped secure the 2024 Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletics (LOSSA) championship, the first in school history, and earned team MVP honours in both 2024 and 2025. With the Oshawa Vikings, she was part of the U18 division champions in 2025.
Her proudest moment came when Ajax High School broke through for its first-ever LOSSA gold. That experience, she said, fueled her desire to chase bigger goals at the collegiate level.
Kealey chose Durham College for its competitive rugby culture and the opportunity to grow on and off the field. She will enter the Trade Fundamentals program in her first year before specializing in crane operating in her second year.
"Hayden is the type of player who fits perfectly with the culture we've built here at Durham. She plays a physical game, competes hard in every situation and has already experienced success at both the high school and club levels," said Head Coach Chris McKee. "We're excited to see her continue to develop in our environment and believe she has the potential to make a real impact on our program."
Joining the Lords, Kealey is eager to learn from veteran teammates and contribute wherever the team needs her most. Her work ethic and positive energy have already made an impression during offseason sessions.
The 2026 OCAA regular season begins on Saturday, September 19 in Belleville as the Lords take on the St. Lawrence Surge at 10:30 a.m. and the Fleming Phoenix at 12:15 p.m.
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