MENS TEAM

Robert Barbieri, a Toronto native, was raised in the city and played for the Vaughan Yeomen Rugby Club. While representing Canada U-19, he was noticed by Italian selectors. In 2003, he moved to Overmach Parma alongside his older brother, Mike. Robert chose to represent Italy and quickly joined the national U-21 squad. He made his test debut in June 2006 against Japan. In 2007, he transferred from Parma to Treviso, where he played for Benetton for the majority of his career, except for one season in the English Premiership with Leicester Tigers in 2014-15.

Barbieri earned 43 caps for Italy, including 14 in the Six Nations, and was part of the 2011 World Cup squad after missing the 2007 tournament due to injury. He faced Canada just once in a test match, a 25-16 win at BMO Field in his hometown of Toronto in June 2012. His final test match appearance came against Scotland in June 2017.

After a distinguished 16-year professional rugby career, Robert now focuses on passing on the expertise and skills he gained to other athletes. With a deep understanding of high-level performance, his training programs are grounded in real-world experience, not theory. Robert has experience coaching at both the men’s and collegiate level (Sheridan College 2022-2023) and is currently the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Everest Academy.

Ryan Turnbull has been a dedicated member of the club since 2002, starting his journey as a player before transitioning into coaching in 2015. Over the years, Ryan has coached at various levels, coaching U-16, U-18, and men’s collegiate teams.

In 2019, he began coaching the Yeomen Men’s Rugby Team. From 2018 to 2023, Ryan also served as the backs coach for the Sheridan Men’s College Rugby Team, where he was instrumental in shaping the team’s tactical approach and player development.

With more than a decade of experience, Ryan continues to teach and lead players, fostering growth and passion for rugby both on and off the field.