Summer/Fall 2014 RugbyCA Magazine by RUGBYca

CONTENTs IN THIS ISSUE

summer/fall 2014 issue 05

the features

18 19

CanaDa VS JaPan

Canada struggles in 2014 Pacific nations Cup. BY DOUG CROSSE

CanaDa VS SCotlanD it came down to the wire!

BY DOUG CROSSE

Cover ruGBy 20WomEn’S WorlD CuP

Canada’s womens 15s team had their best result ever at the Rugby World Cup in France. BY BRYAN KELLY

SiStEr aCtS

Kelly and laura Russell are sisters that play on the senior Women’s national Team together. Do they get along?

BY MARK JANZEN

32 34 36

inSiDE thE linES

RUGBYca talks to Francois Ratier.

BY MARK JANZEN

Do you haVE thE FEVEr? Rugby World Cup 2015.

CommonWEalth GamES

Canada hoped to be a medal contendor but fell short. BY MARK JANZEN

39 42

EQuiPmEnt

under armour To Deliver Cuttingedge innovation to Rugby Canada.

national WomEn’S lEaGuE storm takes the 2014 title

BY DOUG CROSSE

Cover story

the insiders

4 FREEZE FRAME

The best rugby images from the past months.

10 MESSAGE FROM RUGBY CANADA & THE EDITOR 12 THE ENGINE ROOM not all rugby news happens on the pitch.

14 SOCIALLY SPEAKING

Who is sayin’ what on the web and the twitterverse.

16 PREVIEW

langford hosts americas Rugby Championship for a third year. BY BRYAN KELLY

33 VIEWPOINT

success of Pacific nations Cup match in Burnaby is a sign of things to come in BC’s lower mainland. BY SHAHEED DEVJI IN VANCOUVER

44 FUNDRAISING

PARTNERS IN THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

support your rugby community.

46 THE LAST WORD

Gareth Rees talks about “Great Canadian moments”. They just don’t happen.

COVER: maGali HaRVeY aT THe WOmen’s RuGBY WORlD CuP in PaRis FRanCe. 3

fREEZE fRaME

presented by

fiNdiNg dAyLight John moonlight found a gap in the Japanese defense scoring a try in the second half in Burnaby.

Photo

Lorne Collicutt 4

fREEZE fRaME

presented by

FOCUS! Canadian scrum-half stephanie Bernier knows where the next pass is going.

Photo

Ian Muir 6

fREEZE fRaME

presented by

PHYSICS EXPERIMENT Ontario Blues second row Hank mcQueen has to work hard for a try as the Rock’s Ben Harris does his best to hold him up.

Photo

José Lagman 8

fIRsT WORDs SUMMER/ FALL 2014 NUMBER 05

message from the Ceo

Success doesn’t happen overnight

Publisher Rugby Canada

Editor Doug Crosse Design & Layout PIX

Ian Muir Bryan Kelly JAG

Contributing Writers Jeff Hull Ian Kennedy Mark Janzen Doug Crosse

Al Charron Penny Kroll Bryan Kelly

It has been extremely impressive to watch the rise of the women’s game in this country in recent years. A 7s World Cup Final in 2013 in Russia and a second place finish, and then our women’s team finishing 2nd in Paris at the 15s Women’s World Cup. To head up an organization that has risen to the top of the world rankings validates all the hard work by the players, coaching staff and high performance staff in our Langford Centre of Excellence. Our recent news that Canada would host an IRB Women’s Sevens Series event in Langford in 2015 continues to show how well Rugby Canada is received by the International Rugby Board. This kind of success does not occur over night. I think back to the years of development planning, applications and proposals to Own the Podium and our other Government partners. It all leads to the success Canadians have seen and enjoyed this past summer in France. To all the ladies on our women’s Rugby World Cup team an extreme heartfelt congratulations for all the success you have created and enjoyed. To Francois

Advertising Sales Mike Thorne 30 East Beaver Creek Unit 110, Richmond Hill, ON (905) 707-8998 x 231 mthorne@rugbycanada.ca Printer Transcontinental RUGBYca magazine is home-delivered to member households (1 per household) three times a year (May, August, October). Delivery addresses are based on the registration information submitted to Rugby Canada. Rugby Canada Provincial Unions are strongly encouraged to provide all Union Executive Member and program participants’ current mailing information in order to receive the subscription. Any address changes should be notified to both the local rugby union and Rugby Canada through the registration system.

RC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAT ALDOUS KEITH GILLAM GORDON SNEDDON JAY JOHNSTON TROY MYERS LARRY JONES DOUG CAMPBELL TIM POWERS JAMIE LOCKWOOD PEARSE HIGGINS KATHY HENDERSON JOHN SEAMAN BRIAN BURKE CHRIS LE FEVRE DAWN DAUPHINEE MARK LAWSON RICK POWERS ARABA CHINTOH RICK BOURNE CHRIS LEFEVRE

Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Female Athlete Rep. Male Athlete Rep. COC Representative Acting Female Athlete Rep. Past Chairman/NACRA Rep. IRB Council Rep

CANADA POST CORPORATION agreement no. 42619013 10

Enjoy this issue of RUGBYca that celebrates the best our women’s team has ever done and remember to tell your friends about RUGBYca magazine!

graham broWn Rugby Canada CEO

message from the editor

Dear RUGBYca Readers, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” This phrase borrowed by John F. Kennedy from the New England Council, is an apt saying for Canada’s success at the Women’s World Cup in France. Canada making its first trip to a World Cup final caught the Canadian media off guard and had many outlets scrambling to pay attention to the story that had been pumped to them for three weeks prior. The net effect is the sport was showcased via TSN to millions of Canadians and the travails and success of Magali Harvey and her Canadian teammates has created a new fan base for the sport, men or women, as we head towards the 2015 Pan Am Games and the 2016 Olympics. Many thanks this issue to the tireless efforts of our man on the ground Bryan Kelly for all the written content from France. And certainly a huge congratulations to the

JAG

RUGBYca magazine is published three times a year by the Rugby Canada , 30 East Beaver Creek, Unit 110, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 1J2. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, in whole or in part, by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Manuscripts, artwork and photographs are submitted at the sender’s risk. All materials submitted will remain property of Rugby Canada. Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of this magazine, Rugby Canada or its sponsors. No article herein shall constitute endorsement by this magazine or the persons and organizations associated with it. RUGBYca magazine will not knowingly accept fraudulent or misleading advertising. Subscriptions are available at a cost of $13.95 per annum, payable to Rugby Canada care of RUGBYca magazine. All Rugby Canada and Rugby Canada member union logos and marks depicted in this magazine are the property of the Rugby Canada and their respective member unions and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Rugby Canada Marketing Committee. PRINTED IN CANADA.

Ratier, Gary Dukelow and Collette MacAuley and the rest of the coaches and staff, job well done and we look forward to the next four years as we build off of what has happened in 2014.

JAG

Photography José Lagman Al Milligan Ron Leblanc Colin Watson

players, Coach Francois Ratier and his staff and the people that supported this 2014 Women’s World Cup Campaign. Staying with the maritime metaphor, this has been a high tide moment for the sport in Canada, and more to come! Enjoy the extended coverage of the Women’s World Cup - more photos, written coverage and interviews with the coaches and players! Just a quick editorial note that we will provide complete coverage of the Canadian Rugby Championship next issue and a preview of the men’s and women’s IRB Sevens series as Olympic qualification looms for all countries. Also, if you have had a change of address recently please go to the RugbyCA website and we will be able to get your new address registered for the winter issue.

doug Crosse RUGBYca Editor RUGBY ONTARIO - Provincial Logo FOR PRINT USE ONLY

THANKS TO THE PROVINCIAL UNIONS

PIX

04-10-

STAND WITH US

AS WE TAKE ON THE WORLD CONFIRM YOUR SUPPORT TODAY! SEAN DUKE “This is what athletes dream about. To be able to dedicate our daily lives to every aspect of the sport, from nutrition to therapy to coaching and strategy sessions. THIS is where excellence lives.” Senior Men’s National Rugby Team Player

ASHLEY STEACY “To know that so many Canadians have supported our growth and development as ambassadors for the country and the sport that is what makes us work hard every day.” Senior Women’s National Rugby Team Player

GARETH REES “We are seeing many of our top athletes who want to chase their rugby dreams limited in this pursuit by the lack of funding currently available to them. Increased financial support will allow these players to reach their full potential and Canadian Rugby will be a greater force on the world stage as a result.” Former National Team Captain and current RC National Team Manager, member of the IRB Hall of Fame and 2014 Inductee to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame

RUGBY CANADA NATIONAL PLAYER SUPPORT PROGRAM CONTACT AL CHARRON, PLAYER ADVANCEMENT MANAGER 613-986-2994 ACHARRON@RUGBYCANADA.CA

THE ENGINE ROOM NOT ALL RUGBY NEWS hAPPens on the Pitch

presented by

fROM thE pitCh tO thE COuRts

We like to stay right up to date as we go to press, so here are the latest scores just prior to ink hitting paper!

RUGBYca Magazine would like to congratulate Rugby Canada friend and advisor Graeme Mew for his appointment to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. The Honourable Graeme Mew, a lawyer with Clyde & Co. Canada LLP in Toronto, is appointed a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Toronto) to replace Madam Justice G.I. Pardu, who has been appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. Mr. Justice Mew received a Bachelor of Arts (Law) from Kingston University (UK) in 1980 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor in 1986. He has been a Barrister in England and Wales since 1982. He was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 1987 and the British Columbia Bar in 2010. A former member of the Toronto Nomads, Mew has been heavily involved on the judicial side of rugby, most recently having a big role in the 2013 Lions Tour to South Africa where he presided over the controversial James Horwill suspension. He is also presided over the Heineken Cup dispute with European Rugby Cup competition and the participating unions from Wales, England, Ireland, Scotland and France.

remembering graeme loader

member of the aurora Barbarians rugby club and son of a Rugby Ontario coach, Graeme loader was killed september 3rd while riding across Canada in support of the World Wildlife Fund. The 24 year old son of Paul loader,

who helps coach the Ontario women, was hit by a car near Brandon, manitoba. “Because of his profound love of nature, WWF became his sponsor,” loader’s brother Dan told Citynews. loader’s sister Rachael said Graeme had so many good things to say about his trip, which started in British Columbia. “He said people are just so much more helpful than we think,” she said. “a lot of us live our lives and never do anything and he’s 24 and he did what he wanted to do and that’s probably why he left. He was done. He had figured it out before any of us,” she said. “He lived his dreams,” his father Paul said from manitoba. “He was having the time of his life, he was in the outdoors, which he loved.” loader’s last Facebook post was about walking into a Tim Hortons and coming out with new friends and a place to stay on his next stop.

CONtESt tIME! VISIT

in this issue, tell us who is getting the TO ENTER! line out ball, against what team, and what year the game was played!

RUGBY.CA/CONTEST

(Winners will be chosen at random from correct answers submitted) a Rugby Canada store prize pack including a jersey and hat is the prize. 12

QuiCK hits

Canada get Silver Medal

at nanjing Youth Olympics 7s australia 38 - Canada 10

Canadian Women win FISU University 7s Canada 26 France 17

tO 03 wANt pLAy RugBy?

Canada U20 Can-Am Series members of Rugby Canada’s High Performance Department will be travelling across Canada this fall in search of highly motivated, athletic, and resilient athletes aged 15 and up to start training in our national sevens Development Program. “We’re looKing for big, fast, agile, and evasive men’s and Women’s players, Who are mentally resilient,” said John Tait, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s sevens Team. Visit events.rugbycanada.ca for details.

ipad Edition

Download a digital version (French or english) of RuGBYca magazine at rugby.ca

Game 1 Canada 51 usa 5 (london, On) Game 2 Canada 43 usa 6 (sarnia, On)

Canada’s u20 Women won a two game total point series against the usa played in london and sarnia in august. On a stormy night in london august 20th a potent combination of fullback Breanne nicholas and emma Jade began to tear holes in the eagles defense as Canada came away with a 51-5 victory. Three days later in sarnia it was again one way traffic for Canada despite coach sandro Fiorino making 8 changes as Canada won 43-6 to take the trophy. Breanne nicholas was named player of the series.

Limerick World Club 7s

Vancouver Bears lose 36-12 to Fji’s Daveta in Cup final

Zimbio.com

SOCIALLY SPEAKING WHO IS SAYIN’ WHAT on the weB

presented by

TWITTERverse

Canada am

RugbyCanada @RugbyCanada · Sep 4 Great to see construction underway for our new High Performance Training Facility in #Langford, BC! #REDNATION #AsOne

Fantastic to see Ontarians Mary Jane Kirby & Kelly Russell on CTV Canada AM to chat about the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

RugbyCanada @RugbyCanada · Aug 21 Congrats to Canadian International @connor braid for signing a 3 month deal today with @GlasgowWarriors! #REDNATION

hi mom!

Ciaran Hearn of the senior men’s sevens team poses for the camera during the Commonwealth Games in scotland.

LASt ISSUE’S CONtESt WINNER!

SportsCentre @SportsCentre · Aug 15 Yasiel Puig is going #1v1 with Magali Harvey. Cast your vote here: http://bit.ly/ PqnbSu @Dodgers @RugbyCanada #TSN

fOLLOw RugBy CANAdA

Congratulations to our last winner Andrew Hines who correctly identified that it was Canada playing the Barbarians at York stadium in Toronto in 1976. (Baa Baas won 29-4)

Get the latest news and happenings in the Rugby Canada community.

/rugbyCanada

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SEAN DUKE WINGER RUGBY CANADA

LAURA RUSSELL PROP RUGBY CANADA CONOR TRAINOR CENTRE RUGBY CANADA

TYLER ARDRON NUMBER 8 RUGBY CANADA

JESSICA DOVANNE WINGER RUGBY CANADA

ELISSA ALARIE WINGER RUGBY CANADA

PREvieW

hang tiMe Conor Trainor sails over the try line at the 2013 ARC.

IRB Americas Rugby Championship Returns langford hosts the aRC for a third year By BRyAN KELLy Photo By LORNE COLLiCutt LANGFORD AND WEStHILLS StADIUM will be hosting the Americas Rugby Championship for the third year in a row. Rugby Canada is very excited to once again host the international tournament at the Canadian Centre of Excellence in Langford, games this year will be played on Saturday October 11th, Wednesday October 15th to Sunday October 19th. The ARC has been a hugely popular event on the Canadian rugby calendar, ever since the IRB granted Rugby Canada hosting rights to the tournament in 2012. Now, for the third straight year, the British Columbia rugby community will have the chance to witness elite international level rugby action, as Canada “A” will take on teams from the United States and Uruguay, as well as the four-time defending champion Argentina Jaguars. This year’s competition will kickoff on

October 11th, with additional match days on October 15th and 19th. The first and third game days will kick off at 2:30pm and 4:30pm to allow families to have more opportunity to attend the matches, while the mid-week game night is set for 6pm and 8pm respectively. Rugby Canada General Manager Mike Chu was quick to point out that support Rugby Canada receives from the City of Langford and the Greater Victoria area has been and continues to be, outstanding. “It’s so important for Canada to be able to host events like this, and the year-round support we get from those in Langford and the Greater Victoria area is a huge part of that success. I know that support will continue when this tournament comes back for its third consecutive year,” said Chu from Langford. In past years, Canada has fielded a mix of veteran as well as up-and-coming

thE ARC is A gREAt tOOL tO KEEp pLAyiNg fAst-pACEd, QuALity gAMEs ANd tO tEst yOuR sKiLL sEt At A highER LEVEL or to gAin your oPPortunity At PlAying At the full internAtionAl level. RaY BaRKWill

ARC SCHEDULE Matches SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2014 usa vs. argentina 2:30 Pm Canada vs. uruguay 4:30 Pm WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014 argentina vs. uruguay 6:00 Pm Canada vs. usa 8:00 Pm SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 2014 uruguay vs. usa 2:30 Pm Canada vs. argentina 4:30 Pm

players in the ARC, many of who have gone on to represent their country at the Under-20 World Junior Trophy, on the IRB Sevens Series or even with the National Senior Men’s Team. This year, however, Chu believes there is extra opportunity available to players to make an impression on national team selectors. “If you look at our schedule between now and the 2015 Rugby World Cup, we will be following a progression from this year’s Canadian Rugby Championship (C.R.C.), to the ARC to the 2014 Fall Tour. The next time we assemble after that will be the 2015 Pacific Nations Cup, so that means that that every game between now and then is crucial for World Cup selection,” added Chu. “Our coaches need to see players put their hand up against strong competition. Argentina, for example, uses some of the same players for the ARC, as they do in the Rugby Championship against the likes of New Zealand and South Africa, so it’s a great test for our athletes.” One player who will likely be looking to help lead Canada on the field and continue making his own impression is Niagara Falls, Ontario’s Ray Barkwill. The Canada hooker knows full well the standard of competition the ARC brings, and is looking forward to the challenge posed by the rugby nations that will be travelling to British Columbia.

OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF RUGBY CANADA Americas Rugby Championships | October 11, 15 and 19 | Langford, BC Fly Helijet to the Americas Rugby Championships and get a 15% discount to support your team in person. *Discount code ARC14, only eligible with ARC ticket on specified flights from Oct 11 – Oct 20.

helijet.com | 1.800.665.4354 16

postmatCh

the rUnning Man Taylor Paris had several spectacular runs against Japan and scored a try.

Canada struggles in 2014 paCifC nations Cup BY dOug CROssE PHOTOS BY LORNE COLLiCutt

n 2013 Japan kicked a penalty stutter steps and ran in from 30 metres kick in the dying moments of its for the third Japanese try of the half and match against Canada, winning regained the lead for the visitors at 31-25. 16-13, and in the process handed Fiji Ayumu Goromaru added the conversion the inaugural title. It was a huge and another penalty to seal the deal for the disappointment for the Canadians, who Japanese. had beaten the USA (16-9) Fiji (20-18) and It was 25 unanswered points that Tonga 36-27. saw Japan to a dream start in the 2014 Fast forward a year, a new format for tournament, winning 34-25. the tournament, and a much different Canada would move on to Toronto (See outcome for Canada as it played well in, Story - Opposite Page) to take on Scotland but ultimately lost its two before ﬂying to California for pool matches to Japan and its second PNC match against Japan the USA in June. the USA in Sacramento. Tries It was a packed house at Yoshikazu Fujita Swangard Stadium as Canada usa gets by Canada Yu Tamura played its first match in What ensued was a seeHendrik Tui Conversions Burnaby since playing Georgia saw affair that showed the ayumu Goromaru (2) in 2012. Canada seemed on Americans have made steady Penalties fire, coming out of the gates progress under Coach Mike ayumu Goromaru (5) in the first half with tries Tolken as they attempted to from Ciaran Hearn, John snap a winless streak against Canada Moonlight and Taylor Paris for Canada that began in 2009 in Tries a seemingly insurmountable Edmonton. Ciaran Hearn John moonlight 25-9 lead at the break. A pair of early US penalties Taylor Paris But it was an industrious were negated by a try from Conversions Japan that clawed it’s Harry Jones in the right James Pritchard (2) way back into the match corner with James Pritchard Penalties exposing huge defensive making the tough touch line James Pritchard (2) gaps to score tries from 40 conversion for a 7-6 Canada and 35 metres respectively in lead. That lead was shortthe opening ten minutes of the second half lived as Blaine Scully responded for the to be only adrift by a point at 25-24. US off a Shalome Suniula pass and an 11-7 The defensive problems continued for advantage. Canada as Hendirk Tui made two quick The USA continued on the ascendancy 18

with its second try coming from Danny Barrett and with the Chris Wyles conversion it was the Eagles with a 18-7 lead. But with time running low in the first half Canada seemed to hit the gas as Aaron Carpenter, playing at hooker, did a pick and go at the line to bring Canada within four at 18-14. Then a moment later a well weighted chip through by DTH van der Merwe was pounced on by Pritchard to put Canada ahead 21-18. The USA, already reeling from 14 quick points were further ﬂustered as Ciaran Hearn picked up a loose ball and legged it for a 60 metre try to put Canada into what appeared to be a safe 2818 lead after forty minutes. Canada kept the pressure up in the second half as Harry Jones touched down for his second of the match, and with the Pritchard extras Canada seemed in control at 35-18. But in the 52nd minute Canadian back row received his second card (this time a yellow) in as many weeks putting his side short-handed for ten minutes. Wyles got his first points of the comeback from the ensuing penalty kick to make the score 35-21. Then in quick succession, a try from Blaine Scully, and a conversion and penalty from Wyles saw the USA full of intent in the final twenty minutes down 35-28. Wyles struck for his fourth penalty of the match to see his team behind 35-31. In the 70th minute it was debutant Brett Thompson scoring a converted try to give his side the lead 38-35. In the dying moments Canada had several opportunities to tie the match with penalty kicks, but wishing to snap its June winless streak, opted to drive for the line multiple times before the USA eventually stole the ball, kicked it into touch for win. “It’s difficult to win down to 14 men for 20 minutes and when you give away as many penalties as we did and when you miss as many tackles as we did today. We didn’t deserve to be as close as we were and it was a pretty disappointing performance today,” said Canadian team coach Kieran Crowley after the game. “Our coaching staff is going to take a good look at this game and some of the players will need to look at their performance today and we’ll look forward to November now,” added Crowley. For veteran fullback James Pritchard, who scored 15 points on the day from five conversions and a try, it was obvious to him what the main issues were. “We weren’t clinical enough, it’s as simple as that. We gave away too much ball, weren’t strong in the tackle areas and our tackling was weak. There was a secondplace finish in the PNC up-for-grabs and there were times throughout the game that we could have put them away and in front of their home crowd they fought back,” said Pritchard after the game.

we weren’t clinicAl enough, it’s As siMpLE As thAt.

Canada’s point scorers

TRIES Harry Jones (2) aaron Carpenter James Pritchard Ciaran Hearn CONVERSIONS Pritchard (5)

usA point scorers

TRIES Blaine scully (2) Danny Barrett Brett Thompson CONVERSIONS Chris Wyles (3) PENALTIES Chris Wyles (4)

final pNC standings NORTH AMERICA Japan 2-0 9pts usa 1-1 6 pts Canada 0-2 2 pts PACIFIC samoa 1-1 6 pts Fiji 1–0-1 6 pts Tonga 0-1-1 2 pts

2014 pNC Results NORTH AMERICA June 7 Canada 25 - 34 Japan Burnaby, BC June 14 usa 29 - 37 Japan Carson, Ca June 21 usa 38 - 35 Canada sacramento, Ca PACIFIC June 7 samoa 18 - 18 Tonga apia, samoa June 14 Fiji 45 - 17 Tonga lautoka, Tonga June 21 Fiji 13 - 18 samoa suva, Fiji

postmatCh

FaSt ForWard Harry Jones turns on the gas with James Pritchard and Taylor Paris in pursuit.

doWn to the Wire

CanaDa FallS JuSt Short in Front oF a CaPaCity CroWD at Bmo FiElD By dOug CROssE

Photos By COLiN wAtsON

ut for a red-card that saw a reversal of a potential game-winning penalty for Canada, Scotland escaped its trip to Toronto with a narrow 19-17 win. With less than three minutes to full time and Canada trailing by two referee Mike Fraser stuck his hand out to award a penalty to Canada. While playing advantage on that penalty he immediately communicated to the television match official that he wanted to review a subsequent run by Canada’s Jebb Sinclair that saw Ruaridh Jackson go down after connecting with the big second row’s arm in an awkward tackle attempt. Upon review Sinclair was issued a red card, and the Scots hung on for the victory. It was a devastating result for Canada, which seemed poised to claim its third win over the Scots on Canadian soil, but instead was left shocked as time ran out on a last ditch drive for the line. “I’m gutted actually for the guys, they really put it all-in” said Canadian team coach Kieran Crowley. “I thought the Scottish experience in the first half manipulated a few decisions their way, but we hung in there tough.” The match was an entertaining one, featuring six lead changes and came on the heels of a second half collapse at the hands

of Japan the previous week. Scotland opened the scoring just two minutes in off a penalty kick from scrum-half Greig Laidlaw. The Scots, who controlled much of the possession in the opening 15 minutes, were unable to break through the Canadian defence to extend their lead. That was crucial for the Canadians, as a strong run from Taylor Paris then brought Canada inside the Scottish 22-metre line, where James Pritchard’s penalty kick from 20 metres out evened the score at 3-3. Moments after the restart, Canadian centre Ciaran Hearn took the ball at half, breaking through the Scottish line delivering a great backwards pop to a streaking Jeff Hassler whose momentum carried him over the Scottish tryline for the first try of the match. “It’s always good to get one on the board early in front of the home fans and it was a bit of a spark for us,” said Hassler. Scotland would respond quickly, as Grant Gilchrist powered over the Canadian line for a try which was converted to give the visitors a

presented by

i’m gutted ActuAlly for the guys, they reAlly Put it All-in. i thOught thE sCOttish EXpERiENCE iN thE fiRst hALf MANipuLAtEd A fEw dECisiONs thEiR wAy, But wE huNg iN thERE tOugh. KieRan CROWleY

10-8 lead. Another penalty kick from Laidlaw made it 13-8 at the half. In the second half Canadian fullback James Pritchard hit for two penalties to give Canada a 14-13 lead, mounting hopes that Canada would have huge day for the over 18,000 fans at BMO Field. Pritchard then looked to have his fourth penalty of the match, but his kick squared off the post and Scotland regained possession, going the length of the pitch and connecting with a penalty kick of their own, to regain the lead at 16-14. Canada re-took the lead 17-16 a moment later on Pritchard’s fourth penalty, but it was short-lived as Canada was caught in front of the ball from a shanked clearance kick by Gord McRorie, setting up the final go ahead points for Scotland at 19-17. Despite being down a man for the final moments of the game, Canada charged hard, but an errant pass close to the line put paid to the comeback bid, leaving the crowd and team stunned at what had happened. “Don’t know what you’re meant to do with your elbow in that situation when a guy gets his head on the wrong side,” said Crowley. “(Fraser) refereed how he saw it. I thought it was the wrong decision.” 19

fEaTURE

WomEn’S ruGBy WorlD CuP 2014 rECaP

OH CaN

CANADA’S WOMENS 15s TEAM HAD THEIR BEST RESULT EVER AT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

presented by

aNaDa!

P IN FRANCE. GAME BY GAME ANAYLSIS

By BRyAN KELLy Photos By RON LEBLANC & iAN MuiR

fEaTURE

WomEn’S ruGBy WorlD CuP 2014 rECaP

photo FiniSh Magali Harvey scored 26 of Canada’s 31 points with a three try, four conversion and one penalty performance to open the tournament against Spain.

GAME

ONE CANADA DEF SPAIN

31-5

GAME

FOUR 22

GAME

TWO Canada points TRIES magali Harvey (3) mandy marchak PENALTIES magali Harvey CONVERSIONS magali Harvey (4)

spain

THE

THREE

ed by Magali Harvey’s 26 points, Canada opened the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup with a 31-5 win over Spain. Although there is room for improvement, it was an encouraging start to the tournament for head coach Francois Ratier’s side as they led 24-0 at half. While Canada was on the back foot for much of the opening quarter, their ability to hold the Spanish side from scoring proved to be the most important aspect of the opening 40 minutes. Once settled, Canada became more

FINALS TRY Rocio Garcia

aggressive in their attack. With the Spanish defensive line creeping up in the 18th minute, Andrea Burk placed a perfect chip through to open space where a speeding Harvey met it at pace, eventually diving in the corner to score Canada’s first try of the tournament. Standing on the touchline, Harvey’s successful conversion was equally impressive. Moments later, Harvey stole the ball in contact and went 60 metres the other way, outpacing the Spanish defenders to touch down with her second try in five minutes. After Harvey added a penalty kick,

GAME

ONE

Canada points

CANADA GAME DEF SAMOA

GAME

TWO

TRIES mandy marchak, Brittany Waters, elissa alarie, stephanie Bernier, Brittany Waters, andrea Burk CONVERSIONS magali Harvey x5 andrea Burk

THREE

41-7 C

GAME

FOUR

THE

FINALS

cAnAdA’s ABility to hold the sPAnish side from scoring Proved to Be thE MOst iMpORtANt AspECt Of thE OpENiNg 40 MiNutEs. she impressed once again. Tapping the ball forward past a Spanish player with her foot, Harvey side-stepped, picked up the ball and sprinted over the try-line to cap off a first half hat-trick. Her third successful conversion gave her 24 points in the half and Canada a 24-0 lead at the break. Nearing the end of the first half, flanker Barbara Mervin was replaced by Jacey Murphy with a hand injury and would not return. With Canada dictating the pace of play early in the second half, they were awarded a penalty inside the Spanish 22-metre line. A smart decision by Captain Kelly Russell to take the quick tap resulted in

anada’s Women’s Rugby Team moved to 2-0 at the IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup after defeating Samoa 42-7 on Tuesday afternoon in Marcoussis, France. Lead by six tries from the backline, Canada secured a bonus point (4 or more tries) to now sit with 10 tournament points through two games. The final and crucial game of the pool stages is set for August 9 against England, who are also 2-0 in the tournament with two bonus points. Canada were on the front foot off the opening kick off, maintaining possession inside Samoan territory. Magali Harvey, who had three tries in the previous game against Spain on Saturday, picked up right where she left off with a 30 metre run off a line break to get Canada going forward. At the 11th minute mark, outside-centre Mandy Marchak would touch down for Canada’s first try beside the posts after a strong run through two defenders. Harvey would add the conversion to lead 7-0. On the ensuing restart, a Samoan forward was shown a yellow card for an infringement in the ruck. Shortly after, Marchak made a break to get Canada inside Samoan territory and Maria Samson powered forward off a Samoan penalty. With the defence on the back foot, Canada spread the ball through the hands and lock Latoya Blackwood sprung winger Brittany Waters for the score. With Harvey’s conversion, Canada lead 14-0. With Samoa back to a full side, Canada continued to press on and were awarded with another try shortly after from fullback Elissa Alarie, who scooped up a loose ball and scampered 30 metres over the try line. Harvey would add yet another conversion to bring the content to 21-0. Following a try-saving tackle from Alarie on a Samoan break on the final play of the first half, Canada took a 21-0 lead into the halftime break. Much to the enjoyment of the nearly 100 red and white supporters at the field, Canada opened the second frame with an exciting 90 metre team try, finished off by Stephanie Bernier. Andrea Burk started the play off with a 60 metre run before being tackled and the ball found its way to Bernier who finished off the score. Harvey would be good for the extra two and Canada furthered their lead to 28-0. Samoa would get on the board at the 54th minute mark when replacement Ginia Muavae broke through Canada’s defence. With flyhalf Bella Milo’s conversion, the score stood 28-7. However, that’s as close as the islanders would come, as Canada scored two late tries from Waters and Burk at the 67th and 80th mark respectively to seal a 42-7 victory.

Mandy Marchak scoring her first try of the tournament, giving Canada a 31-point lead. However, after Olivia DeMerchant was shown a yellow card in the 60th minute, Canada were down to 14 players and momentum began to change back to the Spanish side. Just as they did in the opening 20 minutes, Spain controlled much of the possession in the final quarter of play, eventually finding a breakthrough in the closing minutes to score their first try of the match. Canada will now face Samoa on Tuesday in their second match of Group A.

CANAdA OpENEd thE sECONd fRAME with AN EXCitiNg 90 MEtRE tEAM tRy, finished off By stePhAnie Bernier.

2014 WOMEN’S RUGBY WOR Top Row (L to R): Hilary Leith, Andrea Burk, Jessica Dovanne, Brittany Waters, Julianne Zussman, Amanda

Middle Row (L to R): Steve MacKinnon (Strength and Conditioning), James Kent (Analyst), Francois Ratier (Head Coac Maria Samson, Latoya Blackwood, Gary Dukelow (Forwards Coach) Injured: Barbara Mervin (not shown) Front (L to Elissa Alarie, Mandy Marchak, 24

RLD CUP SILVER MEDALISTS Thornborough, Julia Sugawara, Brittany Benn, Stephanie Bernier, Magali Harvey, Adrienne Stinson (Physio)

ch), Jacey Murphy, Marie-Pier Pinault-Reid, Tyson Beukeboom, Kayla Mack, Kelly Russell, Laura Russell, Cindy Nelles, o R): Meaghan Howat (Manager), Kim Donaldson, Karen Paquin, Emily Belchos, Mary-Jane Kirby, Olivia DeMerchant, , Bryan Kelly (Media Manager) 25

fEaTURE

WomEn’S ruGBy WorlD CuP 2014 rECaP

CeleBrate Canada’s Karen Paquin (out of frame) scored an important try against England as Stephanie Bernier celebrates. (Ian Muir Photo)

GAME

THREE CANADA TIES ENGLAND

13-13 Canada points TRIES Karen Paquin Kayla mack PENALTIES magali Harvey

england points

TRIES sarah Hunter CONVERSIONS emily scarratt PENALTIES emily scarratt (x2)

fantastic showing of women’s rugby would be on display throughout the game, as both teams possess physical forward packs, talented backs and were looking to finish the pool stages a perfect 3-0. Off the opening kick off, Canada Captain Kelly Russell would secure possession for her side with a huge showing of athleticism to tap the ball back off the restart high in the air. Both teams exchanged possession and line breaks in the early few minutes, before outsidecentre Emily Scarratt kicked a penalty at the 7-minute mark to give England a 3-0 lead. Off a deep Canadian scrum, 19-year-old flyhalf Emily Belchos shook off two would-be tacklers to set up a 50-metre break for her side and relieve England’s pressure. A few minutes later, Canada’s forwards stole an England scrum and took the momentum into their favour. Off an ensuing

penalty, Canada hit touch and, after winning the lineout, they powered through for the first try of the game by Karen Paquin from a maul. Despite Magali Harvey’s conversion attempt missing on the near side, Canada took a 5-3 lead. However, the next 10 minutes were in England’s hands as they pinned Canada deep inside their territory and were awarded multiple penalties. Using the boot of flyhalf Ceri Large, England nearly scored two tries but Danielle Waterman knockedon just short of the try line before Kat Merchant knockedon in the try zone two minutes later. The score remained 5-3 for Canada. Nearing the end of the first half, Harvey was unsuccessful on a penalty and the Canadians continued to pressure England unsuccessfully for a number of phases. Before the halftime whistle, Scarratt would add another

penalty to give her side a 6-5 advantage going into the break. The second frame opened to the way of Canada and Mandy Marchak and Magali Harvey connected for an exciting 60-metre run, which seemed to electrify their teammates. Shortly after and while playing on advantage, Jess Dovanne sprinted down the left wing but was forced out of bounds, bringing the ball back to the earlier infringement. Looking to re-take the lead, Russell took a quick tap and eventually Saskatchewan’s Kayla Mack dotted down for Canada in the right corner after hard work from the entire forward pack. Harvey’s conversion attempt fell short and Canada lead 10-6 five minutes into the second half. However, the lead wouldn’t last long. Shortly after England began a set of phases near Canada’s goal line that included three mauls off lineouts and two off scrums. Lead by the forward pack, Canada’s defense held strong for as long as possible before England Captain Sarah Hunter barged her way over the line.

the finAl 20 minutes of the gAme showcAsed thE BEst thAt wOMEN’s RugBy hAd tO OffER As Both teAms eXchAnged Possession multiPle times. With Scarratt’s successful conversion, England then led 13-10. The final 20 minutes of the game showcased the best that women’s rugby had to offer, as both teams exchanged possession multiple times and excited the multi-national crowd on the main field in Marcoussis. With seven minutes left on the clock, Canada were awarded a kickable penalty and Harvey was good under pressure to bring the game to 13-13 with only minutes to play. With no time left on the clock, England scrum half Natasha Hunt booted the ball into touch to seal a draw and advance both sides into the semi-finals.

fEaTURE

WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP 2014

GAME

ONE

FOUR CANADA DEF FRANCE

18-16 Canada points

TRIES elissa alarie, magali Harvey CONVERSIONS magali Harvey PENALTIES magali Harvey 2

franCe points TRIES assa Koita, safi n’Diaye PENALTIES sandrine agricole 2

GAME

TWO

GAME

THE

THREE Unreal try Magali Harvey scored the try of the tournament outdistancing the whole French team for an 80 metre try. (Ian Muir Photo)

FINALS

anada’s Women’s Team secured a place in the Rugby World Cup Final after they beat host nation France 18-16 in an outstanding performance at Stade Jean Bouin. Second-half tries from full-back Elissa Alarie and wing Magali Harvey - along with eight points from the boot of the latter - stunned the French side on Wednesday. IRB Women’s Player of the Year nominee, Harvey, was a star of the show with her superb solo try worthy of winning any match as Canada move into Sunday’s Final against England, who comfortably overcame Ireland 40-7 in the earlier semi-final. Scenes of joy were etched on the faces of Canada’s squad after an outstanding achievement from Francois Ratier’s side was played out in front of 20,000 fans. The game itself proved to be an allaction affair as neither team went into their respective shell, despite the importance of this being a WRWC semi-final fixture. Canada were looking to establish a blend of their strong scrum and speed in their backline while France had several

call that led to Harvey levelling the scoreline at 3-3. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the French were intent on striking back in quick time as full-back Christelle Le Duff set off down the line. However, winger Harvey spotted this and covered good ground before making a try-saving tackle. France would though manage to put points on the board six minutes before the break when Canada failed to roll away, leading to Agricole making it 3-6 in Paris. But the two teams would go into the break all square as a late tackle from the returning Ladagnous allowed Harvey to level on the hooter, this after Canada scrum-half Stephanie Bernier was stretchered off with a painful knee injury. The opening stages of the second-half proved a fruitful period for Canada as full-back Alarie scored the first try of the game after she spotted no guard at the ruck and promptly set off for the line from 40 metres out, making it 11-6 to Canada. Harvey’s missed conversion clearly rattled her and she more than made amends with arguably the try of the 2014 tournament on 46 minutes as, from turnover ball on her own line, the wing raced over on a slalom run, adding the extras from the touchline for good measure as Canada moved 18-6 ahead. It was truly special. France were now the ones rattled as time wore on but one always sensed that with the deficit only two scores, the hosts would not go down quietly on home soil. And so it proved as from a trademark line-out drive, powerful number eight Safi N’Diaye was the last woman to her feet. The missed conversion meant Canada still held a seven-point lead, with the crowd volume now increasing by the second. France sensed this and were not finished as following a yellow card for Canada replacement Mary Jane Kirby for an offence at another maul, the hosts crashed over again through replacement Laetitia Salles, leaving Agricole with the pressure kick which fortunately for Canada was missed as they held on for an epic victory.

destructive runners up front at their disposal. And it was the host nation who opened the scoring with six minutes played when Canada were caught offside after being turned over in their 22, leaving veteran number ten Sandrine Agricole the chance to send over the points for a 0-3 lead. Still, the early signs were positive for the Canadians as lovely hands - evident throughout the competition - allowed the elusive Harvey to slip a couple of French tacklers before being felled. Her big moment, however, would come later on. The scrum was proving to be a real weapon in Canada’s arsenal as it won them a kickable penalty. But number eight and Canada’s second Women’s World Player of the Year nominee Kelly Russell opted to turn down the three and instead kick to the corner. Unfortunately the throw-in from hooker Kim Donaldson wasn’t straight. France would find themselves down to fourteen players before the half-hour mark when the match referee spotted a tip tackle from left wing Caroline Ladagnous on Canada’s Alarie, which was a

it wAs tRuLy spECiAL.

fEaTURE

WomEn’S ruGBy WorlD CuP 2014 rECaP of the Year Magali Harvey split the posts on a penlaty kick to draw Canada within eight points at the break. Just four minutes into the second half, a penalty to England gave Harvey another chance to go for posts and once again her attempt was successful.

GAME

TWO

THREE

THE

FINALS ENGLAND DEF CANADA

21-9 Canada points PENALTIES magali Harvey (3)

england points

TRIES emily scarratt Danielle Waterman CONVERSIONS emily scarratt PENALTIES emily scarratt (3)

cAnAdA will heAd home with their heAds held high knowing they were thE fiRst tEAM iN CANAdiAN RugBy histORy tO MAKE A RugBy wORLd Cup fiNAL iN fiftEENs.

on the Move Emily Belchos had a slicing run in the ﬁrst half. (Ian Muir Photo)

anada’s historic run at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup has come to an end following a 21-9 loss to England at Stade Jean Bouin in downtown Paris in front of a sold out crowd of 20,000 fans. Despite the defeat, Canada will head home with their heads held high knowing they were the first team in Canadian rugby history to make a Rugby World Cup final in Fifteens. High-flying winger Magali Harvey was also a source of great pride for Canada, as she was awarded the IRB Player of the Year by IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset following the game. Canada controlled much of the possession in the opening 10 minutes, but it was England who scored the first points of the match as Emily Scarratt’s penalty kick agve them a 3-0 lead. After Scarratt notched her second kick of the match, England found an overlap out wide, using quick hands to get the ball outside where Danielle Waterman scored

the first try of the match to give England an 11-0 lead. The score may have been more lopsided if not for two try-saving tackles from Canada’s Karen Paquin. Canada were rewarded with their hard play in the final seconds of the half as IRB Women’s Player

avoid the rUSh Elissa Alarie looking to connect on a pass vs England.

Harvey’s third penalty kick of the match brought Canada to within two points as they entered the final quarter of the match. However, off the restart a penalty to Canada gave Scarratt another opportunity at posts and the tournament’s top point scorer gave England a 14-9 lead. While Canada held possession, they were unable to find a breakthrough in the English defense. Harvey, who has impressed throughout the tournament with her speed was unable to find any open space for much of the match. With Canada pressing in the final minutes, Scarratt broke three Canadian tackles to seal the win with a converted try. England would hold on for a 21-9 win over Canada to capture their second IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup Title.

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Proud supporter of Rugby Canada

ON THE PITCH andy Russell figures that the crushing blow is on a film somewhere. But it’s his memory that provides all the footage he needs to remember the incident that happened some twelve years ago. A Grade 10 student at the time, Sandy’s daughter, Kelly Russell, donned the colours of Humberview Secondary and found herself on the field for her first official rugby game. Early on, Kelly Russell showed the fans who were in attendance that day the Kelly Russell that Canadian fans would soon come to know and love; the Kelly Russell that will lead Canada into the 2014 Women’s World Cup. Playing another high school side from Barrie, Russell’s opposite at No. 8 made the fateful decision to pick up the ball off the back of the scrum. From Sandy’s perspective on the sidelines, he saw both No. 8’s disappear behind the scrum for a split second. Then he saw the ball fly straight up in the air and, as he explains, “a girl about twice Kelly’s size was on her back side.” And so it began.

Standing tall Younger sister Laura with her sis and best friend Kelly Russell.

Sister Acts

Kelly and Laura Russell are sisters that play on the Senior Women’s National Team together. Do they get along? By MARK JANZEN Photos By RON LEBLANC 30

As competitive as they are with us, they’re even more competitive with each other. We only get glimpses of it, but it’s always going on behind the scenes. Julianne zussman

The Russell name from Bolton, Ont. was about to become a household name on the women’s rugby circuit. A daughter of a rugby-playing father, the 27-year-old Kelly was one of three sisters – Laura and Jennifer and herself – to make rugby their thing. “As soon as (rugby) was available to them, they jumped in with both feet,” says Sandy. This summer, the 25-year-old Laura, who plays prop, and Kelly, who has remained at No. 8 since that first game, will play together on the world’s biggest stage for women’s rugby. In 2010, Laura and her family watched from the stands as Kelly and Canada’s national team finish sixth at the England-hosted World Cup. This year, in France, it will be different. “Our whole family went to watch her play in 2010 and it made me want it even more,” Laura says. “Seeing all the fun she was having and all the hard work she put in, I just wanted to be there too with her.” This year, they’ll get to don the Maple Leaf on the World Cup pitch together. For Canada, that’s a good thing. For the rest of the world, maybe not so much. Both on and off the field, there’s no team in the world that wouldn’t want a Russell sister on its roster. The fact that Canada has two is a special treat that simply can’t be understated. Kelly, who made her senior team debut in 2007, brings the entire package to her No. 8 position while Laura, who joined Canada’s top side in 2011, is an up-and-coming prop with seemingly limitless potential. “Both of them are very important players for us,” says Canada’s head coach Francois

ON THE PITCH

here to play They joke around a lot, but are all business come game time.

Ratier. “Kelly is our leader and she’s a great player. Everything she does is positive. And Laura will probably, one day, be the best prop in the world. She has a great work ethic and she also understands the game well.” And there’s no doubt they bring a certain connectivity that makes Canada better. From the time they were youngsters playing in high school to their time with Ontario’s U19 side to their university days with the Western Mustangs to their Toronto Nomads club team to Team Canada, they’ve always been in the same pack. “Of course, we work really well together,”

Kelly says with a bit of an “obviously that’s the case” I always tone. “I always know where she’ll be and she knows know where I am.” where Not surprisingly, that goes she’ll be for off the field as well. and she With Kelly training knows throughout much of the year with the Canadian sevens where I group at the national centre in am. Langford, B.C. and Laura living and working just 30 kilometres away at Shawnigan Lake School as a Rugby Canada intern, the sisters – even in their mid-20s – are typically joined at the hip. And with such close proximity, a hearty chuckle between the pair is never far off. “They’re always laughing at each other’s jokes and none of us can understand,” says Canadian teammate Julianne Zussman. “And then they keep laughing louder and louder. They definitely have a special bond.” Even their immediate family often finds itself in the dark when the two get going. “Yea, Laura starts it and we (usually) don’t know what she’s laughing about,” Sandy says. All those days playing on their grandparents’ Palgrave, Ont. farm or scampering on the shores of Georgian Bay, they became a duo that just gets each other. They know how the other one ticks and, most certainly, they know how to push each other to be better.

“As competitive as they are with us, they’re even more competitive with each other,” Zussman says. “We only get glimpses of it, but it’s always going on behind the scenes.” But, as Sandy says, “It’s not so much in order to beat each other, but to improve each other.” That constant inner drive to be better has made them into the fierce players that they are on the field. They may not quite be like the O’Doyle bullies – the ones made famous by the movie Billy Madison – as their teammates jokingly suggest, but for the opposition, it’s still never a fun day playing the Russells. During Canada’s World Cup tune-up trip to New Zealand in which Canada played Australia once, winning 22-0, and the host Black Ferns twice, losing 16-8 and 31-22, Kelly, not surprisingly started all three while Laura started two and came on as a substitute in the third. If their play in rugby’s mecca is any indication, expect many more sister acts to come in the World Cup. And with each passing day, they seem to be getting better. “Rugby is more than a game for them,” Ratier says. “They see the difference between a sport and more than a sport and they’re similar in their focus and work ethic.” While it’s never been uttered by Kelly or Laura themselves, it’s been shouted many times by teammates and it might be the truest of all statements about the rugby-playing sisters. “Russell Rules!”

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INsIDE THE LINEs presented by

FRANCOIS RAtIER the coach of the national Senior Women’s Sevens team brought the team to it’s first World Cup final. What is his winning formula? read on. By MARK JANZEN

Photo By BRyAN KELLy

all in Francois Ratier built his team around a family concept and it seems to have worked very well.

at 15 yEarS olD, FranCoiS ratiEr was something of a rebel, and for that, Canada’s women’s rugby program should be very thankful. As a youngster growing up in La Rochefoucauld, France, Ratier played his country’s two most popular sports: soccer and rugby. But when his 15th birthday rolled around, he had to make a decision. Would he continue to play soccer – the sport his dad most loved – or would he play rugby? The answer was obvious to a young Ratier. “It was a disaster for my dad when I chose rugby,” Ratier, Canada’s women’s head coach, says with a chuckle. “I love playing soccer but when I watch 32

a rugby game, there’s no doubt in my mind that I chose the right one. It was about friends and contact and spirit. Everything that makes the difference between rugby and other sports. For me, it’s more than a sport --- it’s a way of life.” For the next 27 years, rugby has indeed been Ratier’s ways of life. After making the decision to pursue rugby, Ratier moved away from La Rochefoucauld – a town of less than 4,000 residents in southwestern France – to play on the wing with SC Angoulême in the French National Championship. Honing his craft, he played there for ten years before retiring as a player and moving to the coaching ranks. That’s when Ratier “rebelled” again and, in

2003, became the first person in his family to cross the Atlantic Ocean and Canada became the welcoming beneficiary. It wasn’t meant to be a long-term stay, but that’s exactly what it’s become. In his 11 years since arriving, he’s developed as a coach through various capacities, including coaching with both Concordia University and McGill University, with the Atlantic Rock, with Canada’s U17 team and, eventually, in early 2013, with Canada’s national women’s 15s side. And along the way, he even became a Canadian citizen. “My wife is Canadian and my kids were born in Canada and I’m leading the national team so it makes sense to be a citizen,” Ratier says. “It’s not

INsIDE THE LINEs

Be yourself; EVERyONE ELsE is ALREAdy tAKEN. FRanCOis RaTieR

give and taKe Ratier has collaborated with his team in discussing concepts and the style Canada would play.

just a trip or short experience. It was just logical.” Certainly his adopted home is delighted to have him and as the 2014 World Cup approaches so too are the players on Canada’s national women’s side. In sixteen months at the helm, he’s made an impressive impact. “Francois has really empowered our team to take responsibility on the field,” says Team Canada veteran Julianne Zussman. “He’s the exact opposite of a dictator. He wants all of the plays to come from the athletes. He wants us to generate our own team culture and he wants us to be proud of the performances we put in. “That’s been a huge shift in culture that has been really positive.” On joining the program, he made it clear that he wanted the team to build its own identity; an identity the players would quickly embrace. He asked them to come up with words that they would want others to use to describe the team. “The (players) wanted people to think that we are fast and strong and proud and resilient,” Ratier says. “It comes from them, not me. My job is to help them develop some tools, but the team is their team.” Steve Lancaster, who was hired as Rugby

Canada’s high performance manager just prior to Ratier coming on board, is looking at the program from above and seeing exactly what the coach is preaching. “(Francois) is very much focused on building a strongly connected team that wants to play for each other,” Lancaster says. “They’re very focused on being accountable for their performances and results and they’re focused on what they want to achieve.” It’s been just over a year since Ratier took over as head coach and he’s already about to embark on a World Cup campaign. But, under his guidance if the run-up to the tournament is a sign of things to come – Canada finished its pretournament schedule with a pair of wins over the United States, a victory over Australia and a couple of close losses to New Zealand – this could be a very special tournament for Canada. For that, Ratier’s approach should be largely credited. At the bottom of Ratier’s emails, his signature typically contains a philosophical quote. Most recently, it said: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” That’s who he is and how he coaches; perhaps rebelling a bit against the typical coaching mold.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

DO YOU HAVE the FEVER? We are a year out from the Rugby World Cup in England and we want to give Canadian fans an overview of where Canada will be playing in its four Pool D matches.

Millenium Stadium Cardiff, Wales Capacity - 74,154

Canada vs Ireland September 19, 2015

Buckinghamshire, England Capacity - 30,717

Elland Road Leeds, England Capacity - 37,914

Canada vs Italy September 26, 2015

Leeds may be a hotbed of rugby league – the reigning Super League champions, Leeds Rhinos, play just down the road at Headingley – but Elland Road’s famously feisty old-school atmosphere makes it perfect for the passion and noise of a Rugby Union World Cup fixture. The code has been played here before, if only once: in 1992 over 14,000 turned up to watch the South African national side, who had just been readmitted to the international game. Boasting players like Naas Botha and Robert du Preez, they beat a North of England XV. And while it may retain its historic charm, the venue has great views, and may undergo further developments between now and 2015.

Canada vs France October 1, 2015

The originally named Stadium MK is home to the MK Dons, who changed their name from Wimbledon FC after the club was controversially relocated. The ground has already staged a handful of rugby union games: in 2008, Saracens played Bristol in Milton Keynes, and during the 2010-11 season, Northampton Saints used Stadium MK as a base for their assault on the Heineken Cup knockout stages. The Saints defeated Ulster and Perpignan in front of big crowds in the quarter- and semi-finals only to lose out to Leinster in the Millennium Stadium decider. Saints have since returned to face Saracens, and both sides may play future games at the stadium, too. The arena has expanded this year, with a new tier adding 10,000 more seats. 34

Canada Ireland Italy France Romania

The Welsh national stadium may not be that old, but it has already sealed a place in rugby history. The foundations of this atmospheric ground have been shaken to the core twice as Wales secured Six Nation Grand Slam victories here in 2005 and 2012. Situated a stone’s throw from Cardiff Central Station, it is the second largest sports venue in the world with a fully retractable roof. Built to replace the Arms Park, it opened with rugby (Wales beating South Africa) before becoming the primary host venue for Rugby World Cup 1999, with Australia overhauling France in the final. Since then, its turf has held Test matches as well as Celtic League and Heineken Cup ties. It’s not all about the oval ball, mind: Wales play football here, too, and the FA Cup Final took place here from 2001 to 2006.

Stadiummk

Pool D

Leicester city stadium Leicester, England Capacity - 32,312

Canada vs Romania October 6, 2015

Like Midlands counterpart Pride Park, the Leicester City Stadium replaced a decaying old ground with a state-of-the-art all-seater facility. It has seen significant oval ball action already: Leicester Tigers have played six matches here, including a 2005 Heineken Cup semifinal, which they lost to Toulouse, and a 2006 quarter-final in the same tournament, which saw them defeated by Bath. The jinx was broken by a win over Llanelli in a European Cup semi in 2007, and they’ve since got revenge over Bath on the ground, too. In 2006, to celebrate the centenary of Springbok overseas tours, the stadium hosted a World XV v South Africa contest. The Springboks took the honours 32-7.

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COMMONWEALTH GAMES

HIGH HOPES Canada hoped to be a medal contender but fell short By mark janzen Photos By Al Milligan Canadian Coach Kieran Crowley’s face said it all and his words confirmed it:“Massive disappointment!” As Crowley went on to say, “The objective (was) to get a medal.” Instead, Canada’s men’s rugby sevens side was forced to settle for a ninth place finish at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. For a team that was sixth overall in the 2014 HSBC Sevens World Series and which had earned a second place finish in May at the Scotland stop, the end result at Glasgow’s Ibrox Stadium was a hearty punch to the gut. “I’m proud of Just over two months all the guys,” said prior, Canada had Canadian captain knocked off Scotland John Moonlight in a World Series after his team was eliminated from semifinal in Glasgow playoff contention by a 10-7 count but following a 21-5 loss this time, facing to Scotland in the a strengthened final preliminary Scottish opponent round game. “I think we put it and nearly out there (but) the 50,000 home team score didn’t go our supporters, Canada way. A lot of things couldn’t duplicate didn’t go our way.” the result. It could easily be argued that Canada had the toughest schedule of any team in the tournament – with both four-time Commonwealth Games champion New Zealand and host Scotland, while also having to deal with a goofy schedule that saw Canada play twice before Scotland’s first contest – but when it came down to it, Canada had to beat Scotland in a Saturday night primetime match. The Canadians did not, and, as such, had to play for the Bowl. Just over two months prior, Canada had knocked off Scotland in a World Series semifinal in Glasgow by a 10-7 count but this time, facing a strengthened Scottish opponent and nearly 50,000 home team supporters, Canada couldn’t duplicate the result. Coupled with a disappointing effort in a 38-0 loss to New Zealand, the Canadians, whose only preliminary round win was a 68-5 victory over 36

Clean heels John Moonlight scored frequently over two days at the Commonwealth Games

CommonWealth GAMES Barbados, Canada’s dreams of medal were dashed. For the fans at the two-day event, which was held inside the Rangers F.C. facility, the merry-making was seemingly boundless. The crowds of nearly 50,000 for each session sang their hearts out to The Proclaimers and “Sweet Caroline” and dressed up in everything from kilts, of course, to the Three Muskateers to the Village People. And in a city that struggles to understand the concept of a day without clouds and rain, on this weekend, the weather even cooperated. Unfortunately for Canada’s rugby team, they were forced to watch most of fun from the other side of the touchline. While the fans were noisy throughout – what do you expect when they’re permitted four beers per person at the concession while also being hopped up on Irn Bru? Canada’s tournament was largely quiet, starting with very little promise and ending abruptly. Without question, the most disappointing effort of the event was the tournament opener against the Kiwis when Canada struggled to tackle from the outset

deCiSionS Mike Scholz considers his choices as a pair of tacklers from Scotland await his progress.

mAny looked uPon this yeAr’s commonweAlth gAmes As A triAl run for thE 2015 pAN AMERiCAN gAMEs ANd, uLtiMAtELy, thE 2016 OLyMpiCs iN RiO.

and never generated any momentum. Untimely penalties only compounded that fact as Canada failed to show up against the best team in the world. “I don’t think we’ve tackled that poorly all season,” Moonlight said following the debacle. “We thought we had a chance (against New Zealand) but our own play let us down. Our own defensive penalties let us down.” The Canadians rallied with a strong effort against rugby-playing minnow Barbados to set up Saturday’s most anticipated match, against Scotland. But in the most important game of the tournament, Canada was largely second best. “It came down to a couple of missed tackles but the boys really put it out there,” Canadian Connor Braid said. “It’s a really strong Scottish team. They’ve brought in a lot of guys and a lot of top quality pros. There was a lot more heart than there was in the first game (against New Zealand).” While the Scottish fans left Ibrox Stadium “Singing in the Rain” for what seemed like “500 Miles” of subway queues, Moonlight and company did the opposite, lamenting what could have been. Three straight wins on Sunday – Canada beat Trinidad & Tobago 33-0 in the quarter-final, Uganda 32-0 in the semifinal

and Cook Islands 50-7 in the Bowl final – did little to wash away the sour feelings, but indeed those Sunday results showed Canada’s true heart. As Moonlight predicted following the loss to Scotland, Canada came to play Sunday. “We are going to come out with three wins,” Moonlight had said. “One hundred per cent.” They did just that. Many looked upon this year’s Commonwealth Games as a trial run for the 2015 Pan American Games and, ultimately, the 2016 Olympics in Rio. While the disappointment was quite evident, Canada learned a valuable lesson or two that might become a silver lining with the advantage of hindsight. “The little mistakes are what hurt,” Moonlight said, when reflecting on what they learned. “You clean up those little things and that’s the difference between a top team and a team that’s in the Bowl. If we clean up a couple of things against Scotland and New Zealand, we would have been in a totally different game. We need to go back and correct these things.” For Canadian back Harry Jones, the lesson he’ll take away is simple: be ready to go from the outset. “We have to turn up in the first game on Day 1,” Jones said, following Canada’s Bowl win. “Obviously against New Zealand – a team we’ve been very close with all year – blew us out. We have to turn that around on that first day. And we also need to just have a bit more consistency. Against Scotland we didn’t bring our ‘A’ game either. We need to be playing like we’re playing top teams in every single game.” It may have been a disappointing result, but if Canada’s results prove positive in the next two major events, there may be something valuable to take from its weekend at Ibrox. Two years down the road, the 2014 Commonwealth Games could be looked upon as an important step towards something special in Rio.

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Success of Pacific Nations Cup match in Burnaby a sign of things to come in BC’s Lower Mainland By shAhEEd dEVJi in VANCOuVER

f a sold-out crowd at Canada’s opening Pacific Nations Cup match in Burnaby wasn’t enough proof, one need only look to what is upcoming for a sign that rugby in Metro Vancouver is booming. Rugby Canada is hoping to host an International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series weekend in Vancouver at BC Place in February 2016. If the bid is successful, it would be the first of four-straight years of a major international event being hosted in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. “This event is an international phenomenon,” says Mark Lemmon, Chief Marketing Officer for Rugby Canada. “It’s going to attract people from across the world and it’s going to put Canada on the map within the rugby world as well.” The Pacific Nations Cup match in Burnaby earlier this summer was the first test of the annual series and despite the 34-25 loss at the hands of the Japanese Brave Blossoms, the support the host Canadians received throughout the tightly contested match was unwavering. The atmosphere was loud and it was proud. But it was no surprise.

That support goes a long way in demonstrating the kind of backing rugby as a sport has in Western Canada. “The BC Rugby Union has a storied history and the sport continues to grow at all levels, especially in the women’s and youth divisions,” says B.C. Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Jim Dixon. “We are very fortunate to have a dedicated rugby community in our province that is well supported by a strong volunteer base.” The British Columbia Rugby Union is currently in its 125th anniversary year, and participation at the grassroots levels is strong. There are over fifty clubs in B.C., many of which consist of senior men’s, senior women’s, and youth teams. While the masses had not had a chance to outwardly display their support on an international stage in some time, all they needed was a chance at the Pacific Nations Cup match to show that the backing for rugby on the mainland today is stronger than ever. “It was a phenomenal success for everybody involved,” says Nancy Small, Executive Director of Tourism Burnaby. “We are a very sportoriented community and fortunate

to have world-class facilities like Swangard Stadium to host events of this calibre.”

RugBy CANAdA is hOpiNg tO hOst AN iRB sEVENs wORLd sERiEs wEEKENd in vAncouver At Bc PlAce in feBruAry 2016. If the groundwork from Burnaby’s match is an indicator, the fans will come out in droves for an IRB Sevens stop in Vancouver, which would attract the world’s best rugby sevens teams for a weekend of high-level international competition. “That’s a testament to the community not only in Burnaby but also to the people of the Greater Vancouver area,” adds Lemmon. “There’s a lot of rugby fans that haven’t really had a chance to see sevens rugby at that level. It’s an incredible experience.” The Canadian Men’s Sevens team is currently ranked sixth in the world, and the Women’s Team sits in third. Both earned spots in their respective World Cups, and presence of the redand-white has now become expected

at any major international event. Much of this success can be attributed to the recent centralization of national training at the Rugby Canada Centre of Excellence in Langford on Vancouver Island, where National Teams live and train together nine months out of the year. “It completely shifts your level of performance as a team to higher level,” explains Lemmon. “That in and of itself has positioned Canada at a much higher level internationally.” At the national level, British Columbia and the Mainland specifically also play a large part in our country’s continued growth and success. “Our mini and junior club programs combined with high school, regional competitions and academy systems continue to pay dividends as we prepare the next generation of rugby players for competition,” adds Dixon. “These are the main factors that have contributed to us being successful and are key parts of our provincial teams performing well at the national level.” While the recent explosion of popularity of rugby sevens has propelled Canada to the forefront maybe more than any other country, the groundswell of support and participation in the sport in this country – and specifically in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia – has allowed for that to happen. And using the success of Burnaby’s Pacific Nations Cup match as an example, if Vancouver is to land an IRB Sevens stop in 2016, we shouldn’t expect anything but the same kind of passion and support.

TOURISM BURNABY:

PROUD RUGBY SUPPORTERS, ON AND OFF THE PITCH

www.tourismburnaby.com 38

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Under Armour To Deliver Cutting-Edge Innovation to Rugby Canada U nder Armour and Rugby Canada have signed a multi-year sponsorship designating the performance and innovation brand as the official technical partner of Rugby Canada. Under Armour will manufacture and design Rugby Canada’s match day kits, training kits and athletic equipment. The new match day kit maked its debut in the senior men’s game against Japan on June 7.

“Rugby Canada is thrilled to partner with Under Armour as our Official Performance Partner and National Team Kit Supplier,” said Graham Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Rugby Canada. “The sport of rugby is on the rise both on and off the field throughout Canada. This is highlighted by our National Men’s and Women’s teams’ performances as well as our many new and exciting corporate partnerships. Under Armour will be

providing elite performance apparel and products that both our players and fans will be proud to wear.” “This partnership continues our commitment to empowering Canada’s rugby players and elevating the national team’s presence throughout the world,” said Matt Mirchin, Executive Vice President, Global Marketing, Under Armour. “We look forward to providing our proven technology in performance

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footwear and apparel to athletes whose will and determination earns them the honour to wear the national team kit.” With this partnership, Rugby Canada joins a group of world-class athletes and organizations who train and compete in Under Armour performance footwear, apparel and equipment. Under Armour is the technical partner for the Welsh Rugby Union, Tottenham Hotspur of the Barclays Premier League, Colo-Colo of the Chilean Primera División and Toluca of Mexico’s Liga MX. The Montreal Canadiens dynamic goalie Carey Price, former MMA-champion George St-Pierre, Olympic legend Michael Phelps, PGA standout Jordan Spieth and NBA AllStar Stephen Curry are a few of the world-class athletes who train and compete in Under Armour. 39

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FOR PRINT USE ONLY

NATIONAL WOMENS league

COLOUR INFORMATION

PANTONE 5435

PANTONE Black

PANTONE 1807

DIGITAL ART available from Glenn Ryan @ PIX Tel: (416) 504.3622 or email pix@istar.ca

raise the hardware The Ontario Storm celebrate winning the 2014 National Women’s League trophy.

STORM TAKE 2014 NATIONAL WOMEN’S LEAGUE TITLE

RUGBY CANADA - NWL LOGO

PIX

03-21-07

FOR PRINT USE ONLY

2014 NWL STATS Ontario 4-0 Equipe Quebec 3-1 British Columbia 2-2 Prairies 1-3 Atlantic 0-4

By DOUG CROSSE Photo By RUGBY ONTARIO

t was a modified National Women’s League for 2014 with two combined regional teams from the Prairies and Atlantic joining Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia for the one week event in Ottawa. Set up as a round robin event over the five days from July 29th to August 3rd eventually it came about that Quebec would not be able to defend its 2013 title, missing a bonus point against British Columbia in a 20-10 win on the first day of the competition. The Ontario Storm would prove to be in form province, going 4-0 and racking up big wins of 62-5 over the Atlantic, 57-27 against the Prairies and a 32-22 win over Quebec to set the table for the final Sunday show down against British Columbia. In the final it was one half of the Ontario based Svoboda twins, Katie, who had a pair of tries to bolster solo tries from Sarah Guttin, Misha Maric and Gillian Pegg in a 27-10 win over BC. “I’m very pleased with the way the players bought in to what the coaching staff were trying to do this year,” said Storm head coach Kevin Jones. “Right from our first tryout back in May, we laid out our expectations, and our players responded brilliantly. They’ve worked extremely hard to get to this point, and have earned the trophy they proudly lifted earlier today.” Quebec would finish in second place, going 3-1 with a 42-5 win over the Atlantic on the final day to finish with 14 points.

Top Points Scorers Jackie Tittley (Quebec) 28 pts Fabiola Forteza (Quebec) 25 pts Cindy Nelles (Ontario) 20 pts

COLOUR INFORMATION

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Results

Top Try Scorers Fabiola Forteza (Quebec) 5 tries Cindy Nelles (Ontario) 4 tries Erin Van Gulik (Quebec) 4 tries

29-Jul-14 ATLANTIC 22 (+1) PRAIRIES 29-Jul-14 Équipe Québec 20 British Columbia 30-Jul-14 Ontario 62 (+1) ATLANTIC 30-Jul-14 PRAIRIES 11 Équipe Québec 31-Jul-14 Ontario 32 (+1) Équipe Québec 31-Jul-14 British Columbia 48 (+1) PRAIRIES 02-Aug-14 British Columbia 45 (+1) ATLANTIC 02-Aug-14 Ontario 57 (+1) PRAIRIES 03-Aug-14 Équipe Québec 42 (+1) ATLANTIC 03-Aug-14 Ontario 27 (+1) British Columbia

DIGITAL ART available from Glenn Ryan @ PIX Tel: (416) 504.3622 or email pix@istar.ca

20 pts 14 pts 10 opts 6 pts 1 pt

41 (+1) 10 5 27 (+1) 22 12 15 27 (+1) 5 10

national festival CHAMPIONSHIPS

national festival

the 2014 national Festival, held at the Calgary rugby union, hosted over 1,000 rugby athletes in four divisions august 5th - 10th. as always, there were many high quality games and also an opportunity for rugby Canada age Grade coaches to scout players from u18 men and women and u16 men and women divisions. Photos By CONNOR MCgEE

2014 NAtiONAL fEstiVAL stAts final round results u18 men Cup Final Quebec 10 British Columbia(2) 35 Bronze Medal alberta 7 Ontario(2) 22 Top Tournament Scorers Cooper Coates (ns) 48 pts Ben scher (BC 1) 46 pts David Kavtiashvilli (On 2) 33 pts Top Try Scorers Christian Grillo (On2) Carson O’sullivan (sK) Kolby steen (BC 1)

5 Tries 5 Tries 5 Tries

final round results u18 Women Cup Final British Columbia 10 Ontario 7 Bronze Medal Quebec 10 alberta 29 Top Tournament Scorers Chantal maclean (BC) 37 pts ali Wicklum (aB) 36 pts elizabeth Boudreault (QC) 35 pts

Saskatchewan’s U18 Men’s and Women’s team get together for a post tourney snap.

Top Try Scorers elizabeth Boudreault (QC) 7 Tries Christina Branch (On) 6 Tries Karlie Tkachanko (aB) 5 Tries

final round results u16 men

Ontario’s U16 Men’s team makes a tackle against an Alberta player. Jump Ball Saskatchewan and Manitoba vie for control of the ball at a lineout.

British Columbia’s U16 Men’s team took Gold with a win overAlberta 26-0.

The Equipe Quebec U18 women finished in fourth place with a loss to Alberta.

Cup Final alberta 0 B ritish Columbia (1) 26 Bronze Medal British Columbia (2) 12 Ontario (1) 17 Top Tournament Scorers logan martin-Feek (BC 1) 52 pts avery Oitomen (Ontario) 44 pts ethan Hager (Ontario) 39 pts Top Try Scorers ethan Hager (On) 7 tries evan norris (QC) 7 tries miguel-Fabian Palij (On) 7 tries

final round results u16 Women Ontario 4-0 1 British Columbia 2-2 alberta 0-4

9 pts 9 pts 0 pts

Top Point Scorers sophie de Goede (BC) natasha naismith (On) maddison Cohoon (On)

45 pts 30 pts 25 pts

Top Try Scorers sophie de Goede (BC) maddison Cohoon (On) emillie merilainen (On)

7 tries 5 tries 5 tries

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2014 Summer Recap By Penny Kroll

PhotoS By Lorne Collicutt

he summer of 2014 was a busy time with the Women’s Rugby World Cup in France and The Commonwealth Games for our Men’s Sevens in Scotland, but also within Rugby Canada’s fundraising program. When Rugby Canada hosts international matches it is a great opportunity to welcome our visiting teams and their Union representatives with a dinner that provides our guests the chance to meet both team members and allows us to raise some funds to support our national team members and programs. This summer a dinner was held in Vancouver to welcome Japan for the Pacific Nation Cup match in Burnaby followed by a dinner a week later with Scotland in Toronto ahead of their match at BMO Field. The teams enjoy some Canadian hospitality, a night away from eating at their hotel and a chance to meet some of our rugby community before the big game. The dinners included presentations with Rugby Canada Alumni that paved the way for current team members to play professionally overseas and the other a Q & A with representatives from both teams. Both events combined to raise over $145,000.00. Rugby Canada Alumni Mark Cardinal and Bobby Ross along with Graeme Bethell hosted their annual Players Championship Golf Tournament at Olympic View Golf Course in Victoria in July. This year they were able to raise $73,000.000 with the foursome of T. Blane Fowler, Tim Dean, Core Witt and W. Ross taking home top honours. The summer events close off with a Golf Tournament in Toronto and the Langara Fishing Challenge sponsored by Helijet at the end of August. With the 2015 Rugby World Cup coming up there will be send-off and fundraising events taking place here in Canada and in England. Visit events. rugbycanada.ca to keep up with all the fundraising events and matches for next year and don’t miss out on any exciting opportunities to support the team members for Rugby Canada!

Canada vs Japan dinner Gareth Rees exchanges gifts with Japanese manager Takenori Omura It was a full house at the Fairmont Waterfront dinner celebrating the Canada vs Japan match in June.

Japan Coach Steve Borthwick with Canadian Direct Insurance CEO Colin Brown. The golf tournament at Olympic View Course in Victoria July 10th was a hit.

Former Canadian team player Glenn Ennis with wife Lynn Collier of CITY TV Vancouver.

The Japanese team listens to the speeches

TO SUPPORT: Please contact Penny Kroll at PKroll@rugbycanada.ca or 905.707.8998 ext 240 to discuss how you can help today’s players be the best they can be when playing for Canada. 44

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Support your rugby community

The evening program on display. Canada vs scotland dinner Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District, Toronto.

A sold-out evening at a historic venue.

Scotland’s Blair Cowan sported some nationalistic trousers for the event.

An evening salute from Bowmore Whiskey.

TSN’s Brian Williams with Rugby Canada Board Member Brian Burke.

Richie Gray and Kelly Brown of Scotland joined Canada’s Jamie Cudmore and Tyler Ardron for Q & A .

Rugby Canada CEO Graham Brown with TSN’s Brian Spanton and guests.

Time to catch-up and stop for photos.

It was a great night at the Fermenting Cellar in downtown Toronto as the Canadian and Scottish teams mixed with fans ahead of their June 14th Match.

Adam Kleeberger and Taylor Paris were having a fine time.

THE LasT WORD VIEWS OF RUGBY IN CANADA

GARETH REES FORMER RUGBY WORLD CUP CAPTAIN, RUGBY CANADA

Great Canadian “Moments” Moments are not a short term investment tHE ICONIC IMAGE OF IRB PLAYER OF tHE YEAR MAGALI HARVEY rising

Ron LeBlanc

to her toes to step the French full back signifies a truly great moment for all Canadian rugby. Her successful landing and ensuing sideline conversion ensured history would be made, with Canada securing a spot in the women’s RWC 2014 final against England. So much had gone before to create that moment for Harvey and indeed for the women’s game. All good rugby people will know that without the Canadian pack uniting to steal against the head from the French, that without the deft hands and vision of the midfield to move the ball, without the awareness of Andrea Burk to draw two defenders, that without the freedom fostered by coach Ratier to attack from anywhere and that without the acceptance of Harvey, as she so eloquently stated in the mountain of press that followed, of her role to apply her strength, her speed and her finishing ability, that moment would not exist on TSN screens or anywhere else! When I look at the recent run of Canadian teams tasting success on the world stage: FISU sevens gold medal, Youth Olympics silver medal, Limerick sevens final appearance, Canada within

neW heightS Following the loss to England a disappointed Canada still understood what they had achieved.

imAgine if in 1987 At cAnAdAs first women’s test mAtch if our leAdershiP under BArry giffen hAd tOLERAtEd thE iNANE COMMENts Of OuR AMERiCAN guEst whO QuEstiONEd thE LEgitiMACy Of thE wOMENs gAME. a breath (and dubious referee call ) of toppling a tier one Men’s nation, it is important to note that Canadian “moments” like this aren’t born out of simple short term investment. There are no magic fixes or secret plans. These are the result generations of hard work, and good decisions by many in the limelight and behind the scenes. Imagine if in 1987, at Canada’s first women’s test match, our leadership, under Barry Giffen, had tolerated the inane comments of our American guest who questioned the legitimacy of the the women’s game. Imagine if there were no Liz Ferguson to fight at IRB, Sport Canada and Rugby Canada board tables. Imagine if after hosting of the Womens RWC in Edmonton in

2006 that all the Rugby Canada membership had abandoned the resulting responsibilities and costs, imagine if this group of women hadn’t come together under Ratier, to put their own hands in their pockets to partly fund their own preparation campaign and embraced the challenge of wearing the maple leaf at the RWC 2014. Imagine if having accepted that challenge they didn’t secure a coach so confident in his own knowledge and vision that he could let go and allow the players to express themselves and make on field decisions. Imagine if those girls, didn’t get a support team of Alumni who lived and breathed National team rugby with a wealth of international experience to call on. Imagine if the team didn’t have a manager who understood women athletes and bled Canadian rugby, or an assistant coach who valued the red jersey so much that she traversed the Atlantic juggling family needs in support of the cause, or a forwards coach who transformed the packs ability to “get in people’s faces” and, like the Men’s RWC quarter-final side of 1991 that he was a part of, not take a back seat to anyone. Given the challenges of geography and funding that all Canadian rugby folk are aware of great “”moments” in Canadian rugby are difficult to produce. When they do arrive they are extra special. The WRWC 2014 is an achievement these women will share for the rest of their lives. No one can take away the days and weeks when the spotlight shone so brightly this summer. Congratulations ladies! But just as Harvey, in full dive, the ball precariously dangling in her right arm knew that there were 14 women who got her to that point, so too we must remember that every success for the players wearing the maple leaf is based on years of hard work and sound decisions by many.

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