Canada will have three pro rugby teams operating in 2021 and all of them are in Ontario. In Rugby Union it’s the Toronto Arrows, in Rugby League it’s the Toronto Wolfpack and the new team, the Ottawa Aces.
Everyone has a unique view of what it means to be Canadian on Canada Day and today I thought I’d reflect on what it means to me from the perspective as editor of BC Rugby News.
The top news for Canada is the women’s team were awarded 3rd place in the 2020 series behind NZ and Australia. Canada were tied with Australia in points with 80 but the World Rugby tie breaking scenario gave Australia second. It wasn’t made clear what that tie breaking scenario was but Australia had a slightly better win percentage and point differential over the series.
Blues 27 – Highlanders 24
The Blues led 22-10 at HT with winger Caleb Clarke stealing the show with one try and an assist on the second. Pressure through the kicking of Otere Black forced an error which led to the third try for the Blues in the half. The Highlanders scored one through the forwards, the Highlander forwards were steady throughout the half and their lineout may be one of the best in the competition.
When I first read the press release from USA Rugby the similarities with Langford in Canada hit me. Langford is the home of the National Governing Body (NGB), Westhills Stadium has been the go to venue for the national team on many occasions. The national teams train in Langford.
viaSport which is the province’s voice on Return to Sport guidelines has published a list of Provincial Sport Organizations that have submitted Return to Sport Plans (RTSP).
Blues 24 – Chiefs 12
The Blues and Crusaders continue on as favourites after Week 2. The Chiefs again had a man advantage situation and were unable to fully capitalize. The Blues were able to score one first half try through pick and go from the forwards and added a penalty, The Chiefs kicked three penalties, for a 10-9 HT score.
from Rugby Canada
As Rugby Canada and all Provincial Member Unions continue to move towards a return to play, the working group provided further updates on the process:
He won two MLR championships as a player/coach but wasn’t given the head coach’s job, a mystery to many, now he’s parted ways with Seattle and looking for the next opportunity.
The website rugbyleagueplanet.com released an article “Canadas suspended season could end sooner in west” in which they’ve identified opportunities in BC and Alberta for Rugby League to grow at Rugby Union’s expense.