Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Canada national rugby union team
Rugby football has a long history in Canada dating back to its initial appearance in the 1860s. Introduction of the game and its early growth is generally credited to immigrants, members of the regimental armies, and to the Royal Navy in Halifax, NS and Esquimalt, BC.
The first game of rugby recorded in Canada took place in Montreal among artillery men in 1864. That same year, Trinity College in Toronto, published the first set of rugby rules in Canada. In 1868, the first club, the Montreal Football Club was formed.
It was six years later, in 1874 when the first North American international game took place in Cambridge, MA between McGill and Harvard universities. Rugby in Canada later evolved into the separate sport of Canadian football.
During World War I and II rugby was disbanded in favour of a more concerted war effort. Between the wars there was something of a renaissance i 1919, a Canadian Services Team played overseas against representatives from England, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. The formation of the Rugby Union of Canada took place in 1929 and this was followed by a tour of Japan by a Canadian representatives side in 1932.
Canada was once a rugby nation known for its physical style of play and toughness from 1-15, has slipped out of the top 10 rugby nations in recent years, but has never-the-less provided top class players to leagues in England, Wales and France. Dan Baugh, Rod Snow, Mike James, Colin Yukes and Jamie Cudmore all play in Europe.
Becoming a bit of a victim of its own success in producing this talent, having these players available for important Tests has been a challenge, often leaving the squad undermanned in key positions.
The Canucks can point to a number of key matches over the past decade or so as high-tide marks for performance. A quarter-final appearance at the 1991 World Cup before going out to New Zealand by 29-3; a victory at Cardiff Arms Park over Wales, beating France in Canada 18-16; a 27-27 draw against Ireland in 2000, and a 26-23 win over Scotland in Vancouver in 2002. The win over Scotland was the start of seven victories in a row before losing to Wales in Cardiff and France in Paris.
They also won the now defunct Pacific Rim tournament three years in succession in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
The sheer size of Canada means that talent is scattered across the country making the job of coaches and selectors very difficult. The province of British Columbia is something of a stronghold.
Having qualified in the four previous World Cups, it was no surprise when the Canadians made it five in a row when qualifying for the 2003 World Cup in Australia.
Famous players
See also
External links
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