Ottawa rugby community turns out to support Canadian women in world cup final

Rugby fans in the capital packed pubs for watch parties as the Canadian women’s team took on England for the Rugby World Cup. CTV’s Dylan Dyson reports.

Ottawa’s rugby community showed up Saturday in what was a massive moment for the sport in Canada.

Watch parties were held across the capital as Canada’s women’s team faced off against England at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final.

At High Fives Sports Pub in Bells Corners, the Ottawa Ospreys Rugby Football Club packed in to watch the match.

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“Our women’s team is 100 per cent behind them,” said Leeann Napiorkowski. “All the kids from ages five all the way up till 45, 55 are just completely inspired and in awe of what’s happening right now.”

Osprey’s rugby player Phoebe Foster, 17, says it is inspiring watching Canada go up against the hometown favourite in England, after knocking off the reigning champions New Zealand in the semi-finals.

“It’s great honestly, I think it’s really positive. I think it’s really cool to see them really get their time. A lot of the time the talk is men’s sports, so to see women actually have their time, it’s really good to see,” Foster told CTV News while watching the first half.

“I think it’s going to get a lot more kids, especially young women, into it. And I’m really hoping it does. It would be cool to see a lot more younger people get into it.”

Near the University of Ottawa, past and present Gee-Gees rugby players gathered at Father & Sons Restaurant to cheer on Canada’s women.

“I think anytime you can have Canada leading the way when we’re making a push on the world stage, it’s remarkable. Canadians should be excited about that and celebrate it, women or men,” said Gee-Gees rugby alumni Chris Ricciuti.

The university’s men’s rugby team is celebrating its alumni weekend, marking 25 years of the sport at the University of Ottawa.

Head coach James Flemming says bringing together older and younger players to support Canada creates a positive atmosphere ahead of the team’s game Saturday night versus McGill.

Flemming adds having Canada’s success broadcast across cable television provides new opportunities for young people to find the sport in a country dominated by hockey.

“I think that it’s inspiring young Canadians, both guys and girls, to get out there and try the sport of rugby. It’s a beautiful game. It translates so well for people that play hockey.”

The Canadian Women’s Rugby Team were forced to crowdfund their way to the World Cup in England. Rugby Canada saying the team needed raise $1 million for the trip given its low operating budget.

Flemming hopes the spotlight of the final will help propel the sport forward in Canada.

“I hope that this just boosts programs around the country, inspires people to put more money into the game, especially on the female side. They had to crowdfund to get to the World Cup and I don’t think that should ever have to happen again.”

In the end, Canada came up short against England, losing 33-13. England has now won 63 of its last 64 games.

“Nonetheless, great reason to be proud,” said Flemming. “Second best team in the world.”