Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are Canadian Rugby Supporters?

Canadian Rugby Supporters are dedicated fans who are committed to supporting Rugby in Canada. We are not Rugby Canada, which is the official governing body of the sport in Canada.

2. Do you have to be big to play Rugby?

Its certainly doesn’t hurt if you are tall and well built in Rugby (average international forward is 6 feet 3 inches tall), however, to play the modern game you also have other qualities such as being quick and agile. Other Rugby positions size is not as crucial so anyone can play Rugby and should be encouraged to get involved.

3. Why play Rugby?

In most places in Canada you will be able to play for your High school as well If you are very good at Rugby you can play professionally as well as play for your club and country.. The game of Rugby is very popular worldwide and is becoming more popular every year. There will be increased opportunities in the game of Rugby to play professionally as well as in International tournaments for your country.

4. Who is considered the founder of Rugby?

The sixteen-year-old kid named William Web Ellis who attended the Rugby school in England in the mid nineteenth century. The World Cup Rugby trophy is named after him, hence the Webb Ellis Cup.

5. What is the Rugby Canada Super League?

It is a 13-team semi professional Rugby league in Canada formed by Rugby Canada and the participating Rugby Unions.

6. What is the Churchill Cup?

It is tournament presently held in Canada until 2005, between Canada, USA, Enlgland and invited international team.

7. Where is Rugby most popular in Canada?

It is the most popular in the Province of British Columbia largely due to the weather in this Province is conducive to playing Rugby as well as the number of immigrants who have introduced the sport to this region of the country.

8. What is the field dimensions of a Rugby Field?

The field-of-play does not exceed 100 metres in length and 70 metres in width. Should be as close to 70 meters in width and 100 meters in length as possible.

9. Can Rugby be played on artificial turf?

No, currently all international matches are played on a grass turf and not artificial turf. It is difficult to be tackled on an artificial turf or to find enough grip in a scrum on artificial turf. National teams do, however, train on artificial field surfaces. The rules state as follows:

The surface is grass, but if this is not possible it may be clay or sand, provided it is not dangerous. Any permanently hard surface, for example asphalt or cement, is prohibited.

10. Is Rugby in the Olympics?

Rugby was in the Olympics in 1900, 1908, 1920 and 1924 Olympic Games. Barron Pierre de Coubertin of France, who brought the modern Olympic games back, was instrumental in bringing Rugby to the Olympics in France in 1900. He was also the referee of the final. Despite being absent for so long, Rugby will likely be a Sport in the next Olympics after Athens.

11. Where can I play Rugby?

Most major cities in Canada will have 1 or more clubs. Check this website or the Rugby Canada website for clubs in your area. Smaller town in British Columbia will likely also have a Rugby Club. Although sporadic, many provinces in Canada play High School Rugby and it is becoming increasingly popular due to the lower insurance and equipment costs of playing Rugby over Football.

12. What are the top Rugby Nations in the World?

England, Australia, France New Zealand and South Africa would be considered the top 5 nations in the world at Rugby.

13. What’s a Rugby ball like?

It is fatter and more avoid than a football.

14. How does Canada measure up in Rugby?

Canada has historically done fairly well at Rugby, however, our record has deteriorated largely due to the fact we do not have a professional league and other nations do. We have attended all Rugby World Cups since 1987. We reached the ¼ finals in 1991. In 2003 we did not get beyond our playing pool. In 1995 the International Rugby Board (IRB) allowed for the Rugby Union to be professional and since that time it has been more difficult for Canada to compete as our game has remained largely amateur and we have not developed a pro league.

15. Who is Canada’s most capped player?

Al Charron

16. Who is Canada’s top try scorer?

Winston Stanley

17. Who is Canada’s top penalty and points scorer?

Gareth Rees

18. How can one be introduced to Rugby as a fan?

International Rugby such as the tri-nations, six nations and the super 12 is usually broadcast on TV by the specialty cable channels such as the Score, Fox Sportsworld Canada and Sportsnet. You may go to a local Rugby club rugby game and if you are lucky you may catch Canada playing an International friendly in Canada such as the upcoming Canada v. France game that will be in Toronto

18. How long does a Rugby match last?

A match is played out in two 40 minute halves

19. How are points awarded in Rugby?

Points are awarded for a Try (5 points), Conversion (2 points), Penalty (3 points) and Drop goal (3 points).

20. What is the Sin-bin?

When a player is sent off the pitch for ten minutes, either because of foul play or for a “professional” foul which illegally prevents a probable score.

21. What is added time?

Time added on after injuries, delays and time spent consulting with the video referee.

22. What is a Line-Out?

When two single-file lines are formed by forwards of the opposing teams after the ball goes out of touch.

23. What is Half time?

Period, now universally of ten minutes in duration between each half.

23. What is a Garryowen?

A high ball aimed in the direction of the opposition full-back. A tactic that originated at the Garryowen club in Limerick, Ireland.

24. What is a Scrum?

It is when the two opposing sets of forwards (eight per team) pack down against each other.

25. What is a Try?

Method of scoring worth 5 points. The player must touch the ball down in the opponents’ goal area.

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