Good day everyone.

[iNot sure where to put this seeing as I’m new here, if there’s a better place then mods please move as appropriate.[/i

Been a Bradford Northern/Bulls fan since the 70’s, but have become involved in Rugby League in Canada since moving over here to Toronto. I just wanted to let people know firstly that Canada is playing rugby league, have gone from unranked to 13th in the world in the last 5 years and are hopefully going to qualify for our first RLWC in December.

The Canada Wolverines just completed a Colonial Cup series win over the USA Hawks, game 1 28-36 and game 2 28-34, which marked our first game win on American soil, our first series win on American soil and the first time we have retained this Cup. An unprecedented year; and all this without heritage players.

This is just a note to help spread the word about the volunteer efforts of RL fans in Canada in growing our game. Please visit rlhttps://www.canadarugbyleague.comrl and follow us on Facebook & Twitter from there, we’d love to have your support.

Welcome to the forum

It sounds like the National team are progressing well.

How is the domestic game coming along, are there still around 10 teams? There was a story over here a few months ago that they were looking at entering a Canadian team into our Championship divisions - any more on this?

Thanks for the welcome.

The discussions for the Championship 1 bid are still ongoing to the best of my knowledge, however there was a restructuring over here earlier this month, rlhttps://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/1147/canada-rugby-league-association-electsrl where a new national board was elected, with Provincial boards underneath that who are going through their election processes at the moment.

Still 4 teams in Ontario and 7 in British Columbia, and hopefully another 2 in Alberta for 2016.

We're steadily growing domestically, speaking for Ontario even at 4 teams this bit of stability is allowing for more sustainable growth of playing numbers.

First of all, a warm welcome to the forum

Sounds really positive over there, good to hear that the "greatest game" is spreading its wings and good luck with your RL (or do they call it "footy" in Canada ?

Cheers!

Definitely nice to have some positivity after reading Steve Ferres' interview on the T&A! LOL

We're definitely heading in the right direction, a new board will give us some fresh motivation and ideas, and obviously we'll all be as happy as the proverbial dog with two wotsits should we qualify for RLWC 2017.

There's a fair few Aussies and Kiwis helping out here as well, so mostly it's footy! Better that though than confusing it with Rugby Union.

Good stuff.

Are the clubs over there Open Age only, or do they have junior sides too?

We’re looking at including under 18’s and women’s teams as well. Getting into the schools over here is no easy task and is something that’s been ongoing since RL resumed here in 2010. There have been a couple of tragic deaths at high school RU games so local school boards tend to be a bit skeptical when ‘another’ rugby is brought up, even if doesn’t contain the scrums.

As the game itself becomes more popular and more people see the differences it will come, it’s all a matter of education and relationship building.

We’ve had international crowds of approaching 8,000 so we know the interest is there.

Colonial Cup 2015 - Game 1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v

Colonial Cup 2015 - Game 2
rlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v

Canada Rugby League YouTube channel - Games from 2010-2014, featuring Colonial Cup vs USA, Caribbean Cup vs Jamaica, England Lionhearts, RAF Rugby League and more.
rlhttps://www.youtube.com/user/canadarugbyleaguetv/featuredrl

Thanks for your support!

Welcome to the Forum.

8,000 crowds, that is mighty impressive. just think what could happen if it really could take off over there in the coming years. Keep up the good work and hopefully you get the backing your efforts deserve.

rlCRLA announce link up with Penrith Panthersrl

well it looks like it is coming along very nice hope to see you in our league 1 if it comes of hope it does

Cheers mate. Not sure personally if the League 1 thing does come off if it will be of great benefit to grass roots over here, but you never know. A few years back we had a couple of kids over at Hull FC on a similar scheme to the Penrith one, a bit of a shame that didn't carry on as it's easier to get to England from Ontario, while it's easier for the BC lads to get to Oz.

Welcome CanaBull

Sounds promising in Canada.
Good work. Would love to see Canada in the world cup.

Thanks again. Qualification for RLWC 2017 would be an amazing step for us over here. I hope RLWC 2021 goes to 16 teams, as the USA and Jamaica also deserve a better chance at some recognition for their growth as well, particularly Jamaica who have done amazing things with next to nothing in financial support. A great bunch of people doing great things.

It's a three way rivalry that epitomises the best of rugby league; fierce rivals on the field, but with common struggles across each country that has brought players and staff very close together. The North American sports market is huge, so even cracking it as a niche sport could be a key global development for the game as a whole and there is much to be positive about.

rlNew Canadian coach prepares for Rugby League World Cup - Americas Qualifiersrl

This is what new Canada Wolverines coach Aaron Zimmerle had to say about December's qualifiers and for development in general.

Excellent thread! Great to see an emerging nation, well, emerging!