Being rugby fans in Canada can be discouraging.
We face long off-seasons, indifference from the domestic sports mainstream and a global rugby scene which is only too happy to leave Canada on the fringes of relevance.
In fact, one might think that all maps in the offices of World Rugby depict Canada as a hazy wilderness marked by the words “Here Be Dragons.” At least that would explain the erratic approach of rugby’s governing body towards the development of Canadian rugby.
But there’s no need to lose heart.
Sure, Canada is a non-traditional rugby country, but we have a devoted core of supporters, exciting national teams, and a rugby culture that stretches back over more than a hundred years.
In the ever-expanding world of sports broadcasting, it’s easier than ever for the rugby-starved to find their favourite sport on TV.
In other words, this particular wilderness isn’t as barren as it may seem.
So whatever your reasons, if you ever feel that being a rugby fan in Canada is just too much of an uphill battle, here is a list of “survival tips” that may be helpful for keeping those fires burning. Even out here in the neglected rugby hinterlands.
Find a way to watch some rugby in person.
Do a quick internet search for your local rugby club or school team, and take in a match. There are 75,000 registered players in Canada, so there’s probably rugby happening nearby on any given evening during the spring, summer, or fall.
Alternatively, making plans to attend an international Test match in a far-off country can be inspiring—vacation in New Zealand, anyone?
Help out at the grassroots level.
The rugby community in Canada occupies a quiet corner of the national sporting culture and therefore tends to be welcoming and unpretentious. Keep an eye out for opportunities to volunteer in rugby, even if you’re not familiar with the more technical aspects of the game. Many community-based rugby teams would be happy for any help and enthusiasm you can offer.
Support the national programs.
Checking out Rugby Canada’s official website and social media pages is a great way to make one feel more connected to the Canadian rugby scene. With capitalism empowering our eyeballs as generators of corporate profits, take note of the official sponsors of Rugby Canada and let them know where you saw their company logo; for rugby to really take off in Canada, corporations and broadcasters need to regard it as fertile ground for advertising. Which leads us to…
Make a nuisance of yourself.
It can be satisfying to flip the script and make repeated, unsolicited (and hopefully annoying) contact with a faceless corporation. Both TSN and Rogers—the major Canadian sports broadcasters—have showed an interest in filling their airtime with rugby, but they can always use an extra nudge from the viewing public. Use your leverage as a consumer and let them know that there is an appetite for rugby on TV. This will not only help keep games on the air, but also potentially mean more coverage in the future.
Chip in for Canadian athletes.
Much like Olympic athletes, the unfortunate reality is that many of the best Canadian rugby players are purely amateur and must pay their own expenses—often earning a rugby pay cheque overseas—in order to compete for their country. Seek out the fundraising web pages of our rugby athletes and chip in to help them live their passion.
Remember women’s rugby.
This should go without saying, yet the reality is that most female-only sports continue to struggle for attention all over the world.
Women’s rugby deserves its due in Canada, with its highly successful XV’s and sevens national teams proving themselves to be among the best on the planet. Best of all, such success looks sustainable, with participation numbers on the rise all across the country. So next time you’re looking for rugby to watch, don’t forget to check the women’s schedule.
Join a message board.
These days, there are message boards focused on most any interest you can think of and rugby is no exception. Even if you don’t like participating in online discussions, just following along can be a great way to increase your rugby knowledge, catch up on the latest news, and generally feel in touch with your fellow fans around Canada and the world.
Learn to love teams from around the world.
Start your search with the Tier One nations; the intense media attracted by their national teams will make it easier to follow your new heroes. Any country will do (note: not Australia), but perhaps you have family history in France, friends from England, or think that the Springboks jersey is too stylish to be ignored.
Next, work your way down to professional competitions like the European Rugby Champions Cup and Super Rugby. This will give you further rooting options in both hemispheres—in other words, a way to fill your rugby viewing calendar virtually year-round.
However you do it, find excuses to get behind a handful of rugby sides.
In addition to the Canadian national teams, of course.
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