Canada national rugby league team
Encyclopedia
The Canada national rugby league team represents Canada
in international rugby league football tournaments.
was re-introduced to Canada
at an amateur
level in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when a short-lived 4-team domestic competition, known as the Tri-Counties Rugby League, was established. Four teams competed in its first year, three in Canada one in the U.S., the New York
-based Adirondacks club.
The Canada rugby league team first participated in international competition in 1987. Canada participated in the World Sevens (1995, 1996) and Emerging Nations World Cup (2000) competitions, and competed in regular international matches until 2000, when the Canadian Rugby League Federation folded. As a result, the national team, which was nicknamed the "Cougars", was disbanded and the sport remained dormant for 10 years.
, was formed with the aim of redeveloping the sport amongst the resurgent international rugby league scene. The national team was re-established and briefly nicknamed the 'Mounties', Jamie Lester, the Acting President of Canada Rugby League said, "Like the Kiwis, Kangaroos and Kumuls being identifiable with the New Zealand
, Australia and Papua New Guinea
rugby league teams, the Mounties nickname has been chosen to create the same effect for the Canadian team". Rugby League Review, one of the leading rugby league magazines in the world, became the main shirt sponsor of the team. The Mounties competed at the American National Rugby League
's 2010 War at the Shore tournament. There, Canada played New England Immortals, a New England representative team, and the New York Knights
AMNRL club team, losing both games.
The team's nickname was changed to 'Wolverines' before the return of international rugby league to Canada in September 2010 with the inaugural Colonial Cup. Later that year the Wolverines competed in the Rugby League Atlantic Cup in Jacksonville, Florida
.
The Canadian Wolverines played the Jamaican national team on Sunday July 31st, 2011 defeating the Jamaicans to secure Canada's first international victory of the revival era. They collected their second win in September, upsetting the USA in the second game of the Colonial Cup
. However, due to an earlier loss to the Tomahawks and the resulting aggregate scores, the Wolverines were unable to capture the cup. Canada's international season finished up with a defeat against South Africa
, who were in the Northern Hemisphere for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers
.
(Maracaibo Oilers Sports Club were Venezuelan Rugby Union side on tour to Canada in 1986, and included a Rugby League 13-a-side match on their tour itinerary. The Tri-County XIII was a representative team made up mainly of Canadians and some Americans from the 4-team Tri-County competition that was played at the time).
. The Canadians qualified for this tournament by finishing third in Group B of the Emerging Nations qualifying tournament which was held in the United States
. The Canadians put up some credible performances against group rivals the United States and Japan, but lost to both nations which earned them a third place finish. In the Emerging Nations tournament the Canadians again put up some credible performances, against the United States and another newcomer to the competition Italy, but again finished on the losing side, this earned them another third place finish and a wooden spoon
play-off against Japan. The Canadians tipped to finish last in the tournament proved everyone wrong by beating Japan in the match 28-12 at Wigan.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in international rugby league football tournaments.
1987-2000
Rugby leagueRugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
was re-introduced to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
at an amateur
Amateur
An amateur is generally considered a person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science, without pay and often without formal training....
level in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when a short-lived 4-team domestic competition, known as the Tri-Counties Rugby League, was established. Four teams competed in its first year, three in Canada one in the U.S., the New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
-based Adirondacks club.
The Canada rugby league team first participated in international competition in 1987. Canada participated in the World Sevens (1995, 1996) and Emerging Nations World Cup (2000) competitions, and competed in regular international matches until 2000, when the Canadian Rugby League Federation folded. As a result, the national team, which was nicknamed the "Cougars", was disbanded and the sport remained dormant for 10 years.
2010 onwards
In 2010, a new governing body, known as Canada Rugby LeagueCanada Rugby League
Canada Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in Canada. Founded in 2010, the CRL organizes the Canada national rugby league team and is establishing a domestic competition.-History:...
, was formed with the aim of redeveloping the sport amongst the resurgent international rugby league scene. The national team was re-established and briefly nicknamed the 'Mounties', Jamie Lester, the Acting President of Canada Rugby League said, "Like the Kiwis, Kangaroos and Kumuls being identifiable with the New Zealand
New Zealand national rugby league team
The New Zealand national rugby league team has represented New Zealand in rugby league football since intercontinental competition began for the sport in 1907. Administered by the New Zealand Rugby League, they are commonly known as the Kiwis, after the native bird of that name...
, Australia and Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea national rugby league team
The Papua New Guinea national rugby league team represents Papua New Guinea internationally in the sport of rugby league football.In Papua New Guinea, Rugby league is highly popular and is regarded as the country’s national sport. The national side are known as the Kumuls...
rugby league teams, the Mounties nickname has been chosen to create the same effect for the Canadian team". Rugby League Review, one of the leading rugby league magazines in the world, became the main shirt sponsor of the team. The Mounties competed at the American National Rugby League
American National Rugby League
The American National Rugby League is a rugby league football competition for semi-professional clubs in the United States. It is the country's first domestic rugby league competition...
's 2010 War at the Shore tournament. There, Canada played New England Immortals, a New England representative team, and the New York Knights
New York Knights
The New York Knights were an Arena Football League team based in New York City. They played in the league for one season, 1988. They played their home games at Madison Square Garden. After going 2-10 overall in their only season the team ceased operations...
AMNRL club team, losing both games.
The team's nickname was changed to 'Wolverines' before the return of international rugby league to Canada in September 2010 with the inaugural Colonial Cup. Later that year the Wolverines competed in the Rugby League Atlantic Cup in Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Florida in terms of both population and land area, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. It is the county seat of Duval County, with which the city government consolidated in 1968...
.
The Canadian Wolverines played the Jamaican national team on Sunday July 31st, 2011 defeating the Jamaicans to secure Canada's first international victory of the revival era. They collected their second win in September, upsetting the USA in the second game of the Colonial Cup
Colonial Cup (rugby league)
The Colonial Cup is an international rugby league football challenge match played between the USA Tomahawks and the Canada Wolverines. The inaugural match was played in September, 2010 at the Richardson Memorial Stadium in Kingston, Ontario. The match was won by the USA Tomahawks 20 -16.In 2011,...
. However, due to an earlier loss to the Tomahawks and the resulting aggregate scores, the Wolverines were unable to capture the cup. Canada's international season finished up with a defeat against South Africa
South Africa national rugby league team
The South Africa national rugby league team are a growing force in rugby league football, South Africa competes sporadically against other international nations because of their location and their absence from any major international competitions. They are ranked twenty-third in the world...
, who were in the Northern Hemisphere for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers
2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifying
Of the fourteen teams that will participate in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, only two are not automatic inclusions, so must win qualifying matches to enter the tournament, which is to be held in Wales and England...
.
Overall record
| Against | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | % Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0% | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0% | |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% | |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% | |
| 13 | 2 | 11 | 0 | 15% | |
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0% | |
| Total | 20 | 4 | 16 | 0 | 20% |
Results (1987-2011)
| Year | Date | Result | Venue | City | Crowd | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 9 October | South Africa South Africa national rugby league team The South Africa national rugby league team are a growing force in rugby league football, South Africa competes sporadically against other international nations because of their location and their absence from any major international competitions. They are ranked twenty-third in the world... def. Canada 36-22 |
Fletcher's Fields | Markham, Ontario | Not known | Friendly |
| 2011 | 18 September | Canada def. USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... 18-16 |
Fletcher's Fields | Markham, Ontario | Not known | Colonial Cup (rugby league) Colonial Cup (rugby league) The Colonial Cup is an international rugby league football challenge match played between the USA Tomahawks and the Canada Wolverines. The inaugural match was played in September, 2010 at the Richardson Memorial Stadium in Kingston, Ontario. The match was won by the USA Tomahawks 20 -16.In 2011,... |
| 2011 | 27 August | USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 18-2 |
||||
| Philadelphia | Not known | Colonial Cup (rugby league) Colonial Cup (rugby league) The Colonial Cup is an international rugby league football challenge match played between the USA Tomahawks and the Canada Wolverines. The inaugural match was played in September, 2010 at the Richardson Memorial Stadium in Kingston, Ontario. The match was won by the USA Tomahawks 20 -16.In 2011,... |
||||
| 2011 | 31 July | Canada def. Jamaica Jamaica national rugby league team -See also:* Rugby League in the West Indies* West Indies National Team-External links:*... 40-10 |
Fletcher's Fields | Markham, Ontario | 1,500 | Caribbean Carnival Cup |
| 2010 | 20 November | USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 46-12 |
Hodges Field | Jacksonville | 2800 | 2010 Atlantic Cup 2010 Atlantic Cup -Canada vs Jamaica:-United States vs Canada:... |
| 2010 | 18 November | Jamaica Jamaica national rugby league team -See also:* Rugby League in the West Indies* West Indies National Team-External links:*... def. Canada 32-12 |
Hodges Field | Jacksonville | 800 | 2010 Atlantic Cup 2010 Atlantic Cup -Canada vs Jamaica:-United States vs Canada:... |
| 2010 | 19 September | USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 20-16 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | Friendly |
| 2000 | 20 November | Canada def. Japan Japan national rugby league team The Japan national rugby league team represents Japan in rugby league football. Japan has been playing international competition since 1994. A regular domestic amateur competition has been held in Japan for several years .-History:Rugby league was founded in Japan in 1993 by former Australian first... 28-12 |
Robin Park Arena | Wigan | Not known | 2000 Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament |
| 2000 | 15 November | Italy Italy national rugby league team The Italy national rugby league team represents Italy in international rugby league football. The team dates back from the 1950s after the formation of a domestic competition in the country, and in the 1960s they played Australia, France and a number of English teams.The game disappeared in Italy... def. Canada 66-6 |
Cougar Park | Keighley | Not known | 2000 Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament |
| 2000 | 13 November | USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 52-10 |
Court Place Farm | Oxford | Not known | 2000 Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament |
| 1999 | ||||||
| Japan Japan national rugby league team The Japan national rugby league team represents Japan in rugby league football. Japan has been playing international competition since 1994. A regular domestic amateur competition has been held in Japan for several years .-History:Rugby league was founded in Japan in 1993 by former Australian first... def. Canada 14-0 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1999 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 68-0 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1998 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 32-6 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1997 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 50-10 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1995 | ||||||
| France France national rugby league team The France national rugby league team represent France in international rugby league tournaments. They are also sometimes referred to as "Les Tricolores" or more commonly "Les Chanticleers"... def. Canada 72-32 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1995 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 44-0 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1994 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 22-10 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1994 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 22-0 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1993 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 32-2 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1993 | ||||||
| USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... def. Canada 54-14 |
TBC | TBC | Not known | |||
| 1987 | ||||||
| Canada def. USA United States national rugby league team -2008 & 2013 Rugby League World Cup Qualifying:In October 2006, The Tomahawks were to participate in a four team Atlantic qualifying pool for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, but South Africa and the West Indies withdrew. As a result, The Atlantic qualifying pool was reduced to a single game... 23-10 |
TBC | TBC | Not known |
Other Representative Match
Tri-County XIII defeated Maracaibo Oilers Sports Club (Venezuela) 24-16 at Montreal (1986)(Maracaibo Oilers Sports Club were Venezuelan Rugby Union side on tour to Canada in 1986, and included a Rugby League 13-a-side match on their tour itinerary. The Tri-County XIII was a representative team made up mainly of Canadians and some Americans from the 4-team Tri-County competition that was played at the time).
Emerging Nations Tournament
In 2000 the Canada Cougars took part in the Emerging Nations Rugby League Championship which was held in the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The Canadians qualified for this tournament by finishing third in Group B of the Emerging Nations qualifying tournament which was held in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Canadians put up some credible performances against group rivals the United States and Japan, but lost to both nations which earned them a third place finish. In the Emerging Nations tournament the Canadians again put up some credible performances, against the United States and another newcomer to the competition Italy, but again finished on the losing side, this earned them another third place finish and a wooden spoon
Wooden spoon (award)
A wooden spoon is a mock or real award, usually given to an individual or team which has come last in a competition, but sometimes also to runners-up. Examples range from the academic to sporting and more frivolous events...
play-off against Japan. The Canadians tipped to finish last in the tournament proved everyone wrong by beating Japan in the match 28-12 at Wigan.
Qualifying Tournament
- United States def. Canada 68-0 Orlando, FloridaOrlando, FloridaOrlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
United States - Japan def. Canada 14-0 Orlando, FloridaOrlando, FloridaOrlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
United States
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 122 | 0 | 4 | ||
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 54 | |||
| 2 | |||||||||
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 82 | |||
| 0 |
Finals Tournament
- United States def. Canada 52-10 OxfordOxfordThe city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...
United Kingdom- Tries: Whale, Van Der Hoek. Goal: De Snayer.
- Italy def. Canada 66-6 Cougar ParkCougar ParkCougar Park is a multi-purpose stadium in Keighley, England. It is used mostly for rugby league matches, as the home stadium of Keighley Cougars and football as the new home of Silsden F.C.. Its capacity is 7,800 people. It also hosted a match during the 1995 Rugby League World Cup...
, KeighleyKeighley CougarsKeighley Cougars are a professional rugby league club from Keighley in West Yorkshire, England. As of 2012 they will play in Co-operative Championship having won the Co-operative Championship 1 play off final 32-12 against Workington...
United Kingdom- Try: Coussons. Goal: Weiler.
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 106 | 22 | 4 | ||
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 68 | 50 | 2 | ||
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 118 | |||
| 0 |
- Canada def. Japan 28-12 WiganWiganWigan is a town in Greater Manchester, England. It stands on the River Douglas, south-west of Bolton, north of Warrington and west-northwest of Manchester. Wigan is the largest settlement in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan and is its administrative centre. The town of Wigan had a total...
United Kingdom, 5th and 6th place playoff- Tries: Demetriou 3, Whale, McKenzie. Goals: Weiler 2, De Snayer 2.