Kieran Crowley thinks RWC will boost popularity of Rugby in Canada - Rugby News
The Canadian head coach, Kieran Crowley, is hopeful about the promotion of rugby in his country ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011. The Canadian side had qualified for the global showpiece taking place this year in New Zealand on September 9. Canada is currently
engaged in World Cup preparations and will play their last home match against the United States on August 6 to get ready for the Webb Ellis Trophy. Talking to reporters on August 4, Crowley said that he is anticipating great prospects for rugby because of
home matches.
The coach further said that the warm up match against United States will attract a large number of rugby fans, which would work like magic on local rugby. Crowley also expected that rugby lovers will also push their home side during the World Cup, scheduled
to be played in New Zealand.
The Canadian team is hosting the Eagles at their largest home venue of BMO Field in Toronto and a huge crowd is expected to watch the action live. Furthermore, Canada is making special arrangements for this particular match as the local television station,
TSN, will cover the match for nationwide supporters.
Canada has been placed in Pool A for Rugby World Cup 2011 along with hosts All Blacks, France, Asian champs Japan and Tonga. Currently the Canadian side is placed on 16th position according to the IRB ranking.
Talking about their forthcoming match against the U.S.A., Crowley said that, “It’s massive for Canadian rugby. Hopefully all this exposure does raise the profile, and people will jump onboard and see what the game’s all about.”
Graham Brown, the chief executive officer of Rugby Canada, also spoke on the occasion and said that, “It’s only the diehard who will find out about a game up at Fletcher’s Fields. It’s only the diehards who are going to go to an environment that’s non-traditional.
Rugby people will bring their friends now because their friends can actually conceptualize going to BMO Field, buying a ticket and going to a sporting event.”
All rugby sides are in the process of getting ready for Rugby World Cup 2011 and so is the case with Canada.
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