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{{Infobox sports league
{{Infobox sports league
|current_season = 2018 CRC season
|title = Canadian Rugby Championship
|title = Canadian Rugby Championship
|logo = Canadian_Rugby_Championship_logo.svg
|logo = Canadian_Rugby_Championship_logo.svg
|sport = Rugby Union
|sport = Rugby Union
|founded = {{Start date and age|2009}}
|founded = {{Start date and age|2009}}
|folded = {{End date|2018}}
|teams = 4
|teams = 4
|country = {{CAN}}
|country = {{CAN}}
|champion = [[Ontario Blues]] (5th title)
|champion = [[Ontario Blues]] (6th title)
|champion U19 = [[BC Bears]] (3rd Title)
|most_champs = [[Ontario Blues]] (6 titles)
| most_champs = [[Ontario Blues]] (5 titles)
| most champs U19 = [[BC Bears]] (3 Titles)
|website = [http://www.canadianrugbychampionship.com canadianrugbychampionship.com]
|website = [http://www.canadianrugbychampionship.com canadianrugbychampionship.com]
}}
}}


The '''Canadian Rugby Championship''' (CRC) ({{lang-fr|Championnat provincial du Canada de rugby à XV}}) is an amateur [[rugby union]] league located in [[Canada]], partially funded by the [[International Rugby Board]] (IRB). It is the highest level of domestic rugby in Canada. There are four representative teams from regions across Canada, competing for the [[MacTier Cup]]. The regular season goes from August to September, and there is no post-season. The CRC was started in 2009 by [[Rugby Canada]]. The league continues to grow each year, with further games being added to the schedule, and the format having changed in each of its first three years, making the league more competitive and a prospect of becoming professional one day.
The '''Canadian Rugby Championship''' (CRC) ({{lang-fr|Championnat provincial du Canada de rugby à XV}}) was a Canadian amateur [[rugby union]] competition, partially funded by the [[World Rugby]]. It was the highest level of men's domestic rugby in Canada. Four representative teams from regions across Canada competed for the [[MacTier Cup]]. The CRC was started in 2009 by [[Rugby Canada]] and was held annually from August to September. Rugby Canada also held CRC tournaments for under-19 men, under-20 women, and senior women.

Gord Sneddon is the current league commissioner.


==History==
==History==
Line 25: Line 21:
===The American Rugby Championship===
===The American Rugby Championship===
{{Main|Americas Rugby Championship}}
{{Main|Americas Rugby Championship}}
On September 7, 2009 the IRB scrapped the NA4 and unveiled the ARC competition, in which Canada, [[USA Eagles|the USA]] and [[Argentina Jaguars|Argentina]] would send representative teams to play for a championship title ([[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]] was later added in the second season, replaced with [[Uruguay national rugby union team|Uruguay]] from 2012 onwards)<ref>{{cite web |title=IRB announces the ARC |url=http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2032748.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015182903/http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid%3D2032748.html |archivedate=October 15, 2012 |df= }}</ref>
On September 7, 2009 the IRB scrapped the NA4 and unveiled the ARC competition, in which Canada, [[USA Eagles|the USA]] and [[Argentina Jaguars|Argentina]] would send representative teams to play for a championship title ([[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]] was later added in the second season, replaced with [[Uruguay national rugby union team|Uruguay]] from 2012 onwards)<ref>{{cite web |title=IRB announces the ARC |url=http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2032748.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015182903/http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid%3D2032748.html |archive-date=October 15, 2012 }}</ref>


In order to select a team that would play in the ARC, [[Rugby Canada]] unveiled the CRC, with the champion and runner-up advancing to the ARC. The BC Bears Coached by Mike James and Kris de Scossa were inaugural champions, who went on to play Argentina Jaguars, Russia and England Counties. Following the first season, a Canada Selects team was chosen by [[Canada national rugby union team|Team Canada]] coach [[Kieran Crowley]] instead, exclusively from players who competed in the CRC.
In order to select a team that would play in the ARC, [[Rugby Canada]] unveiled the CRC, with the champion and runner-up advancing to the ARC. The BC Bears Coached by Mike James and Kris de Scossa were inaugural champions, who went on to play Argentina Jaguars, Russia and England Counties. Following the first season, a Canada Selects team was chosen by [[Canada national rugby union team|Team Canada]] coach [[Kieran Crowley]] instead, exclusively from players who competed in the CRC.


===The CRC===
===The CRC===
In the inaugural [[2009 CRC season|2009 season]], six games were played in a round-robin format, similar to that of [[The Rugby Championship]], with the team collecting the most points over the season being named champions.
In the inaugural [[2009 CRC season|2009 season]], six games were played in a round-robin format, similar to that of [[The Rugby Championship]], with the team collecting the most points over the season being named champions.


The following season, the same six game season was used, however a post-season was added—with the top two teams squaring off in a final at the home venue of the team which amassed the most points during the regular season.
The following season, the same six game season was used, however a post-season was added—with the top two teams squaring off in a final at the home venue of the team which amassed the most points during the regular season.


In 2011 the format changed yet again, scrapping the final and instead going back to a round-robin competition. This time with ten games, each team playing five. The western teams (the [[BC Bears]] and the [[Prairie Wolf Pack]]) played three home games and two away games, while this schedule was reversed for the two eastern teams, (the [[Ontario Blues]] and the [[The Rock (rugby team)|Atlantic Rock]]). In 2012, this was switched, having the western teams play two home games and three away games, with the eastern teams playing the opposite.
In 2011 the format changed yet again, scrapping the final and instead going back to a round-robin competition. This time with ten games, each team playing five. The western teams (the [[BC Bears]] and the [[Prairie Wolf Pack]]) played three home games and two away games, while this schedule was reversed for the two eastern teams, (the [[Ontario Blues]] and the [[Atlantic Rock]]). In 2012, this was switched, having the western teams play two home games and three away games, with the eastern teams playing the opposite.

Also in 2011 a U19 (Under 19) Canadian Rugby Championship (U19 CRC) was launched. The results over the last four years have seen the BC Bears U19 winning 3 out of the four national titles with Ontario Blues U19 gaining one title. The head coach of the BC Bears over this period was also Kris de Scossa (BC Bears senior coach), who with the BC Bears U19 won 15 out of 16 championship matches.


==Season structure==
==Season structure==
The CRC is broken up into a pre-season and a round robin season, with no post-season. During the pre-season teams play exhibition matches against other teams, usually not participating in the CRC. The pre-season is not a formal one set by the league, but instead the individual teams can play club or touring sides at their own leisure, or may choose to not play any pre-season games at all.
The CRC is broken up into a pre-season and a round robin season, with no postseason. During the pre-season teams play exhibition matches against other teams, usually not participating in the CRC. The pre-season is not a formal one set by the league, but instead the individual teams can play club or touring sides at their own leisure, or may choose to not play any pre-season games at all.


Starting in mid August, and ending late September, the regular season follows the same format as [[The Rugby Championship]], having teams playing in a round robin format, with the team that accumulates the most points throughout the tournament winning the MacTier Cup. Therefore, no post-season is required. Every team plays five games, the western teams playing three at home and two away, while the eastern teams play a reversed schedule.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gottfried|first=Garth|title=CRC kicks off in August|url=http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=59954}}</ref> There are no divisions or conferences.
Starting in mid August, and ending late September, the regular season follows the same format as [[The Rugby Championship]], having teams playing in a round robin format, with the team that accumulates the most points throughout the tournament winning the MacTier Cup. Therefore, no post-season is required. Every team plays five games, the western teams playing three at home and two away, while the eastern teams play a reversed schedule.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gottfried|first=Garth|title=CRC kicks off in August|url=http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=59954}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> There are no divisions or conferences.


The points system for the season is the same as most rugby competitions around the world:
The points system for the season is the same as most rugby competitions around the world:
Line 54: Line 48:


==Broadcasting==
==Broadcasting==
The league has no deals with any networks; however, some teams provide live online streaming of their games. [[CBC Television]] aired the 2010 final live, but this was the only match shown on national television.
The league had no deals with any networks; however, some teams provide live online streaming of their games. [[CBC Television]] aired the 2010 final live, but this was the only match shown on national television.


==Teams==
==Teams==
{| class="wikitable"
===List of teams===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%; text-align:left"
|-
|-
! Team
! style="background:white; width:15%" | Team
! style="background:white; width:20%" | Provinces represented
! Provinces represented
! style="background:white; width:18%" | Home field
! Home field
! style="background:white; width:5%" | Capacity
! Capacity
! style="background:white; width:13%" | Head coach
! Head coach
|-
|-
| '''[[BC Bears]]'''
| '''[[BC Bears]]'''
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| [[Thunderbird Stadium]]
| [[Thunderbird Stadium]]
| align=center | 7,200
| align=center | 7,200
| Tony Healy<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2017/03/28/bc-bears-announce-new-coaching-staff/|title=BC Bears announce new Coaching Staff|last=News|first=Americas Rugby|date=2017-03-28|website=Americas Rugby News|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
| [[Tony Healy]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2017/03/28/bc-bears-announce-new-coaching-staff/|title=BC Bears announce new Coaching Staff|date=2017-03-28|website=Americas Rugby News|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
|-
|-
| '''[[Prairie Wolf Pack]]'''
| '''[[Prairie Wolf Pack]]'''
| [[Alberta]] / [[Manitoba]] / [[Saskatchewan]]
| [[Alberta]], [[Manitoba]], [[Saskatchewan]]
| Calgary Rugby Park
| Calgary Rugby Park
| align=center | 7,500
| align=center | 7,500
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| Chris Silverthorn
| Chris Silverthorn
|-
|-
| '''[[The Rock (rugby team)|The Rock]]'''
| '''[[Atlantic Rock]]'''
| [[Quebec|QC]] / [[New Brunswick|NB]] / [[Nova Scotia|NS]] / [[Prince Edward Island|PEI]] / [[Newfoundland and Labrador|NFLD]]
| [[Newfoundland and Labrador]], [[New Brunswick]], [[Nova Scotia]], [[Prince Edward Island]], [[Quebec]]
| Truro Saints RFC / [[Swilers RFC|Swilers Rugby Park]]
| Truro Saints RFC / [[Swilers RFC|Swilers Rugby Park]]
| align=center | 6,500
| align=center | 6,500
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[[File:Locations of the four Canadian Rugby Championship teams.png|600px|Locations of the four Canadian Rugby Championship teams.]]
[[File:Locations of the four Canadian Rugby Championship teams.png|600px|Locations of the four Canadian Rugby Championship teams.]]


==Trophy==

{{Main|MacTier Cup}}

⚫
The MacTier Cup was created in 1988 and awarded to the champion of the [[Rugby Canada Super League]]. Since the Super League folded, the MacTier Cup is now awarded to the Canadian Rugby Championship champion.
== Champions ==
== Champions ==
⚫
The [[MacTier Cup]] was created in 1998 and awarded to the champion of the [[Rugby Canada Super League]]. Since the Super League folded, the MacTier Cup is now awarded to the Canadian Rugby Championship champion.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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!width=35%|Runner-up
!width=35%|Runner-up
|-
|-
|[[2009 CRC season|2009]]
|[[2009 Canadian Rugby Championship|2009]]
| '''British Columbia Bears''' (1)
| '''BC Bears''' (1)
| Ontario Blues
| Ontario Blues
|-
|-
|[[2010 CRC season|2010]]
|[[2010 Canadian Rugby Championship|2010]]
| '''The Rock''' (1)
| '''The Rock''' (1)
| Prairie Wolf Pack
| Prairie Wolf Pack
|-
|-
|[[2011 CRC season|2011]]
|[[2011 Canadian Rugby Championship|2011]]
| '''Ontario Blues''' (1)
| '''Ontario Blues''' (1)
⚫
| BC Bears / Prairie Wolf Pack
⚫
| The Rock
|-
|-
|[[2012 Canadian Rugby Championship season|2012]]
|[[2012 Canadian Rugby Championship|2012]]
|'''Ontario Blues''' (2)
|'''Ontario Blues''' (2)
|Prairie Wolf Pack
|Prairie Wolf Pack
|-
|-
|[[2013 CRC season|2013]]
|[[2013 Canadian Rugby Championship|2013]]
|'''Ontario Blues''' (3)
|'''Ontario Blues''' (3)
|BC Bears
⚫
|Prairie Wolf Pack
|-
|-
|[[2014 CRC season|2014]]
|[[2014 Canadian Rugby Championship|2014]]
|'''Ontario Blues''' (4)
|'''Ontario Blues''' (4)
|Prairie Wolf Pack
|Prairie Wolf Pack
|-
|-
|[[2015 CRC season|2015]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/07/02/wolf-pack-best-blues-to-win-mactier-cup/|title=Wolf Pack best Blues to win MacTier Cup|last=Ray|first=Bryan|date=2015-07-02|website=Americas Rugby News|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
|[[2015 Canadian Rugby Championship|2015]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americasrugbynews.com/2015/07/02/wolf-pack-best-blues-to-win-mactier-cup/|title=Wolf Pack best Blues to win MacTier Cup|last=Ray|first=Bryan|date=2015-07-02|website=Americas Rugby News|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
|'''Prairie Wolf Pack''' (1)
|'''Prairie Wolf Pack''' (1)
|Ontario Blues
|Ontario Blues
|-
|-
|[[2016 CRC season|2016]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americasrugbynews.com/competitions/2016-canadian-rugby-championship/|title=2016 Canadian Rugby Championship - Americas Rugby News|website=www.americasrugbynews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
|[[2016 Canadian Rugby Championship|2016]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.americasrugbynews.com/competitions/2016-canadian-rugby-championship/|title=2016 Canadian Rugby Championship - Americas Rugby News|website=www.americasrugbynews.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
|'''Ontario Blues''' (5)
|'''Ontario Blues''' (5)
|Prairie Wolf Pack
|Prairie Wolf Pack
|-
|-
|[[2017 CRC season|2017]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.canadianrugbychampionship.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=2581&leagueID=6921&page=101013}}</ref>
|[[2017 Canadian Rugby Championship|2017]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.canadianrugbychampionship.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=2581&leagueID=6921&page=101013|title=Bears Defeat Ontario to Win Mactier Cup|website=www.canadianrugbychampionship.com|access-date=2018-08-25|archive-date=2018-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825111904/http://www.canadianrugbychampionship.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=2581&leagueID=6921&page=101013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|'''British Columbia Bears''' (2)
|'''BC Bears''' (2)
|Ontario Blues
|Ontario Blues
|-
|-
|[[2018 Canadian Rugby Championship|2018]]

|'''Ontario Blues''' (6)
⚫
|Atlantic Rock
|}
|}


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''MacTier Cup championships'''<br>
|+ MacTier Cup championships
! Team
! Team
! Titles
! Titles
|-
|-
| [[Ontario Blues]] || 5
| [[Ontario Blues]] || 6
|-
|-
| [[BC Bears]] || 2
| [[BC Bears]] || 2
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| [[Prairie Wolf Pack]] || 1
| [[Prairie Wolf Pack]] || 1
|-
|-
| [[The Rock (rugby team)|The Rock]] || 1
| [[Atlantic Rock]] || 1
|-
|-
|}
|}
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* [[Rugby Canada]]
* [[Rugby Canada]]
* [[Rugby union in Canada]]
* [[Rugby union in Canada]]
* [[Rugby Canada Super League]] (''defunct'')
* [[Rugby Canada Super League]] (defunct)


==References==
==References==
Line 170: Line 161:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.canadianrugbychampionship.com Official Website]
* [http://www.canadianrugbychampionship.com Official Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430205812/http://canadianrugbychampionship.com/ |date=2015-04-30 }}
* [http://www.americasrugbychampionship.com ARC Official Website]
* [http://www.americasrugbychampionship.com ARC Official Website]
* [http://www.rugbycanada.ca Rugby Canada Website]
* [http://www.rugbycanada.ca Rugby Canada Website]


{{Top-level rugby union club competitions}}
{{Rugby Union Club Competitions}}
{{Rugby union in Canada}}
{{Rugby union in Canada}}


Line 180: Line 171:
[[Category:Rugby union leagues in Canada]]
[[Category:Rugby union leagues in Canada]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 2009]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 2009]]
[[Category:Sports leagues disestablished in 2018]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in Canada]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in Canada]]
[[Category:2018 disestablishments in Canada]]

Latest revision as of 01:44, 29 March 2024

Canadian Rugby Championship
SportRugby Union
Founded2009; 15 years ago (2009)
Ceased2018 (2018)
No. of teams4
Country Canada
Last
champion(s)		Ontario Blues (6th title)
Most titlesOntario Blues (6 titles)
Official websitecanadianrugbychampionship.com

The Canadian Rugby Championship (CRC) (French: Championnat provincial du Canada de rugby à XV) was a Canadian amateur rugby union competition, partially funded by the World Rugby. It was the highest level of men's domestic rugby in Canada. Four representative teams from regions across Canada competed for the MacTier Cup. The CRC was started in 2009 by Rugby Canada and was held annually from August to September. Rugby Canada also held CRC tournaments for under-19 men, under-20 women, and senior women.

History[edit]

The North America 4[edit]

Main article: North America 4

In 2006, the IRB started the North America 4 (NA4), to help create a higher level of rugby in North America, as well as to develop players and provide a pathway to national team selection and to make North American rugby teams more competitive at international level. It was contested by four teams, two each from Canada and the USA.

The American Rugby Championship[edit]

Main article: Americas Rugby Championship

On September 7, 2009 the IRB scrapped the NA4 and unveiled the ARC competition, in which Canada, the USA and Argentina would send representative teams to play for a championship title (Tonga was later added in the second season, replaced with Uruguay from 2012 onwards)[1]

In order to select a team that would play in the ARC, Rugby Canada unveiled the CRC, with the champion and runner-up advancing to the ARC. The BC Bears Coached by Mike James and Kris de Scossa were inaugural champions, who went on to play Argentina Jaguars, Russia and England Counties. Following the first season, a Canada Selects team was chosen by Team Canada coach Kieran Crowley instead, exclusively from players who competed in the CRC.

The CRC[edit]

In the inaugural 2009 season, six games were played in a round-robin format, similar to that of The Rugby Championship, with the team collecting the most points over the season being named champions.

The following season, the same six game season was used, however a post-season was added—with the top two teams squaring off in a final at the home venue of the team which amassed the most points during the regular season.

In 2011 the format changed yet again, scrapping the final and instead going back to a round-robin competition. This time with ten games, each team playing five. The western teams (the BC Bears and the Prairie Wolf Pack) played three home games and two away games, while this schedule was reversed for the two eastern teams, (the Ontario Blues and the Atlantic Rock). In 2012, this was switched, having the western teams play two home games and three away games, with the eastern teams playing the opposite.

Season structure[edit]

The CRC is broken up into a pre-season and a round robin season, with no postseason. During the pre-season teams play exhibition matches against other teams, usually not participating in the CRC. The pre-season is not a formal one set by the league, but instead the individual teams can play club or touring sides at their own leisure, or may choose to not play any pre-season games at all.

Starting in mid August, and ending late September, the regular season follows the same format as The Rugby Championship, having teams playing in a round robin format, with the team that accumulates the most points throughout the tournament winning the MacTier Cup. Therefore, no post-season is required. Every team plays five games, the western teams playing three at home and two away, while the eastern teams play a reversed schedule.[2] There are no divisions or conferences.

The points system for the season is the same as most rugby competitions around the world:

  • 4 points for a win
  • 2 points for a draw
  • 0 points for a loss
  • 1 bonus point for scoring 4 tries or more
  • 1 bonus point for losing by 7 points or less

Awards[edit]

The Player of the Year award is awarded at the end of the season to recognize the best player that year. The award is decided by votes from all the coaches, as well as a Rugby Canada representative.

Broadcasting[edit]

The league had no deals with any networks; however, some teams provide live online streaming of their games. CBC Television aired the 2010 final live, but this was the only match shown on national television.

Teams[edit]

Team Provinces represented Home field Capacity Head coach
BC Bears British Columbia Thunderbird Stadium 7,200 Tony Healy[3]
Prairie Wolf Pack Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan Calgary Rugby Park 7,500 Col Jeffs
Ontario Blues Ontario Sherwood Forest Park / Fletcher's Fields 3,200 Chris Silverthorn
Atlantic Rock Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Truro Saints RFC / Swilers Rugby Park 6,500 Dr. Pat Parfrey

Locations of the four Canadian Rugby Championship teams.

Champions[edit]

The MacTier Cup was created in 1998 and awarded to the champion of the Rugby Canada Super League. Since the Super League folded, the MacTier Cup is now awarded to the Canadian Rugby Championship champion.

Year Champion Runner-up
2009 BC Bears (1) Ontario Blues
2010 The Rock (1) Prairie Wolf Pack
2011 Ontario Blues (1) BC Bears / Prairie Wolf Pack
2012 Ontario Blues (2) Prairie Wolf Pack
2013 Ontario Blues (3) BC Bears
2014 Ontario Blues (4) Prairie Wolf Pack
2015[4] Prairie Wolf Pack (1) Ontario Blues
2016[5] Ontario Blues (5) Prairie Wolf Pack
2017[6] BC Bears (2) Ontario Blues
2018 Ontario Blues (6) Atlantic Rock
MacTier Cup championships
Team Titles
Ontario Blues 6
BC Bears 2
Prairie Wolf Pack 1
Atlantic Rock 1

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "IRB announces the ARC". Archived from the original on October 15, 2012.
  2. ^ Gottfried, Garth. "CRC kicks off in August".[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "BC Bears announce new Coaching Staff". Americas Rugby News. 2017-03-28. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  4. ^ Ray, Bryan (2015-07-02). "Wolf Pack best Blues to win MacTier Cup". Americas Rugby News. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  5. ^ "2016 Canadian Rugby Championship - Americas Rugby News". www.americasrugbynews.com. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  6. ^ "Bears Defeat Ontario to Win Mactier Cup". www.canadianrugbychampionship.com. Archived from the original on 2018-08-25. Retrieved 2018-08-25.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Canadian_Rugby_Championship&oldid=1216101740"