Ottawa Wolves RFC
| Full name | Ottawa Wolves RFC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Union | IGRAB | ||
| Emblem(s) | howling wolf | ||
| Founded | 2008 | ||
| Region | Ontario Rugby Football Union | ||
| Ground(s) | Twin Elm Rugby Park | ||
| President | Johnny Festarini | ||
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The Ottawa Wolves is a Rugby Union Football Club for men and women in Ottawa - Canada's National Capital Region.
History
The Ottawa Wolves RFC was founded in 2008 by Carl Pilon and Jay Smidt,[1] both Hero award recipients,[2] with the mission to promote and encourage participation in rugby among those who have traditionally been under-represented in the game, with an emphasis on gay men. Though predominantly gay, the team is inclusive of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
The club played its first game in October 2008 at the inaugural Dirty Rugger Tournament, where they tied Muddy York 5-5.
The following year, the Ottawa Wolves joined both the Ontario Rugby Union and the International Gay Rugby Association and Board, and played their first season as the only team in the EORU Mens Division II developmental league. In a 7-game season against teams in Mens Division I, the Ottawa Wolves finished with 513 points against, and 0 points for.[3] The Ottawa Wolves' first league try came in their 2009 playoff game against the Barrhaven Scottish III.
The team's first victory came on August 1, 2009 against the Muddy York in Montreal. Shortly afterward, the club followed that victory with their second against the Ottawa Senators RFC.[4]
In 2010, the team participated in a rugby match with the Muddy York during Pride Week. The historic match was played on the main lawn of Parliament on August 28, 2010.[5]
Expanding on the success of the men's side as a community fixture, the Wolves' women's side commenced its inaugural season in the spring of 2013.
Involvement in IGRAB
On July 23, 2009, The Ottawa Wolves RFC became a member club of the International Gay Rugby Association and Board; they joined the Vancouver Rogues RFC and Muddy York RFC of Toronto as Canada’s third IGRAB club.[6]
As a gay-identified team, The Ottawa Wolves have participated in Capital Pride since 2008.[7]
The Ottawa Wolves have also developed close ties with Toronto's Muddy York, playing frequent games together and exchanging information pertinent to both clubs, and was one of the original clubs playing in the Dirty Rugger Tournament, now known as the Beaver Bowl.
Notes and references
- ↑ "Ottawa Wolves looking for Fresh Meat". Capital Xtra. 2008. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ↑ "23 Reasons to be PROUD of Ottawa". Capital Xtra. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ↑ "EORU Men's Division II Standings". EORU. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ↑ "EORU Old Boys' Fixtures". EORU. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ↑ "CTV Ottawa: The first gay rugby match on Parliament Hill". CTV. 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-31.
- ↑ "IGRAB membership grows in Canada and worldwide". IGRAB. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
- ↑ "Ottawa - Capital Pride Parade 2009". Xtra. 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-14.
External links
- The Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club
- IGRAB - International Gay Rugby Union & Board
- Ontario Rugby Union
- Eastern Ontario Rugby Union
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