Canada Rugby League takes step forward ahead of 2021 Rugby League World Cup
Introduces new Canadian logo as women's team gears up for marquee event in fall
The Canada Rugby League Association rebranded Monday and announced a partnership deal with O'Neills Irish International Sports Company.
Footnotes for more established sports in Canada, perhaps, but a step forward for rugby league.
Welcome to the team <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadaRL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadaRL</a> 🇨🇦 🏉 <br><br>We're delighted to have you on board with us, looking forward to working together over the next few years. 🤝 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudtoweartheleaf?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#proudtoweartheleaf</a><br><br>For more information on the partnership read our blog ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/8IkowUdvjf">https://t.co/8IkowUdvjf</a> <a href="https://t.co/3yfH6pbQA6">pic.twitter.com/3yfH6pbQA6</a>
—@ONeills1918Money is tight for the sport's governing body, which while still legally known as the Canada Rugby League Association will be shifting to Canada Rugby League.
And the clock is ticking. Pandemic permitting, Canada's women — known as the Ravens — will be showcased later this year at the Rugby League World Cup scheduled to run from Oct. 23 to Nov. 27 in England.
The good news is World Cup organizers are taking care of travel and accommodation costs.
A sponsorship committee is working on other partnerships to add to the Canadian team uniforms.
Getting players together is difficult at the best of times, given Canada's geography. An East-West game in January under the bubble at Toronto's Lamport Stadium, with matches for both men and women, represents the only recent action.
"Unfortunately after that game, COVID came along and basically put paid to any further play," said Jowett.
Camps scheduled, but difficulty playing games
The Canadian women have camps scheduled for March, one in B.C. and the other in Ontario. They will be monitored from afar by Australian-based coach Mike Castle, if allowed to go ahead, with help from domestic coaches.
There are also camps scheduled for both sites in April and May. Jowett, who says Canada currently has a long list of around 80 players., hopes Castle will be on the ground for camps this summer.
The 61-game World Cup also includes men's and wheelchair play. Canada is not represented in either competition.
The Canadian women debuted at the 2017 World Cup where the Ravens scored a historic first win — over Papua New Guinea — en route to the semifinals of the six-team competition.
Games have been hard to come by since.
February 15th is Flag Day in Canada - the day we celebrate the adoption of the Maple Leaf flag in 1965. This February 15th, the CRLA will introduce our new brand. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudtoweartheleaf?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#proudtoweartheleaf</a> <a href="https://t.co/r7CWslkrPK">pic.twitter.com/r7CWslkrPK</a>
—@CanadaRLThe new Canadian logo, designed by Martyn Simpson, features a Maple Leaf with rugby league's iconic chevrons.
The O'Neills stable includes England's St Helens and Australia's Penrith Panthers. The Canadian association's new logo, meanwhile, comes with a new slogan: .proudtoweartheleaf.
