CHARLOTTETOWN RFC WIN DIV. 1 CHAMPIONSHIP ON DEBUT

History was made this past summer in Charlottetown, PEI as the first-ever women’s team – named the Charlottetown RFC – won the Nova Scotia Division 1 championship, finishing the season with a perfect 8-0 record.

Ranging from ages 14-26, the club fielded a program of nearly 30 athletes and exceeded expectations set by the club, organizers and players.

“The club anticipated being competitive, but never imagined winning the Nova Scotia Div. 1 championship.  We were more then pleased with the outcome of the season both in terms of on field performance and club atmosphere,” said Abby Goodwin, Club President.

“We are proud of our season this summer and look forward to building on this for years to come."

The club was formed this past winter by former U20 Canada player/UVIC graduate Abby Goodwin and former AUS/UPEI player Megan Larkin, after they realized there was growing interest in a women’s rugby club on PEI.  They worked tirelessly, secured coaches, designed a memorable logo and a budget, drafted a constitution/bylaws and were accepted into the Nova Scotia women’s league and never looked back. 

"My goal and expectation from the beginning was that this club will be very competitive.  With a roster full of current/former varsity players and in some cases, have played rugby at an even higher level.  I was quite pleased at the level of success the team had, winning the clubs first Div. 1 title in their inaugural season,” said Head Coach James Voye.   

“The women really bought into the style of play, were extremely coachable, dedicated and the rest is history.  They’re a very special group of women, words cannot express how proud I am of their outstanding and memorable season"  

CRFC finished the regular season 6-0 and earned a bye directly into the Div. 1 final.  On August 24th the club faced off against the defending champions Halifax Tars with a 12noon kickoff in Charlottetown, PEI.  It was a very hard fought final, with many crushing hits and hard-nosed scrummaging by the Tars.  CRFC responded very well to the veteran Tars pressure early in the first half and sticking to the game plan early helped them grab an early lead, continued to build on it and never looked back.  The final score was 43-15.

“We worked hard all season and ended up finishing as undefeated division 1 champions!  I’m so proud of what we accomplished within our first season as a club and hope CRFC continues to grow and encourage more women to play rugby,” Captain Emily Keen.

The club was led by many women that day, but some standouts from the game were Abby Goodwin, Rebecca Chapman, Jean Baker (formerly long listed Canada Sr. women), team captain Emily Keen, Holly Jones, who both played for the Nova Scotia Keltic at the CRC and starting full back Alysha Corrigan, who was long listed for U20 Canada, won a U20 gold medal with the U20 Keltic, was recently named a 2017 AUS all star and U-sport 2nd Team All Canadian.  

"The PEIRU is very thankful for Rugby NS for including our new women’s club in their league this summer. Rugby is really growing on PEI, particularly among young women, and the Charlottetown RFC now offers a place for these athletes to continue their playing careers past high school and university,” said Craig Inward, PEIRU President.

“The club's success is only going to help us as we look to develop the next generation of rugby players on the Island, and winning in their first year out is a nice way to validate everyone efforts.  As an administrator and a coach I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

-30-