It was bound to happen and on my Day 4 it did--I found the Canadians!
I thought it would be a leisurely lunch at the Queen's Vaults in Cardiff, but it was much more. A chance meeting with a group of long time Canadian rugby supporters and frequent RWC visitors.
I talked with Richard, Jann, Rob and Irene about their love affair with the World Cup.
Traveling from Ontario, Canada, Rob and Irene have been to 3 Rugby World Cups - France, New Zealand and now England. They are here for three weeks and will take in the action in Cardiff (IREvCAN), Leeds (CANvITA), Gloucester (SCOvJAP), Milton Keyes (FRAvCAN) and London.
What started as just Rob and Irene on an adventure together has now grown to include 6 other people. (Rob may have his sights set on opening a travel agency soon!) Despite the result the foursome enjoyed the Ireland v Canada match.
Richard told me, "It *Rugby* fits in with our values--beer and fair play. The fans applaude even when the opposition score."
But how did their love affair with rugby start? Richard played rugby at the University of Guelph in the 70s and their children became involved in the game as well, their son at Queens University and their daughter at Waterloo.
When asked about their favorite RWC memory, I heard an amazing story of courage in the scrum. In Bordeaux France, everyone was gathered in a local pub when the garbage collection pulled into the alley. Everyone piled out into the alley and scrummed down against the garbage truck! It was back and forth for a few tense moments, I'm guessing it was likely a draw with the truck taking slight advantage.
What about their favorite takeaways from England 2015 so far?
Rob gave me the scoop. "What we enjoy is having the games spread out, meeting the people and touring the country," he told me.
Richard added, "It's just started. It's social. It's meeting the people. We like the unity. With rugby, you can drink with the competition. And we've met people we know from back home too."
Is this group done with sport for a bit after RWC-NO! They're also traveling to Helsinki on Christmas Day for the Junior Hockey Championships! Well done Canadians!
After that the day was quiet for me. Things pick up again Wed. with Scotland v Japan back at Kingsholm in Gloucester. I hope they like me there, it's becoming a second home for me.
I thought it would be a leisurely lunch at the Queen's Vaults in Cardiff, but it was much more. A chance meeting with a group of long time Canadian rugby supporters and frequent RWC visitors.
I talked with Richard, Jann, Rob and Irene about their love affair with the World Cup.
Irene, Rob, myself and Richard
(Thanks to Jann for the photo!)
(Thanks to Jann for the photo!)
Traveling from Ontario, Canada, Rob and Irene have been to 3 Rugby World Cups - France, New Zealand and now England. They are here for three weeks and will take in the action in Cardiff (IREvCAN), Leeds (CANvITA), Gloucester (SCOvJAP), Milton Keyes (FRAvCAN) and London.
What started as just Rob and Irene on an adventure together has now grown to include 6 other people. (Rob may have his sights set on opening a travel agency soon!) Despite the result the foursome enjoyed the Ireland v Canada match.
Richard told me, "It *Rugby* fits in with our values--beer and fair play. The fans applaude even when the opposition score."
But how did their love affair with rugby start? Richard played rugby at the University of Guelph in the 70s and their children became involved in the game as well, their son at Queens University and their daughter at Waterloo.
When asked about their favorite RWC memory, I heard an amazing story of courage in the scrum. In Bordeaux France, everyone was gathered in a local pub when the garbage collection pulled into the alley. Everyone piled out into the alley and scrummed down against the garbage truck! It was back and forth for a few tense moments, I'm guessing it was likely a draw with the truck taking slight advantage.
What about their favorite takeaways from England 2015 so far?
Rob gave me the scoop. "What we enjoy is having the games spread out, meeting the people and touring the country," he told me.
Richard added, "It's just started. It's social. It's meeting the people. We like the unity. With rugby, you can drink with the competition. And we've met people we know from back home too."
Is this group done with sport for a bit after RWC-NO! They're also traveling to Helsinki on Christmas Day for the Junior Hockey Championships! Well done Canadians!
Another photo from Jann--Richard, Jann and Rob pictured with Jo, Jean and Leacy from Ireland
After that the day was quiet for me. Things pick up again Wed. with Scotland v Japan back at Kingsholm in Gloucester. I hope they like me there, it's becoming a second home for me.
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