NEWS: University of Ottawa selected as host for 2019 U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship

The University of Ottawa is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the host for the 2019 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship. 

This will mark the second time uOttawa has played host in the championship's 21-year history, after first hosting in 2001. The announcement is coming on the heels of the University successfully hosting, and winning, the 2018 U SPORTS Women's Soccer Championship in November, as well as being selected to host the 2020 U SPORTS Men's and Women's Basketball Final 8 tournaments through a joint bid effort with Carleton University and Ottawa Sport and Entertainment Group (OSEG). 

In recent years, the Gee-Gees women's rugby team has ascended to their place among the most dominant in the nation. With appearances at the U SPORTS championship the past five consecutive seasons, the team has medaled at the last four—including their first national championship victory in 2017. The Gee-Gees' meteoric rise has resulted in five straight RSEQ championships, and along with the 2017 national title, the Gee-Gees have earned a silver medal finish in 2016 and two bronze medal performances in 2015 and 2018.

As a precursor to hosting top-flight rugby at Gee-Gees Field, the University of Ottawa was the site of a two-match U20 international series between Canada and the United States in 2017. Gee-Gees head coach Jen Boyd was at the helm of Canada's contingent then, and will once again share the excitement of welcoming a wider rugby audience to Ottawa in 2019. 

"The Gee-Gees women's rugby team is excited to showcase uOttawa's campus and our city," said Boyd. "We are also thrilled for the opportunity to play for a national championship in front of our students, fellow student-athletes, uOttawa staff, friends, and family."

"We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event, especially after the tremendous success of our team and organizing committee at the 2018 Women's Soccer Championship. I am confident that we will provide an unparalleled experience for the Ottawa community and an event that will highlight the calibre and tenacity of our Canadian varsity teams", said Michel Guilbeault, Associate Vice-President, Student Life at the University of Ottawa.

The University of Ottawa thanks all of their partners and staff who were involved in supporting the winning bid. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing another national championship event to the National Capital Region. 

"We are incredibly proud of the work our women's rugby program has done in championing their sport on a local, national, and international level. Hosting this championship is a fantastic opportunity for the University of Ottawa to highlight the best of women's rugby in Canada and continue to build our great relationship with the rugby community in our area," said Sue Hylland, Director of Sports Services. 

The tournament will take place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 2019 at Gee-Gees Field. More information on the tournament will become available in the coming months.