Iroquois Roots Rugby bringing the game to places its never been

On the first Friday evening in August, Canada's senior women's rugby team hosted the Eagles, the American women's national team in Ottawa. Nearly 12,00 fans descended on TD Place stadium, making it the largest crowd to ever watch a standalone women's rugby match in North America.

Canada was dominant in winning 42-10, the 11th straight victory over the Americans. 

This send-off match bid the team well as they set out for Ireland for some pre-tournament friendlies ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup that will be hosted in England beginning Aug. 22. Canada plays its first game Aug. 23 against Fiji.

With Canada's every attempt to fly up the wings, the crowd roared with encouragement. 

Canada is ranked second in the world and after a stunning silver finish at the Paris Olympics in the sevens, the 15s team has podium ambitions. 

Playing against one of the most famous women's players in the world surely helped in drawing attention to the sport as hordes of fans with signs screamed to get Ilona Maher's attention. Maher is part of a dedicated group of rugby players putting the sport on the map. Here at home, a humble squad of Canadian players were thrilled to play a match in front of their fans.

After the match, Canadian forward Pamphinette Buisa said that having a crowd at home is very important and gives an edge before heading out.

"I think from the last World Cup, we learned a lot, and this time, we are, I feel like, more than ready," she said. "I'm just so excited to be able to showcase that with this team, especially with the new movie, the one squad movement, that we're just so dynamic."

Buisa said it was the first time her family and community saw her compete in a Canadian jersey on home soil so she was extra proud. 

Whil