Rugby community hopes Canada's World Cup run inspires future players

Tears rolled down Charity Williams' cheeks as she watched Canada's women's rugby team secure its spot in the World Cup final.

After winning Olympic silver with Canada's rugby 7s squad in Paris, Williams knows all too well what the moment meant not only to the players, but to the sport in Canada.

"I just got so emotional thinking how amazing it is that Canadian rugby is where it's at today and how far we've come," she said. "We did something really amazing on the world stage at the Olympics, and now some of my team members are also doing something really amazing on the world stage at the World Cup. It's just so cool to see."

Williams, who currently plays for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, will be watching with her teammates Saturday when No. 2 Canada takes on top-ranked England in the World Cup final.

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They aren't alone.

Rugby clubs across the country are hosting watch parties for the game and showing a whole new generation what the sport has to offer.

"I started playing really young and I know I was inspired by a lot of the girls who are still even playing today, which I find really amazing," Williams said.

"But I think it just shows all the little girls and boys in the country what's possible, no matter what you look like, your size, your speed, whatever it is. That's the thing about rugby that's so special, is that there's literally a position for absolutely anybody."

Leah Corvec has seen the girls program at Langley Rugby Club near Vancouver "explode" in recent years.

Registration for the girls under-18 team has "probably doubled" over the past two years, the club's president said, and now includes 52 players, enough for two