HG Rugby · Huw Griffin

Canadian Rugby Is A PROBLEM - Uncovering The Mysteries With Journalist Karen Gasbarino | HG Rugby Podcast

September 6, 2025·59 min·5 clips

Karen Gasbarino exposes the toxic rumors and factions that fractured Canadian rugby for years.

This episode features host Hugh interviewing journalist Karen Gasbarino to explore the complex state of rugby in Canada. Gasbarino has covered Canadian rugby for over a decade, writing for outlets like Rugby Americas North and the Scrum newsletter. She provides an insider's perspective on the sport's unique challenges and recent developments. The conversation begins with the surprising victory of the Canadian men's team over the USA to secure World Cup qualification, crediting the return of veterans Tyler Ardron and Evan Olmstead. Gasbarino addresses rumors of past factionalism and a "toxicity" within Rugby Canada under former coach Kingsley Jones. She outlines the structural hurdles, noting Canada has about 300 clubs across ten provincial unions, with major logistical and financial barriers due to vast travel distances and harsh winters limiting play. The episode covers the rise and shelving of the professional Toronto Arrows franchise due to founder Bill Webb's illness and mentions other development attempts like the Vancouver Highlanders. Gasbarino states rugby had a significant public relations issue in Canada from 2021 to 2023 but describes a concerted effort by unions and individuals to move forward. The discussion highlights the women's national team's success, attributing it to players' overseas professional experience, a unified team culture, and versatile, "utilitarian" skill sets developed out of necessity. She notes the women's team had to crowdfund to reach the World Cup, debunking the myth that they receive disproportionate resources. Key players mentioned include Sophie de Goede, Karen Paquin, and Julia Schell, with Schell scoring a record-fast hat-trick. A compelling insight is that success for the women's team could revitalize the entire sport in Canada, potentially reversing funding cycles and inspiring participation. Gasbarino explains that Canadian players often learn multiple positions due to roster needs, fostering adaptability seen in stars like de Goede moving to the second row. She argues the women's speed and space utilization stem from a national context of playing on large fields with fewer players. The host expresses fascination that the women's excellence seems like "magic" without a single clear structural reason. The tone is conversational and exploratory, blending interview questions with personal anecdotes about rugby memorabilia and cats. It is educational, aiming to demystify Canadian rugby for an international audience. This episode is ideal for fans interested in rugby's global landscape, governance, and women's sports development. Listeners seeking only match analysis or light entertainment might find the detailed structural discussion less engaging.

As heard by us

A grounded look at a rugby scene that has spent too long hidden in plain sight.

Canadian rugby gets a plainspoken look here. Hugh and journalist Karen Gasbarino trace the sport's overlooked history, the men's struggles, the women's success, and the rise and fall of the Toronto Arrows.

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Why you'd press play

Want the Canadian rugby backstory that makes the sport's chaos finally click for you?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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