Ratier hopes for another step

CANADIAN RUGBY COACH HAS HIGH HOPES FOR WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

For Canadian coach Francois Ratier, the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup marks an end to one chapter of his working life.

The French-born Ratier, who now calls Montreal home, took the Canadian women to the final in 2014 when they lost 21-9 to England. He hopes to go one better this time in his final tournament at the helm.

Canada, currently ranked third in the world, opens Wednesday against No. 23 Hong Kong at the 12-team tournament in Ireland. Group games against No. 9 Wales and No. 2 New Zealand follow.

Ratier firmly believes if his side plays to its potential, it can beat any team in the world.

“I have seen moments,” he said. “It’s there. And more important than me, they realize it’s there.”

Ratier’s job, at least when it comes to his paycheque, is deemed part-time. While the Canadian women are a world force, they are down in the pecking order at Rugby Canada. Unlike the men’s 15s team and both sevens sides, the women’s 15s are not centralized and do not receive carded funding, although some of the women get help from their provinces.

His players, split in training groups across the country, have sacrificed plenty to pull on the Maple Leaf. And they appreciate that the same fire burns in Ratier.

“He asks a lot out of us and I think we all like that,” said veteran forward Karen Paquin. “We all want to give him that ... I think he’s a very very good coach.”

The 45-year-old wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He has a very fiery side,” said forward Latoya Blackwood. “He’s a Leo, I’m a Leo so I definitely share the same qualities as he does. When he gets upset ... it’s he knows that we can do better and he wants us to know that we can do better. I love that in him.”

Added winger Frederique Rajotte: “He’s passionate about rugby and it shows.”