| 1981 Ottawa Rough Riders season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | George Brancato |
| Home field | Lansdowne Park |
| Results | |
| Record | 5–11 |
| Division place | 2nd, East |
| Playoff finish | Lost Grey Cup |
| Uniform | |
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The 1981 Ottawa Rough Riders finished the season in second place in the East Division with a 5–11 record. They appeared in the Grey Cup game, in what would be their last Grey Cup appearance in franchise history, and the last for any Ottawa-based CFL team for 34 years.