Canada Women's Rugby: Recent Highlights and What’s Next
If you follow Canadian sports, you know the women’s rugby squad has been turning heads this year. From gritty victories to new talent breaking through, the team is building momentum ahead of the next World Cup cycle. In this guide we break down the biggest stories, the scores you need to know, and how you can keep up with the action.
Key Matches and Results
Most fans remember the nail‑biting win over the United States in June. Canada edged the Eagles 21‑19 with a last‑minute try from prop Sarah Walsh. That try not only secured the win but also moved Canada up to third in the Pacific Four Series, a competition that now serves as a qualifier for the World Cup.
A few weeks later the squad faced England in a test match at Twickenham. While the result was a 28‑10 loss, the game offered a clear picture of where the team shines. The back‑row trio of Emily Scarratt (actually England) – sorry, I meant Canada’s own Rebecca Brown, Arielle Bouchard, and Keisha Williams – showed why they’re considered among the world’s best tacklers. Their defensive work kept the scoreline respectable against a powerhouse side.
These two fixtures underline a pattern: Canada can compete with top teams when they stick to a fast, aggressive style and keep the ball moving. The next big test is the upcoming series against New Zealand’s Black Ferns in October. That’s the match many pundits say will decide if Canada can claim a spot in the top‑four for the World Cup.
Rising Stars and Player News
One name you’ll start hearing more often is Lara Dorre, a 22‑year‑old scrum‑half who burst onto the scene during the Pacific Four. Dorre’s quick hands and sharp vision helped set up three of Canada’s five tries in the win over the USA. Coaches say she’s already being groomed for a leadership role, and she’s signed a two‑year extension with the national program.
Another prospect worth watching is winger Naomi Thompson. After a standout season with the Toronto Arrows Women, Thompson earned her first cap in the England test. Though she didn’t score, her speed on the flank forced the English defense to stretch, creating space for veteran wing Jenna Miller to break through.
Injury news is always a worry, but the team’s medical staff reported that forward Marie Leclerc is on track after a shoulder operation in March. She’s expected to be match‑fit for the New Zealand series, which will give Canada a stronger set‑piece.
Beyond the players, head coach Gail Hunt announced a new high‑performance camp in Vancouver, designed to simulate game‑day pressure. The camp will feature video breakdowns, live drills, and a sports‑psychology component to help the squad handle tight finishes like the one against the USA.
Want to stay on top of every update? Follow the Canadian Rugby Union’s official Twitter and YouTube channels. They post live‑score updates, highlight reels, and behind‑the‑scenes interviews that give you a feel for the locker‑room vibe.
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just curious about how Canada’s women’s rugby team is shaping up, the story is clear: they’re hungry, they’ve got depth, and they’re aiming for a World Cup run that could finally bring home a medal. Keep an eye on the upcoming fixtures, track the rising stars, and you’ll be right there with the squad as they chase the next big win.
