CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM TO KICK OFF RUGBY WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES IN CALGARY

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will open the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, the team’s first opportunity to earn direct qualification for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, against the United States in Calgary on Friday August 22. 

Kicking off at 7:00pm MT at McMahon Stadium, the home of the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders and the University of Calgary Dinos, this will be the team’s third match in Alberta this summer following two in Edmonton, as well as the second Canada vs USA match-up on home soil in 2025, with Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team taking on the Eagles in Ottawa. 

Tickets will go on sale here on May 15 at 10:00am PT / 11:00 am MT / 1:00pm ET, starting at $38 plus taxes and fees. 

The rugby community in Alberta (and other provinces interested in club travel) will be offered the opportunity to fundraise for their clubs and attend the match together via the Club Ticket Program. Details, including a special ticket link exclusively for club members that will grant access to tickets in a designated section of the stadium and donate 15% of ticket sales back to the club, will be distributed to clubs shortly.   

This will be Canada’s first match of the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup. The top three teams from the tournament will qualify for the Rugby World Cup (minus Fiji and Japan, who have already qualified); the last placed team at the conclusion of the tournament will then look to qualify through the South America / Pacific Play-off. 

A reimagined version of the Pacific Nations Cup was launched last year and saw Canada play Japan at BC Place in Vancouver, with the 2025 tournament being the second iteration of this cross-regional competition featuring Canada, the United States, Japan, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.  

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team and the United States last met in the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup, with the United States winning 28-15 in Los Angeles last August. Canada has played the United States more than any other team and is looking for their first win over the Americans since 2021. This will also be the first time the team has played in Calgary since 2017, when Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team played a test match against Georgia. 

“All three matches in Alberta this summer are important and exciting for our team,” said Stephen Meehan, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team. “We have been speaking with Canadian players in leagues and competitions around the world regarding current performances and playing philosophies and working with them to ensure that they will arrive to camp well prepared and supported. The response from the players has been brilliant. They are eager to get stuck in and to be playing such an important match in front of a home crowd in Calgary this summer.” 

“Calgary is excited to be the host city for the Pacific Nations Cup and this critical match in the men’s team’s pathway to World Cup,” says Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Rugby is about heart, hustle, and community – something that resonates with who we are as a city! We’re proud to welcome athletes and fans from Canada and the US to Calgary to not just experience this incredible sport, but our world-class hospitality, incredible energy, and community spirit.” 

 “Tourism Calgary is thrilled to partner with Rugby Canada to bring the highest level of rugby to our city” says Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President, Sales at Tourism Calgary. “Welcoming the Canadian National Team for this match will be an incredible opportunity for Calgary to host local, national and international rugby fans at McMahon Stadium and we fully expect there to be huge interest and support from the community.” 

“Rugby Alberta is incredibly excited to be hosting another senior men’s national team fixture in Calgary in August,” said Chris Cooke, President of Rugby Alberta. “Nothing brings out a crowd like Canada vs the USA, and I know the Calgary rugby community and everyone else travelling to Calgary for the match will make it an electrifying environment to play in. Let’s fill McMahon stadium with red and white and give the squad an extra push!” 

Rugby Canada would like to thank Tourism Calgary and the City of Calgary for their support in bringing the Pacific Nations Cup to Alberta. 

Tickets will be available for purchase here on May 15 at 10:00am PT / 11:00am MT / 1:00pm ET. Questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca. Sign up here for first access to tickets.   

Further details, including TSN broadcast specifics and media accreditation applications, will be announced shortly. 

CANADA’S ROSTERS NAMED FOR CONCLUSION OF THE 2025 HSBC SVNS SEASON IN LOS ANGELES

 The players that will represent Canada at the final stop of the 2025 HSBC SVNS season in Los Angeles over May 3 to 4 have been announced by Head Coaches Jocelyn Barrieau and Sean White.  

Dignity Health Sports Park, the rugby sevens venue for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, will host the winner-takes-all HSBC SVNS World Championship, which will see Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team compete in Pool A against League Winners New Zealand, Japan, and Great Britain. Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team will compete in the HSBC SVNS Play-off, taking on Uruguay, Ireland and Germany in Pool B. 

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team enters this final leg of the series ranked fourth overall, following back-to-back bronze medal finishes in Hong Kong and Singapore.  

“Our team has been training this week in Chula Vista alongside our Pacific Four Series squad, living out our One Squad philosophy with combined training sessions and scrimmages as both teams prepare to compete next weekend,” said Jocelyn Barrieau, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team. “We solidified our foundations and are very proud of our performances in Hong Kong and Singapore.  We have identified areas we want to improve on and the gaps we want to close going into Los Angeles. We have a talented, passionate, resilient group of players, and we are all excited to get back on the pitch together in LA.” 

The roster includes eight players from the Hong Kong and Singapore double podium finish squad. Charity Williams returns to competition for the first time since HSBC SVNS Vancouver following recovery from injury. Asia Hogan-Rochester and Alysha Corrigan will play with the team for the first time since HSBC SVNS Vancouver as well, with Corrigan having competed in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) final with the Saracens in March.   

Savannah Bauder, who made a strong impression in her international sevens debut in December in Dubai and Cape Town, returns following recovery from an injury sustained during training camp ahead of HSBC SVNS Perth. Larah Wright, who made her debut in Perth, has earned her second opportunity to represent the nation on Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team. 

Following the HSBC SVNS World Championship, Alysha Corrigan, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds, Mahalia Robinson and Olivia Apps will join Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team for the remaining matches of the Pacific Four Series in New Zealand and Australia. 

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team finished third in the standings following three rounds of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger, qualifying them for the HSBC SVNS Play-off as one of the top four teams. 

The journey to Los Angeles started in November, with Canada winning Rugby Americas North Sevens to qualify for the Sevens Challenger. After participating in the men’s invitational held alongside HSBC SVNS Vancouver, they made their way to Cape Town for the first two Sevens Challenger rounds, finishing second and third on back-to-back weekends. The team placed fourth in Krakow for round three. 

“We’ve had this tournament circled on our calendar all season,” said Sean White, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team. “We’ve identified key areas of improvement coming out of Krakow and have made that our focus over the last couple of weeks of camp in Langford. I believe our continuity in selection from Krakow to LA will be a benefit to our on-field performance and cohesion. Our aim is to finish the season as one of the top 12 teams, and we look forward to earning the opportunity to do so.”  

The 12 players who represented Canada in Krakow will return to the global stage in Los Angeles, with the addition of Kal Sager, who returns to the squad following recovery from injury. The roster includes Rhys James, Kainoa Lloyd and James Thiel, who made their international sevens debuts in Poland, with James and Lloyd each putting on two-try performances. 

Five of these players (Rhys James, Elias Hancock, James Thiel, Kyle Tremblay, Ethan Turner) were also recently named to teams in the new Rugby Premier League (RPL) and will depart for India in June for this unique player development opportunity that will see nine Canadians compete with and against players and coaches from some of the top nations on the HSBC SVNS series. 

MORE INFO 

For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series and live coverage, including details on the event format, the schedule and the latest news, visit the official website: www.svns.com. More information on the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger can be found here. 

LOS ANGELES SCHEDULE 

*All matches will be available on TSN+, with Saturday’s Pitch 1 pool play matches available on TSN5 as of 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET, and Sunday’s finals available on TSN4 as of 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET. 

Saturday May 3 
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs Japan 
10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET 
Watch live on TSN+ 

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Uruguay 
10:22am PT / 1:22pm ET 
Watch live on TSN+ 

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs Great Britain 
1:01pm PT / 4:01pm ET 
Watch live on TSN+ 

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Ireland 
1:01pm / 4:01pm ET 
Watch live on TSN+ 

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs New Zealand 
4:29pm PT / 7:29pm ET 
Watch live on TSN5 / TSN+ 

Sunday May 4 
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Germany 
12:12pm PT / 3:12pm ET 
Watch live on TSN+ 

Men’s play-off finals, women’s semi-finals and finals 
Times and opponents TBD 
Watch live on TSN+ (TSN4 coverage begins at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET) 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S SEVENS TEAM ROSTER 

4. Breanne Nicholas (Blenheim, ON) – Kent Havoc RFC 
6. Charity Williams (Toronto, ON) – Markham Irish / University of British Columbia 
7. Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia 
8. Carmen Izyk (High River, AB) – Foothills lions / Queen’s University / RCTPM 
9. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC   
16. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC / Saracens 
19. Carissa Norsten (Waldheim, SK) – Kirin RFC / University of Victoria  
22. Sabrina Poulin (St-Georges, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC / Exeter Chiefs  
23. Shalaya Valenzuela (Abbotsford, BC) – Abbotsford RFC 
24. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC 
26. Savannah Bauder (North Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia 
29. Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC 
47. Larah Wright (Calgary, AB) – University of Victoria 

CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM ROSTER 

1. Rhys James (Kelowna, BC) – UBC Okanagan / Pacific Pride 
2. James Thiel (Abbotsford, BC) – Abbotsford RFC / Pacific Pride  
3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club 
5. Alex Russell (Bracebridge, ON) – McGill University  
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Guelph University  
15. Ethan Hager (Brantford, ON) – Brantford Harlequins / Castaway Wanderers  
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto City Rugby / University of Victoria 
20. Jamie Armstrong (Ottawa, ON) – Ottawa Irish / University of Ottawa  
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Pacific Pride / Bayside RFC 
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC  
30. Kainoa Lloyd (Mississauga, ON) – Mississauga Blues / James Bay AA 
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans / Trent University  
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – Bytown Blues / University of Ottawa 

32 PLAYERS TO REPRESENT CANADA’S U20 MEN’S RUGBY TEAM AT THE OCEANIA RUGBY U20S CHALLENGE

Canada’s U20 Men’s Rugby Team will compete in the 2025 Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge, with 32 players announced for the travelling squad by Christiaan Esterhuizen, Head Coach of Canada’s U20 Men’s Rugby Team.

Ahead of travelling to Fiji, the team will convene on Vancouver Island in May for a two-week camp, training out of Langford as well as at Shawnigan Lake School.  

This will be the second edition of the Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge, and will see Canada take on Samoa on May 28, Fiji on June 2, and Tonga on June 7 at King Charles Park in Nadi. 

Earlier this year, a long list of players for Canada’s U20 Men’s Rugby Team for 2025 was announced. Players were identified and selected via their participation in university and club competition and tournaments like the U19 Canadian Rugby Championship, past performance with Canada’s age grade programs, and recommendations from provincial coaches. Available players also participated in a four-day training and alignment camp at Vancouver’s St. George’s School, held alongside HSBC SVNS Vancouver. 

“Participating in the 2025 Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge is a critical step in developing our young Canadian players,” said Esterhuizen. “Competing against top Pacific nations like Fiji, Samoa and Tonga will test our players’ resilience and adaptability while providing them with a taste of international rugby. This experience will provide exposure to different playing styles and prepare our players for future international competitions. It’s a valuable opportunity to grow, learn and measure ourselves against some of the best.” 

Head Coach Christiaan Esterhuizen will be joined on staff by John McFarland (Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Defence Coach), Hubert Buydens (Pacific Pride Development Academy Forwards Coach), Cory Hector (University of Guelph), Paddy Watson (Balmy Beach RFC), Conor Turner (Strength and Conditioning Coach), and Erin Schatkowsky (Athletic Therapist).  

Rugby Canada would like to thank Adera and the Canadian Rugby Foundation for their support of Canada’s U20 Men’s Rugby Team.

CANADA’S U20 MEN’S RUGBY TEAM 
2025 OCEANIA RUGBY U20S CHALLENGE SQUAD 

FORWARDS
Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – University of Victoria / Aurora Barbarians 
Alexander Muir (Victoria, BC) – University College Dublin / UBCOB Ravens
Alistair Yeomans (Mississauga, ON) – University of Guelph / Mississauga Blues
Andrew Neveu (Uxbridge, ON) – Durham College / Oshawa Vikings RFC 
Angus Dewar (Vancouver, BC) – Queen’s University / UBCOB Ravens
Austin Allen (Thornbury, ON) – Trent University / Georgian Bay Titans 
Ben Koolen (Banbury, ENG) – Bloxham School / Gloucester Rugby
Brighton Feldman (Langford, BC) – University of Victoria / Westshore RFC
Coen Quinn (Ottawa, ON) – Queen’s University / Bytown Blues RFC 
Cole Harris (Uxbridge, ON) – Pacific Pride / Brock RFC  
Daragh Doyle (Quebec City, QC) – Clontarf FC
Elijah McQueen (Fergus, ON) – University of British Columbia / Fergus Highland Rugby 
James Noftall (Conception Bay South, NL) – University of British Columbia / Swilers RFC
Kaea Griffiths (Penzance, ENG) – Camborne RFC
Kyle Finan (Barnsley, ENG) – Leeds Beckett University / Red Deer Titans 
Liam Kinghorn (Calgary, AB) – University of British Columbia / Calgary Irish 
Quinn Foley (Oakville, ON) – University of Guelph / Oakville Crusaders  
Simroy John (Clapham Heights Christ Church, BRB) – Shawnigan Lake School

BACKS
Daniel Muzaliwa (Cape Town, RSA) – University of Waterloo / Waterloo County  
Evan Davies (Toronto, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC  
Jimmy Leach (London, UK) – Brunel University 
Jonty Nicholas (Wiltshire, UK) – University of British Columbia 
Joshua McIndoe (Victoria, BC) – University of Victoria / Greerton Marist Rugby Club
Kohl Kletke (Oakville, ON) – Western University / Oakville Crusaders 
Liam James (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia / UBCOB Ravens
Liam Turnbull (Vancouver, BC) – UBCOB Ravens
Matthew Bennett (Durban, RSA) – University of Victoria / Westshore RFC
Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – University of Victoria
Reece Thompson (Minesing, ON) – University of Victoria / Barrie Rugby
Rowan Closs (Uxbridge, ON) – Brock Rugby Club  
Spencer Cotie (Victoria, BC) – University of Victoria / Castaway Wanderers 
Stephen Webb (Toronto, ON) – University of British Columbia / Balmy Beach Rugby Club 

NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES 
Daniel Lucic (Oakville, ON) – University of Guelph / Oakville Crusaders
Finn Hughes (Peterborough, ON) – Wilfrid Laurier University / Peterborough Pagans
Joe Kaufmann (Kingston, ON) – Kingston Panthers / La Salle School
Josh du Toit (Cape Town, RSA) – University of British Columbia / Capilano RFC
Max McGavern (Newcastle, AUS) – University of British Columbia / St Joseph’s
Mitchell Buie (Victoria, BC) – Pacific Pride / Westshore RFC
Noah Kynaston (Esquimalt, BC) – Pacific Pride / Castaway Wanderers
Sam Blundell (Nanaimo, BC) – Pacific Pride 

36 players selected to Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team to defend Pacific Four Series title

April 4, 2025 (Langford, BC) – Kevin Rouet, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team, has selected an expanded squad of 36 players who will represent Canada this May at the 2025 Pacific Four Series with matches against the USA, New Zealand and Australia.

The squad will assemble in Chula Vista, California on April 19 for training camp and will be joined by Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team on April 22 for a week of combined training to prepare the teams for the Pacific Four Series and the final stop of the HSBC SVNS series, which takes place in Los Angeles over May 3 to 4.

“The Pacific Four Series marks the start of a very exciting year for women’s rugby in Canada,” said Rouet. “Giving up to 36 players valuable game time and experience at the start of the Rugby World Cup year is very important as we continue to build towards England. Our One Squad philosophy will be on full display with the overlap of the Pacific Four Series and the HSBC SVNS World Championship as we allow players to be available for both competitions.”

By using an expanded travelling roster of 36 players, the maximum number of players permitted to play throughout the Pacific Four Series, some have the potential of being selected to both the Pacific Four Series and the HSBC SVNS World Championship squads. Players listed below who are also selected to Canada’s roster for the final SVNS stop, which will be announced on April 15, will be available to join Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team for the Pacific Four Series matches against New Zealand and Australia.

“We want to give ourselves the best chance to win the Rugby World Cup and finish on the SVNS podium in Los Angeles this year,” said Jocelyn Barrieau, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team. “This format is exactly what our One Squad philosophy is all about and will allow us to put the best teams on the field for the Pacific Four Series and in LA, giving both programs the opportunity for success both short term and long term.”

Canada will kick off the Pacific Four Series against the United States at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on May 2 at 5:30pm PT/8:30pm ET (7:30pm local time). The team will then travel to New Zealand to play the Black Ferns at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on May 16 at 8:35pm PT / 11:35pm ET (May 17 at 3:35pm local time). Canada will close out the Pacific Four Series against Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on May 22 at 11:55pm PT / May 23 at 2:55am ET (4:55pm local time).

TSN broadcast details will be announced shortly.

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM – 2025 PACIFIC FOUR SERIES SQUAD  

FORWARDS    
Alexandria Ellis (Ottawa, ON) – Barrhaven Scottish / Stade Français Paris

Alysia Comtois (Magog, QC) – University of Ottawa
Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats
Caroline Crossley (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers

Cassandra Tuffnail (Heidelberg, ON) – Ealing Trailfinders
Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby   
DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs    
Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs   
Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens
Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) – Capilano RFC / Gloucester-Hartpury  

Holly Phillips (Canmore, AB) – Banff Bears / Calgary Irish / Bristol Bears  
Julia Omokhuale (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Irish Rugby Club / Leicester Tigers   
Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Quebec
Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia Univeristy / ASM Romagnat
McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens

Mikiela Nelson (North Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC / Exeter Chiefs

Rachel Smith (South Surrey, BC) – University of British Columbia
Rori Wood (Sooke, BC) – College Rifles RFC / Ealing Trailfinders
Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan Piggies / Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders

BACKS   
Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs
Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC
Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomands
Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Leicester Tigers
Fancy Bermudez (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / Westshore RFC / Saracens  
Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia

Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Goats / Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders
Justine Blatt-Janmaat (Wolfville, NS) – Westshore RFC / Valley Rugby Union

Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais  
Krissy Scurfield (Canmore, AB) –  University of Victoria / Loughborough Lightning    

Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC
Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Saracens   
Sarah-Maude Lachance (Victoriaville, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau
Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Exeter Chiefs

Mission: Win Rugby World Cup  
Rugby Canada has officially launched the Mission: Win the Rugby World Cup 2025 fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $1,000,000 to provide Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team with extra resources to help them make history by winning the 2025 Rugby World Cup. With their sights set on a groundbreaking achievement this year in England, Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team is currently ranked second in the World Rugby global rankings. For more information or to donate, visit rugby.ca/donate.