2024 Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team Announcement

30 players named to Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team for 2024 Pacific Four Series 

 

Head Coach Kevin Rouet has named Canada’s travelling roster for the upcoming Pacific Four Series, the team’s first competition of 2024.  

 

The squad will convene in Langford for a training camp ahead of travelling to Los Angeles for the first match against the United States on April 28 at 1:30pm PT/4:30pm ET. Canada’s second match will be against Australia on May 11 at 12:05am PT/3:05am ET (5:05pm local time) in Sydney, with the team then travelling to Christchurch to take on reigning Rugby World Cup champions, the New Zealand Black Ferns, on Saturday May 18 at 9:35pm PT/Sunday May 19 12:35am ET (4:35pm local time on May 19). 

Canada placed second in the 2023 Pacific Four Series, with wins over the United States and Australia and a loss to New Zealand in front of a record-breaking crowd in Ottawa. For the second year in a row, the Pacific Four Series will qualify teams for WXV, with the top three teams earning a spot in the top WXV tier, which is being hosted in Canada this fall.

“Since we hosted the Pacific Four Series in Ottawa last year, our team has continued to grow and develop with a very strong group of core players as we prepare to qualify for WXV and as we look forward to the 2025 Rugby World Cup,” said Rouet. “Many of our players have continued to play at a high level since we were last together for WXV in the fall, competing in Canada, internationally and on the HSBC SVNS Series. We are excited to be back together and to test ourselves in three matches against some of the top teams in the world in the Pacific Four Series.”  

Olivia Apps, Fancy Bermudez, Pamphinette Buisa, Sabrina Poulin and team captain Sophie de Goede join the squad after representing Canada at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens last weekend. 

With a total of three Pacific Four Series matches on deck, Tyson Beukeboom, who has 65 caps for Canada, has the potential to surpass Gillian Florence (67 caps) as the most capped women’s rugby player of all time. Olivia DeMerchant (57 caps), Alex Tessier (48 caps) and Brittany Kassil (38 caps) are all closing in on significant cap milestones for Canada as well. 

Claire Gallagher and Sara Cline, who both earned their first caps for Canada during last year’s Pacific Four Series, have been named to the Canadian squad. Cassandra Tuffnail, Mahalia Robinson and Julia Omokhuale, who all earned their first caps in 2023 as well, have also been selected by Rouet. 

More information on the Pacific Four Series, including scores and results, can be found on the official website at world.rugby/tournaments/pacific-four-series. Broadcast details for the Pacific Four Series will be announced shortly. 

 

April 28: USA vs Canada (Los Angeles, CA) – TICKETS 

May 11: Australia vs Canada (Sydney, Australia) – TICKETS 

May 18: New Zealand vs Canada (Christchurch, New Zealand) – TICKETS

 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM PACIFC FOUR SERIES SQUAD

 

FORWARDS  

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

Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph RFC 

Cassandra Tuffnail (Heidelberg, ON) – Ealing Trailfinders 

Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby 

DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – 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 / Stade Bordelais 

Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) – Capilano RFC 

Julia Omokhuale (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Irish Rugby Club / Leicester Tigers 

Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / ASM Romagnat 

McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens 

Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC 

Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish 

Sara Cline (Edmonton, AB) – Leprechaun Tigers / Western Force 

Sara Svoboda (Belleville, ON) – Brantford Harlequins / Belleville Bulldogs / Loughborough Lightning 

Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers RFC / Saracens 

Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan RFC / Ealing Trailfinders

 

BACKS 

Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs 

Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Leicester Tigers 

Fancy Bermudez (Edmonton, AB) – NorWester Athletic Associations / Westshore RFC 

Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph RFC /Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders  

Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais 

Madison Grant (Cornwall, ON) – Cornwall Claymores 

Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC 

Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC 

Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Westshore RFC / Saracens 

Sabrina Poulin (St-Georges, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC 

Sarah-Maude Lachance (Victoriaville, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Lons Section Paloise 

Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Chiefs Manawa 

 

NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES 

Ashlynn Smith (Abbotsford, BC) – University of Calgary 

Audrey Champagne (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Université Laval 

Corinne Fréchette (Saint-Zéphirin-de-Courval, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Université Laval 

Demi Swann (Georgetown, ON) – Exeter Chiefs 

Eden Kilgour (Barrie, ON) – Westshore RFC / Aurora Barbarians 

Emily Belchos (Innisfil, ON) – Castaway Wanderers 

Emma Taylor (Scotsburn, NS) – Halifax RFC 

Jordan McLeod (Rivers, MB) – Brandon Barbarians / University of British Columbia 

Larah Wright (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Hornets RFC / University of Victoria 

Lizzie Gibson (Caledon, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Queen’s University 

Magali Harvey (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais  

Maggie Mackinnon (Sooke, BC) – University of Victoria 

Maya Montiel (Dieppe, NB) – University of Ottawa / Saracens 

Mikiela Nelson (North Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC 

Mya Brubacher (West Montrose, ON) – Kingston Panthers / Queen’s University 

Rachel Smith (South Surrey, BC) – University of British Columbia 

Rosalie Lepage (Quebec City, QC) – Université Laval 

Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders  

Rugby Canada Selection for 2024 Community Rugby Fund

 

Rugby Canada selects a record 22 clubs across the country for 2024 Community Rugby Fund

April 17, 2024 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada, with funding from the Government of Canada, are pleased to announce the 22 successful applicants for 2024 that will receive support through Rugby Canada’s Community Rugby Fund. This is the highest number of clubs selected in a single year since the fund began in 2021.

2024 marks the fourth year of the Community Rugby Fund, which was made possible through the federal government’s Community Sport for All Initiative (CSAI). The fund supports National Sport Organizations (NSOs) in establishing more accessible and locally organized sport programs aimed at reducing barriers to participation, particularly among Black, Indigenous and racialized communities as well as 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, people with low incomes, and newcomers. A total of $16.7 million in funding was provided to 39 NSOs, including Rugby Canada.

This year, Rugby Canada received 67 applications from across Canada and with 22 recipients selected for 2024, a total of 49 applications have now been approved for funding since the Community Rugby Fund began in 2021.

For 2024, priority was given to rugby clubs, schools or community organizations who applied for grant funding that focused on cultivating the community game with special consideration given to projects that:

  • Create or develop a school-to-club pathway to increase the number of registered rugby players participating in club rugby.
  • Enhance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility of rugby within a club, educational institution, or community organization, particularly for Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQI+, and newcomers to Canada.
  • Create new programs or develop existing programs that aim to introduce women and girls to the game of rugby.
  • Build program delivery capacity through the development of Coaches or Match Officials within the rugby community.

“2024 marks a monumental year for the Community Rugby Fund,” said Jamie Levchuk, Managing Director of Operations and Game Development for Rugby Canada. “This year we are proud to select 22 new recipients and provide $100 000 in total funding for the successful clubs, schools and community organizations who all displayed the ability to grow community and grassroots rugby in Canada. I look forward to seeing the long-lasting impact all our successful applications will have on our game.”

 

2024 Community Rugby Fund Recipient List

Langley Rugby Club
Location: British Columbia
Focus: School-to-club pathway development & mixed abilities rugby

Aurora Wolves Rugby Union
Location: British Columbia
Focus: School-to-club pathway development

Axemen Rugby Club
Location: British Columbia
Focus: School-to-club pathway development

Belleville Bulldogs RFC
Location: Ontario
Focus: Programming for Women & Girls, Capacity Building

Brockville Privateers RFC
Location: Ontario
Focus: Programming for Women & Girls, Capacity Building, School-to-club pathway development

Calgary Hornets RFC 
Location: Alberta  
Focus: School-to-club pathway development 

Donald A. Wilson Secondary School
Location: Ontario
Focus: School-to-club pathway development

Edmonton Clansmen Rugby Football Club 
Location: Alberta 
Focus: New Youth Programming and Programming for Women & Girls

Elk Valley Rugby Football Club
Location: British Columbia
Focus Area: New Youth Programming & School-to-club pathway development

James Bay Athletic Association
Location: British Columbia
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development, Youth Leadership Programming

Manitoba Wombats
Location: Manitoba
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development

Mississauga Blues Rugby Club
Location: Ontario
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development, Youth Leadership Programming

Mont-Tremblant RFC
Location: Quebec
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development & Capacity Building

Nor’ Westers Athletic Association 
Location: Alberta  
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development, Programming for Women & Girls  

Ottawa Irish Rugby Club
Location: Ontario
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development

Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club
Location: Ontario
Focus Area: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming

Rainbow Griffins Rugby Football Club
Location: Ontario
Focus Area: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming

Thunder Rugby
Location: British Columbia
Focus Area: Indigenous Participation Programming

Toronto City Rugby Club
Location: Ontario
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development

Tri-County Regional Centre for Education
Location: Nova Scotia
Focus Area: School-to-club pathway development, New Youth Programming

Williams Lake Rugby Football Club
Location: British Columbia
Focus Area: Indigenous Participation Programming & School-to-club pathway development

Winnipeg High School Rugby
Location: Manitoba
Focus Area: Capacity Building & New Youth Programming

 

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY RUGBY FUND

The Community Rugby Fund aims to benefit the sustainability and growth of rugby across Canada. The fund allows all registered rugby clubs, as well as schools and community organizations in Canada, to submit an application for funding based on the guidelines and criteria provided by the program. All submissions will be given equal consideration and recipients of the grants will be announced annually.

Details of the 2025 Community Rugby Fund will be announced early in 2025. For more information, please click HERE or email communityfund@rugby.ca

 

ABOUT RUGBY CANADA

Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby 15s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.

Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, residing on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Lekwungen/Songhees peoples, with staff also working from Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec City. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC SVNS Vancouver annual tournaments.

U16 Boys Wolf Pack Skills Camp

We’re excited to invite all young men born in 2008 and 2009 to join us for this fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and learn from our U16 Wolf Pack Boys Coaches: Paul Looker and Joe Alaimoana

Northern Camp:

Southern Camp:

Following the Southern Camp, be sure to stick around for the thrilling Senior Men and Women Wolf Pack games at 1 pm and 3 pm! It’s your chance to experience high-level rugby action and show your support for our senior Wolf Pack teams!

Questions?

Send Peter or Sandy a message. Send us a message. 

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for the latest updates!

Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn

Senior Head Coach – Wolf Pack North And South Men’s And Women’s

Rugby Alberta is actively seeking experienced Head Coaches to lead our Wolf Pack North and South Men’s and Women’s Programs. We are in search of dedicated individuals who can contribute to the growth of our rugby community, fostering strong connections with athletes, coaches, and parents through the implementation of positive, purposeful, and professional coaching strategies.

As a key member of the Rugby Alberta Program, our Head Coaches will collaborate closely to establish a high-performance program for senior male and female players in the North and South regions. Over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with support from Rugby Alberta, the Head Coaches will play a pivotal role in delivering a comprehensive and holistic high-performance program. This program will not only focus on achieving on-field success but also prioritize individual player development and overall team success.

Beyond immediate on-field goals, the successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to long-term player development, actively contribute to the overall promotion of the game, and adhere to the established guidelines of the provincial program. It is crucial that the Head Coach operates within a framework that ensures consistency across all levels, reflecting the values and principles of Rugby Alberta—a true embodiment of the Alberta Way.

Schedule

  • South ID Camp – March 30th 3:30 – 6:30pm Shouldice Dome, Calgary
  • North ID Camp – March 23rd 8:30 – 10:30 am Foote Field, Edmonton
  • April 27th – Game
  • May 4th – Game
  • May 18-20 – Game
  • July Game TBA

Full Job Description 

Wolf Pack Senior (North-South) Head Coach.pdf

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Rugby Alberta Director of Rugby Operations Peter Houlihan at p.houlihan@rugbyalberta.com

Join The Wolf Pack Coaching Team

Join the Wolf Pack Coaching Team

Are you passionate about rugby and committed to developing the next generation of athletes? We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our coaching staff in key positions, including Head Coach and Development Coaches. If you have a love for the game, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to make a positive impact, we want to hear from you.

Head Coach Position

As our Head Coach, you will be at the forefront of driving the success and growth of our rugby programs. This leadership role involves overseeing and guiding the team, implementing effective strategies, and fostering a culture of excellence. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our athletes, both on and off the field.

WP Age Grade Head Coach.pdf

Development Coach Positions

Our Development Coaches will work closely with experienced Head Coaches to contribute to the growth and engagement of our community. If you have a passion for nurturing talent and creating positive experiences for athletes, coaches, and parents, this role is for you.

WP Age Grade Development Coach.pdf

How to Apply

To apply for these exciting coaching positions, please refer to the attached job posts for detailed information on each role. If you believe you have the skills, passion, and commitment to be a valuable addition to the Wolf Pack Coaching Team, submit your application by February 19 2024

Join us in shaping the future of rugby and making a lasting impact on the lives of our athletes!

Alberta Regional Championship 7s

Alberta Regional Championship 7s and Canwest 7s Tournament 

Dates: January 20th and 21st, 2024

Location: Foote Field, Alberta

Cost: $10 entry per day

Gear up for an action-packed weekend of rugby excitement at the Alberta Rugby Championship Sevens! Join us at the iconic Foote Field on January 20th and 21st for an unforgettable experience filled with exceptional rugby action, intense competition, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

What to Expect:

Exceptional Rugby Action: Watch as top girls’ teams from across Alberta compete in thrilling matches, showcasing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Intense Competition: Feel the adrenaline as teams battle it out for victory, pushing their limits and leaving it all on the field.

Unforgettable Moments: From stunning tries to nail-biting finishes, be prepared for unforgettable moments that will make this championship a highlight of your rugby experience.

Standings:

Stay updated on team standings throughout the championship. Check out the ARC 7s Webpage

Admission Details:

Cost: $10 entry per day (Cash or Tap available at the entrance)

Don’t Miss Out!

Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan, a casual observer, or just looking for an exciting weekend activity, the Alberta Rugby Championship at Foote Field is the place to be. Mark your calendar for January 20th and 21st, 2024, and be part of the rugby fever that will sweep through Alberta!

Schedule

Join Us For The Alberta Rugby Championship Sevens

Join Us for the Alberta Rugby Championship Sevens

Dates: January 13th and 14th, 2024

Location: Foote Field, Alberta

Cost: $10 entry per day

Get ready for an action-packed weekend of rugby excitement at the Alberta Rugby Championship! Join us at the iconic Foote Field on January 13th and 14th for an unforgettable experience filled with exceptional rugby action, intense competition, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat!

What to Expect:

Exceptional Rugby Action: Watch as top teams from across Alberta compete in thrilling matches, showcasing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Intense Competition: Feel the adrenaline as teams battle it out for victory, pushing their limits and leaving it all on the field.

Unforgettable Moments: From stunning tries to nail-biting finishes, be prepared for unforgettable moments that will make this championship a highlight of your rugby experience.

Standings:

Stay updated on team standings throughout the championship. Check out the ARC 7s Webpage

Admission Details:

Cost: $10 entry per day (Cash or Tap available at the entrance)

Don’t Miss Out!

Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan, a casual observer, or just looking for an exciting weekend activity, the Alberta Rugby Championship at Foote Field is the place to be. Mark your calendar for January 13th and 14th, 2024, and be part of the rugby fever that will sweep through Alberta!

Connect with Us:

Follow us on social media for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes action leading up to the championship. Join the conversation using #AlbertaRugbyChampionship!

Be there to witness the triumphs, the tackles, and the teamwork that define rugby at its best! See you at Foote Field!

Schedule

Womens U20 ID Camp

Rugby Alberta is delighted to announce the upcoming Women’s U20 ID Camp, an incredible opportunity for outstanding female athletes born in the years 2004-2005. We are on the lookout for athletes eligible for selection to the national program, and we believe this camp will be a crucial step in identifying top talent.

Event Details:

  • Date: January 3-5, 2024
  • Venue: Foote Field Edmonton, 11601 68 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1

Key Information:

  • All attendees must be registered members of a rugby club.
  • Pre-registration (here) is mandatory. On-the-day registrations will not be accepted.
  • There is a registration fee of $50 to help offset field costs.

Special Guest:

We are thrilled to announce that Dean Murten, U20 Women’s Head Coach for Canada, will be running the sessions. This is a unique opportunity for participants to learn from one of the best in the field.

Scheduled Session Dates (Attendance at both sessions is a must):

  • Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024
    • Session 1: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
    • Session 2: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Thursday, January 4th, 2024
    • Session 1: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
    • Session 2: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Friday, January 5th, 2024
    • Scrimmage vs. University of Alberta Pandas

 

Additional Details:

  • All athletes are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water, as breaks are scheduled during the sessions.
  • A therapist will be on-site for taping and emergency care only.

Don’t miss out on this exciting experience! Secure your spot by registering here. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early.

We look forward to seeing you at the Women’s U20 ID Camp!

In-Person Coach Professional Development Featuring Jamie Cudmore

In-Person Coach Professional Development Featuring Jamie Cudmore

Date: Monday, November 20th, 2023

Time: 6:30-9:30 PM

Location:

Rundle College

7379 17 Ave SW

Calgary, AB

T3H 3W5

Join us for an evening of rugby insight and expertise! This event offers rugby enthusiasts and aspiring coaches a unique opportunity to learn from Jaime Cudmore, the Toronto Arrows New Academy Coach.

Professional Coaching Development with Jaime Cudmore: Get an up-close and personal look into the coaching philosophy and strategies from years of experience in the professional and international levels.

Rugby Skill Development: Learn some of the key rugby skills, drills, and techniques used by the Arrows Academy.

Q&A Session: Have your burning rugby questions answered by Jaime Cudmore and gain valuable advice for coach development.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow rugby enthusiasts and coaches, fostering new relationships within the rugby community. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from one of the most successful Canadian players.

Please Pre-Register https://ow.ly/gTuV50Q0Rqz

Follow us on social media for updates:

Facebook:  https://ow.ly/wNeu50Q0Rqo

Twitter: https://ow.ly/13BW50Q0Rqw

Instagram: https://ow.ly/W7PM50Q0RqE

2023 Westerns Website

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Westerns Webpage, https://www.rugbyalberta.com/competitions/westerns2023/

Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this website is your one-stop destination for all things Westerns. We’ve worked tirelessly to bring you the latest schedules, live results, and streaming links for your favourite Western events, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action!

Teams Participating From;

  • Alberta Rugby (U16 B&G, U18 B&G)
  • BC Rugby (U16 B&G, U18 B&G)
  • Sask Rugby (U16 G, U18 B&G)
  • Manitoba Rugby (U16 B, U18 B&G)
  • Ontario Rugby (U16 G, U18 B&G)
  • Atlantic Rock (U18 B)
  • Pacific Northwest Loggers  (U18 B&G)