ROSTER NAMED FOR CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S FINAL MATCH IN EDMONTON AGAINST SPAIN

Wednesday July 16, 2025 (Edmonton, AB) – Head Coach Stephen Meehan has named his match day roster for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s final game in Edmonton on Friday against Spain.

Canada and Spain will kick-off on Friday July 18 at 7:00pm MT / 9:00pm ET.  The match will be available to watch live on TSN2 and TSN+.

“The team’s focus this week has been about how we balance our style of play,” said Meehan. “We had moments last Saturday that were effective and exciting to watch and play and other moments that learning from will improve our performance. Spain is another tough opponent, but we are all excited to get back on the field with another home crowd to support us.”

Evan Olmstead returns to Canada’s lineup for the first time since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, while Emerson Prior and Stephen Webb, who start the match on the bench for Canada, could earn their first cap against Spain.

Canada’s three try scorers from last week’s match against Belgium, Andrew Quattrin, Josiah Morra and Siôn Parry all retained their place in the match day twenty-three. Cooper Coats gets the start at flyhalf for a second-straight game.

Tickets for the game between Canada and Spain on Friday July 18 are available for purchase here.

 

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S MATCH DAY ROSTER VS SPAIN 

1. Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Old Glory DC

2. Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks

3. Cole Keith (Sussex NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks

4. Piers Von Dadelszen (Vancouver, BC) – New England Free Jacks

5. Evan Olmstead (Vancouver, BC) – Lindfield Rugby Club / SU Agen

6. Siôn Parry (Cardiff, WAL) – Rhiwbina RFC / Ebbw Vale RFC

7. Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach Rugby Club / Chicago Hounds

8. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride / Chicago Hounds 

9. Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Cork Constitution / Chicago Hounds

10. Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars RFC / NOLA Gold

11. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – New England Free Jacks / Toronto Saracens

12. Spencer Jones (Cambridge, NZ) – Hamilton Old Boys / Utah Warriors

13. Noah Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds

14. Isaac Olson (Vernon, BC) – New England Free Jacks

15. Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NI) – Dungannon RFC 

 

FINISHERS

16. Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves   

17. Emerson Prior (Brockville, ON) – Brockville Privateers / Westshore RFC / Utah Warriors

18. Kyle Steeves (Winnipeg, MB) – Manitoba Wombats / New England Free Jacks

19. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Capilano RFC

20. Matt Heaton (Godmanchester, QC) – Ormstown Saracens / RFC LA

21. Stephen Webb (Toronto, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC / University of British Columbia

22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Pacific Pride

23. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / University of Guelph

2025 U19 Canadian Rugby Championships Set to Kick Off in Alberta

Rugby Alberta is proud to welcome athletes, coaches, and supporters from across the country as we host the 2025 U19 Canadian Rugby Championships in Calgary. This national event brings together the country’s top young rugby talent for a week of high-level competition, community, and celebration of the sport.

The tournament officially begins on Sunday, July 20, with the White Hat Ceremony at 14:00 MST at the Olympic Oval. A signature Calgary tradition, the ceremony offers a warm welcome to visiting teams and marks the start of what promises to be an exciting week.

All matches will take place at Calgary Rugby Park, with teams representing Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic region competing in both men’s and women’s divisions.

All games will be livestreamed on the Rugby Alberta YouTube channel, allowing fans across the country to follow the action in real time.

Match results will be posted throughout the tournament:

For full event details, visit the official 2025 CRC Landing Page.

Full Match Schedule

Sunday, July 20

  • Arrival and Practice Day

  • 14:00 – White Hat Ceremony (Olympic Oval)

Monday, July 21

  • 10:00 – Alberta Men vs Ontario Men

  • 12:00 – Alberta Women vs Ontario Women

  • 14:00 – Quebec Men vs Atlantic Men

  • 16:00 – Quebec Women vs Atlantic Women

Tuesday, July 22

  • 14:00 – Atlantic Men vs British Columbia Men

  • 16:00 – Atlantic Women vs British Columbia Women

Wednesday, July 23

  • 14:00 – Ontario Men vs Quebec Men

  • 16:00 – Ontario Women vs Quebec Women

Thursday, July 24

  • 12:00 – Alberta Men vs British Columbia Men

  • 14:00 – Alberta Women vs British Columbia Women

  • 16:00 – Atlantic Men vs Ontario Men

  • 18:00 – Atlantic Women vs Ontario Women

Friday, July 25

  • 16:00 – Quebec Women vs British Columbia Women

  • 18:00 – Quebec Men vs British Columbia Men

Saturday, July 26

  • 14:00 – Alberta Women vs Atlantic Women

  • 16:00 – Alberta Men vs Atlantic Men

Sunday, July 27

  • 10:00 – British Columbia Men vs Ontario Men

  • 12:00 – British Columbia Women vs Ontario Women

  • 14:00 – Alberta Men vs Quebec Men

  • 16:00 – Alberta Women vs Quebec Women

This championship serves as a key development opportunity for U19 athletes, many of whom are preparing to move into high-performance and national-level pathways. It is also an important celebration of the provincial rugby community and the collective commitment to growing the game across Canada.

We encourage fans, families, and the broader rugby community to attend in person or tune in online to support these exceptional young athletes as they compete at the highest level of their age group.

Welcome to Alberta — and welcome to the future of Canadian rugby.

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S ROSTER CONFIRMED FOR FIRST TEST MATCH IN EDMONTON AGAINST BELGIUM  

Thursday July 10, 2025 (Edmonton, AB) – Stephen Meehan has selected his roster, the first as Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team, for Saturday’s test match against Belgium in Edmonton.

Playing on the pitch inside Clarke Stadium, Canada and Belgium will kick off on Saturday, July 12 at 5:00pm MT / 7:00pm ET.  The match will be available to watch live on TSN2 and TSN+.

“We’ve been really pleased with our week of preparation,” stated Meehan. “The players have trained very hard and that has created a lot of energy and healthy competition as they’ve all tried to earn a spot in the match day twenty-three. Belgium will challenge us right across the pitch, but we are well prepared. Looking forward to Saturday and seeing how the players perform in front of the home crowd here in Edmonton.”

Veteran back row Lucas Rumball once again serves as captain for the Canadian side while Hooker Andrew Quattrin has been named the team’s vice captain for the match. Halifax’s Cooper Coats, who has 17 caps for Canada predominately at fullback, starts at flyhalf for the first time.

After making his international rugby debut with Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team earlier this year, Brenden Black has been selected to start at fullback and will win his first 15s cap. Kyle Tremblay, from White Rock, BC, starts on the bench for Canada and could also earn his first cap for the Canadian men’s 15s team.

Ben Lesage, who has been mainstay in the centres for Canada over the recent years, has been ruled out of the Belgium match as he works his way back from an injury.

Tickets for Canada’s match against Belgium are available for purchase here. Tickets for next week’s game between Canada and Spain on Friday July 18 are available for purchase here.

 

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S MATCH DAY ROSTER VS BELGIUM 

1. Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Old Glory DC

2. Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks

3. Cole Keith (Sussex NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks

4. Piers Von Dadelszen (Vancouver, BC) – New England Free Jacks

5. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Capilano RFC

6. Matt Heaton (Godmanchester, QC) – Ormstown Saracens / RFC LA

7. Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach Rugby Club / Chicago Hounds

8. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride / Chicago Hounds 

9. Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves 

10. Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars RFC / NOLA Gold

11. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – (Scarborough, ON) – New England Free Jacks / Toronto Saracens

12. Talon McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia

13. Noah Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds

14. Isaac Olson (Vernon, BC) – New England Free Jacks

15. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / University of Guelph

FINISHERS

16. Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves   

17. Foster Dewitt (Courtenay, BC) – New England Free Jacks / Westshore RFC

18. Kyle Steeves (Winnipeg, MB) – Winnipeg Wombats / New England Free Jacks

19. Callum Botchar (Vancouver, BC) – James Bay AA / NOLA Gold

20. Siôn Parry (Cardiff, WAL) – Rhiwbina RFC / Ebbw Vale RFC

21. Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Cork Constitution / Chicago Hounds

22. Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NI) – Dungannon RFC 

23. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Pacific Pride

LINEUP SET FOR CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM IN SECOND MATCH AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA

Wednesday July 9, 2025 (Pretoria, South Africa) – Following a 50-20 victory for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team this past Saturday, Head Coach Kevin Rouet has selected his roster for the second of back-to-back matches in South Africa against the Springbok women.

Canada and South Africa will kick off at 1:30pm local time (4:30am PT / 7:30am ET) on Saturday July 12 at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Gqeberha, taking to the pitch ahead of the men’s match between the Springboks and Italy for the second-straight week.

Carissa Norsten, the 2024 HSBC SVNS Rookie of the Year, will earn her first cap for Canada’s 15s team, starting on the wing. Taylor McKnight, a hooker from the University of Guelph, is also in line for her international debut after being named as the reserve hooker.

Sophie de Goede returns to the Canadian lineup for the first time in over a year, following a knee injury. She will start the match on the bench. De Goede last represented Canada in the team’s historic victory over New Zealand during the 2024 Pacific Four Series.

“One of the main purposes of this tour was to make sure all 32 players got valuable playing experience and to give them the opportunity to showcase themselves on the field,” said Rouet. “It was a tough encounter in altitude last weekend, it’s now time to keep growing and gaining experience with our next game. You’ll see that there are a lot of changes to our team compared to last week but this tour was about building our depth and confidence ahead of the World Cup. I am excited to see how this group performances this week.”

 

WHERE TO WATCH

Canada’s match versus South Africa on July 12 will kick off at 1:30pm local time (4:30am PT / 7:30am ET) and will be available on TSN3 and TSN+.

 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM 2025 SCHEDULE

Canada vs South Africa  
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – Gqeberha, South Africa
July 12 at 4:30am PT / 7:30am ET (1:30pm local time)

Canada vs United States
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario
August 1 at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET
BUY TICKETS HERE

Canada vs Ireland 
Kingspan Stadium – Belfast, Northern Ireland
August 9 at 4:00am PT / 7:00am ET (12:00pm local time)

Canada vs Fiji (Rugby World Cup)
York Community Stadium – York, England
August 23 at 9:30am PT / 12:30pm ET (5:30pm local time)

Canada vs Wales (Rugby World Cup)
Salford Community Stadium – Manchester, England
August 30 at 4:00am PT / 7:00am ET (12:00pm local time)

Canada vs Scotland (Rugby World Cup)
Sandy Park – Exeter, England
September 6 at 4:00am PT / 7:00am ET (12:00pm local time)

 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER vs SOUTH AFRICA

1. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats
2. Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) – Capilano RFC / Gloucester-Hartpury 
3. Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC
4. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan Piggies / Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders
5. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia Univeristy / ASM Romagnat
6. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish
7. Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Quebec
8. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens
9. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
10. Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Leicester Tigers
11. Carissa Norsten (Waldheim, SK) – Kirin RFC / University of Victoria
12. Maddy Grant (Cornwall, ON) – Cornwall Claymores
13. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau
14. Krissy Scurfield (Canmore, AB) –  University of Victoria / Loughborough Lightning    
15. Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Goats / Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders

FINISHERS 

16. Taylor McKnight (Stouffville, ON) – University of Guelph / Aurora Barbarians
17. Mikiela Nelson (North Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC / Exeter Chiefs
18. Rori Wood (Sooke, BC) – College Rifles RFC / Ealing Trailfinders
19. Courtney O’Donnell (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby   
20. Rachel Smith (South Surrey, BC) – University of British Columbia
21. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens
22. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
23. Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia

 

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.

Wolf Pack Senior Women Earn Silver at Atlantic Rugby Championship

The Alberta Wolf Pack Senior Women wrapped up a successful campaign at the 2025 Atlantic Rugby Championship in Halifax, finishing with a 2–1 record and claiming silver medal honours.

The tournament opened with a gritty battle against host team Nova Scotia, where Alberta came up short in a 15–5 loss. Despite a strong defensive effort and several attacking opportunities, the Wolf Pack couldn’t capitalize in key moments but used the experience to fuel their bounce-back.

In Game 2, the team responded with renewed focus and control, defeating PEI 29–7. Alberta’s forwards set the tone early, dominating the breakdowns, while the backs found space and executed cleanly to secure their first win of the tournament.

The final match was a statement win, as the Wolf Pack powered past New Brunswick with a commanding 53–12 victory. Alberta ran in multiple tries, showed clinical finishing, and maintained relentless pressure from kickoff to the final whistle to close out the series in dominant fashion.

The team’s performance was highlighted by individual excellence, with three major tournament awards going to Alberta players:

Most Valuable Player: Cassie Mann (Edmonton, AB – Strathcona Druids RFC), who scored an impressive six tries over the three matches and was a constant attacking threat
Best Back: Melina Ioannides (Edmonton, AB – Nor’Westers AA), known for her speed, vision, and playmaking abilities throughout the tournament
Best Forward: Willow Beyea (Westminster, BC – Calgary Irish AC), who led the forward pack with physicality, consistency, and work rate at every breakdown

With a mix of toughness, skill, and cohesion, the Wolf Pack showed they belong among the nation’s best. Congratulations to all players, coaches, and support staff on a fantastic showing out east!

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s squad named for summer tests in Edmonton

Monday July 7, 2025 (Edmonton, AB) – Thirty-three players have been named to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s squad by Head Coach Stephen Meehan for July’s test matches in Edmonton.  Canada will play Belgium on July 12 at 5:00pm MT and Spain on July 18 at 7:00pm MT, both at Edmonton’s Clarke Stadium. Both matches will also be available to watch on TSN2 and TSN+.

This announcement comes following a week-long training camp at the University of Alberta, which saw 42 players vying for a spot on the squad.

“We had a very competitive training camp, which I was pleased to see,” said Head Coach Stephen Meehan. “The coaching staff has been impressed by the players’ work ethic, and ability to learn and adapt in high pressure moments. They have continually pushed each other to be better and are eager to continue doing so throughout our time in Edmonton together.”

Captained by Lucas Rumball, the squad includes eight players from the 2025 MLR Championship-winning New England Free Jacks including Andrew Quattrin, Cole Keith, Foster Dewitt, Kyle Steeves, Piers Von Dadelszen, Ben Lesage, Issac Olsen and Josiah Morra. Three Edmontonians have been named as well, Brock Gallagher, Dewald Kotze and Austin Creighton.

Evan Olmstead returns to the squad for the first time since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, while Creighton, Emerson Prior, Brendan Black, Jamie Armstrong, Kyle Tremblay, Maddox MacLean and Stephen Webb could earn their first caps for Canada in Edmonton.

Tickets for both matches are available for purchase here. Applications for media accreditation are currently being accepted here.

 

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM EDMONTON SQUAD

FORWARDS 

Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks

Austin Creighton (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / James Bay AA 

Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Old Glory DC

Callum Botchar (Vancouver, BC) – James Bay AA / NOLA Gold

Cole Keith (Sussex NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks

Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves   

Donald Carson (Tsawwassen, BC) – UBCOB Ravens / Britannia Lions

Emerson Prior (Brockville, ON) – Brockville Privateers / Westshore RFC / Utah Warriors

Evan Olmstead (Vancouver, BC) – Lindfield Rugby Club / SU Agen

Foster Dewitt (Courtenay, BC) – New England Free Jacks / Westshore RFC

Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Capilano RFC

Kyle Steeves (Winnipeg, MB) – Winnipeg Wombats / New England Free Jacks

Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach Rugby Club / Chicago Hounds

Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds

Matt Heaton (Godmanchester, QC) – Ormstown Saracens / RFC LA

Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride / Chicago Hounds  

Piers Von Dadelszen (Vancouver, BC) – New England Free Jacks

Siôn Parry (Cardiff, WAL) – Rhiwbina RFC / Ebbw Vale RFC

Tyler Matchem (Pictou County, NS) – Pictou County Rugby Club / NOLA Gold

BACKS 

Ben LeSage (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Canucks / New England Free Jacks  

Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / University of Guelph

Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves  

Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars RFC / NOLA Gold

Isaac Olson (Vernon, BC) – New England Free Jacks

Jamie Armstrong (Ottawa, ON) – Ottawa Irish / University of Ottawa

Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Cork Constitution / Chicago Hounds

Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – (Scarborough, ON) – New England Free Jacks / Toronto Saracens

Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Pacific Pride

Maddox MacLean (Brisbane, AUS) – Souths Rugby Club Brisbane

Noah Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds

Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NI) – Dungannon RFC   

Stephen Webb (Toronto, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC / University of British Columbia

Talon McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia

Team Alberta’s U20 Men and U18 Women to Shine at St. John’s 2025 Canada Summer Games

The 2025 Canada Summer Games have arrived in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, set to run from August 8 to 25, 2025. Team Alberta’s elite young rugby squads—the U20 Men and U18 Women—are ready to showcase their talent on Canada’s easternmost stage, taking full advantage of the province’s first-hand natural beauty and sporting spirit.

U20 Men’s Team:

  • Nathan Bolton – La Crude (Leduc)
  • Noah Dickens – University of Victoria | Calgary Hornets (Calgary)
  • Henry Clark – Lethbridge Rugby Club (Lethbridge)
  • Julian Pacione – University of Calgary | Foothills Lions (Calgary)
  • Lachlan Crooks – University of Victoria | Calgary Canucks (Calgary)
  • Colton Boychuk – Trinity Western University | Foothills Lions (Okotoks)
  • John Paterson – Trinity Western University | Calgary Hornets (Georgetown, ON)
  • Ronin Smith – University of Victoria | Calgary Saints (Calgary)
  • Xavier Krueger – University of Waterloo | Foothills Lions (Okotoks)
  • Jacques Henning – University of Alberta | Foothills Lions (Okotoks)
  • Cam Wright – Calgary Saints (Calgary)
  • Jack Penaluna – University of Victoria | Calgary Canucks (Calgary)

Non‑Travelling Reserves:

  • Kael Heron
  • Luke Hamilton
  • Nolen Burton
  • Tazer Muir
  • Mo Al Jubouri

Coaches:

  • Vinny McAuley (Head Coach)
  • Barrett Donovan (Assistant Coach)

U18 Women’s Team:

  • Emerson Hanrahan – University of Alberta | St. Albert RC (Edmonton)
  • Emily Plant – University of Lethbridge | Hornets RC (Calgary)
  • Gemma Ogoke – Harvard | Canucks (Calgary)
  • Kayla MacLean – University of Calgary | Hornets Rugby (Calgary)
  • Lucy Finnson – University of Lethbridge | Calgary Hornets RFC (Calgary)
  • Madison Kutsch – TBD | (Lethbridge)
  • Maya North – University of Calgary | Hornets RFC (Calgary)
  • Rowan McLellan – University of Lethbridge | Hornets RFC (Calgary)
  • Ruby Lastiwka – University of Victoria | Calgary Saints (Calgary)
  • Shanelle Mann – University of Lethbridge | Lethbridge Rugby Club (Lethbridge)
  • Sydney Wollbaum – University of Lethbridge | Calgary Hornets (Calgary)
  • Sydney Tasic – University of Victoria | Druids (Edmonton)

Non‑Travelling Reserves:

  • Campbell Bucci – St. Albert RC (Spruce Grove)
  • Kate Burkinshaw – Druids (Sherwood Park)
  • Madeline Brown – University of Alberta | Leprechaun Tigers (Edmonton)
  • Morgan Bull – Foothills Lions RFC (Okotoks)

Coaches:

  • Chelsea Ross (Head Coach)
  • Keegan Brantner (Assistant Coach)

Rugged Atlantic Vibes, Big Stage

St. John’s will be more than just a backdrop—it’s a vibrant host. The coastal city will welcome 4000+ athletes to 240 events in 17 sports, including rugby sevens, held at venues like the Swilers Rugby Club. Expect unforgettable scenery, community connections, and Atlantic flair to enhance Alberta’s rugby showcase.

Both squads bring months of preparation, a deep sense of team unity, and provincial pride to the Games. From the strategic strength of the U20 Men to the agile flair of the U18 Women, Alberta is poised to deliver a performance worthy of this national stage—and leave a mark in St. John’s.

Let’s go, Team Alberta!

Roster named for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team ahead of first match versus South Africa

Thursday July 3, 2025 (Pretoria, South Africa) — Head Coach Kevin Rouet has named Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s roster for the first of two matches against the Springbok Women in South Africa.

Canada and South Africa will kick off at 1:30pm local time (4:30am PT / 7:30am ET) on Saturday July 5 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, taking to the pitch ahead the opening match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series between the Springboks and Italy.

Captained by Alexandra Tessier, the roster includes two players who won the France Elite 1 championship with Stade Bordelais at the end of May following the Pacific Four Series, Fabiola Forteza and Justine Pelletier. Starting in the front row are two players who will be competing in their 30th cap for Canada, Gillian Boag and McKinley Hunt.

Canmore’s Holly Phillips, who played in the PWR semi-finals this season with the Bristol Bears, could make her debut for Canada off the bench.

“These next two matches in South Africa will be a fantastic opportunity to build depth and confidence amongst the squad and for the players to showcase themselves with the World Cup coming up quickly,” said Rouet. “Saturday will be about focusing on the style of the game we want to play going forward and all the small details that come with that.”

 WHERE TO WATCH

Canada’s match versus South Africa on July 5 will kick off at 1:30pm local time (4:30am PT / 7:30am ET) and will be available on TSN3 and TSN+.   

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM 2025 SCHEDULE

Canada vs South Africa  
Loftus Versfeld Stadium – Pretoria, South Africa
July 5 at 4:30am PT / 7:30am ET (1:30pm local time)

Canada vs South Africa  
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium – Gqeberha, South Africa
July 12 at 4:30am PT / 7:30am ET (1:30pm local time)

Canada vs United States
TD Place – Ottawa, Ontario
August 1 at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET
BUY TICKETS HERE

Canada vs Ireland 
Kingspan Stadium – Belfast, Northern Ireland
August 9 at 4:00am PT / 7:00am ET (12:00pm local time)

Canada vs Fiji (Rugby World Cup)
York Community Stadium – York, England
August 23 at 9:30am PT / 12:30pm ET (5:30pm local time)

Canada vs Wales (Rugby World Cup)
Salford Community Stadium – Manchester, England
August 30 at 4:00am PT / 7:00am ET (12:00pm local time)

Canada vs Scotland (Rugby World Cup)
Sandy Park – Exeter, England
September 6 at 4:00am PT / 7:00am ET (12:00pm local time)

 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER vs SOUTH AFRICA

1. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens
2. Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) – Capilano RFC / Gloucester-Hartpury 
3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs 
4. Caroline Crossley (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers
5. Courtney O’Donnell (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby 
6. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia Univeristy / ASM Romagnat
7. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
8. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens
9. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
10. Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Exeter Chiefs
11. Fancy Bermudez (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / Westshore RFC / Saracens 
12. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs
13. Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia
14. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC / Saracens
15. Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Goats / Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders

FINISHERS 

16. Mikiela Nelson (North Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC / Exeter Chiefs
17. Holly Phillips (Canmore, AB) – Banff Bears / Calgary Irish / Bristol Bears 
18. Rori Wood (Sooke, BC) – College Rifles RFC / Ealing Trailfinders
19. Rachel Smith (South Surrey, BC) – University of British Columbia
20. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan Piggies / Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders
21. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish
22. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau

 

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.

87 PLAYERS NAMED TO U18 MEN’S SUMMER DEVELOPMENT CAMP

Eighty-seven players have been named to Rugby Canada’s 2025 U18 men’s summer development camp. 

Held over July 1 to 7 at the University of Guelph, the camp will be led by Cory Hector (University of Guelph) and Didier Banse (University of British Columbia).   

This national development camp will serve as just one of many talent identification points for Canada’s U20 Men’s Rugby Team, along with other provincial competitions taking place across the summer, including (but not limited to) the BC Rugby Provincial Regional Championships, the Atlantic Rugby Championships and the 2025 U19 Canadian Rugby Championships.  

“Our coaching staff is looking forward to working with these 87 players in Guelph this week,” said Hector. “Our aim is to expose a wide group of players from across the country to a high performance training environment, develop their technical and tactical skills, and ignite some competition with East vs West matches. Along with the many other competitions and tournaments taking place for young players in Canada this summer, this will be a great opportunity to continue to identify and develop the next generation of national team players. Of the recently named Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team training squad currently in Edmonton, six players boast U18 experience, while 18 players from this year’s U20 team have participated in the U18 program.” 

More information on the development camp and an overview of Rugby Canada’s 2025 age grade programming can be found here. 

 

CANADA’S MEN’S U18 CAMP SQUAD 

Adam Robinson (Kingston, ON) – Kingston Panthers RFC  
Adriaan de Necker (Kyle, SK) – Gophers RFC  
Aidan McGuire (Ottawa, ON) – Bytown Blues RFC 
Aiden Smyth (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC  
Angjelo Kola (Toronto, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC  
Ariston Xourafas (Blackrock, IRE) – Blackrock College  
Ashton Burton (Whitby, ON) – Ajax Wanderers RFC  
Aton Biakabutuka (Ottawa, ON) – Bytown Blues RFC  
Ayden Harvey (Binbrook, ON) – Burlington Centaurs RFC  
Ben Blewman (North Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC 
Blake Marshall (Gold Coast, AUS) – The Southport School 
Brady Mantle (Delta, BC) – Bayside RFC  
Brian Morrison (Sunken Lake, NS) – Valley Rugby Union 
Cameron Jones (Whitby, ON) – Ajax Wanderers RC 
Charles McCully (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans RFC  
Charlie Blackwood (Tsawwassen, BC) – Bayside Sharks RFC 
Christophe Côté (Winnipeg, MB) – Manitoba Wombats 
Colby Pentecost (Minnedosa, MB) – Souris Sabres / Prairie Renegades  
Cooper Allen (Thornbury, ON) – Georgian Bay Titans 
Declan Anderson (Duncan, BC) – Cowichan RFC  
Devin Hollands (Uxbridge, ON) – Oshawa Vikings  
Duncan Gunn (Glenburnie, ON) – Kingston Panthers RFC  
Easton Blackmer (High River, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC 
Ewan Gardiner (Victoria, BC) – Cowichan RFC  
Finley Lewis (Reading, ENG) – Barrhaven Scottish RFC  
Fraser Lemanski (North Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC  
Gabriel Regosa (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers  
Gabriel Rioux (Longueuil, QC) – Celtics Rive-Sud 
Gabriel Williams (Quispamsis, NB) – Saint John Trojans RFC  
Gavin Say (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons RFC 
Geart De Marez Oyens (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders  
George Hemings (London, ENG) – Bedford School 
Grayson Bennet (Souris, MB) – Souris Sabres / Manitoba U16 
Hans Waldner (Brandon, MB) – Brandon Barbarians RFC  
Hayden Jones (Victoria, BC) – Unaffiliated  
Indiana Abram (Tiny, ON) – Barrie RFC  
Isaac Rainey (Chestermere, AB) – Vikings RFC 
Jack MacAlister (Pemberton, BC) – Axemen Rugby Club  
Jack Priestman (Brinston, ON) – Barrhaven Scottish RFC 
Jackson Landon (Ottawa, ON) – Bytown Blues  
Jamie Dent (Bath, ENG) – Corsham Rugby 
Jaren Alaimoana (Grande Prairie, AB) – Grande Prairie RFC  
Jayce Kroes (Milton, ON) – Oakville Crusaders RFC 
Joshua Williams (Duncan, BC) – Cowichan Rugby 
Josiah Ashworth (Weybridge, ENG) – Weybridge Vandals RFC 
Junoir Atalifo (Fort McMurray, AB) – Fort McMurray Knights 
Keane Peters (Sherwood Park, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC  
Keith Morrison (Wolfville, NS) – Valley Rugby Union
Kian Mullen (Sherwood Park, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC  
Lennox Stewart (Belleville, ON) – Belleville Bulldogs 
Levi Kanewske (West Vancouver, BC) Capilano RFC 
Liam Monaghan (Belleville, ON) – Belleville Bulldogs  
Liam Wood (Roslin, ON) – Belleville Bulldogs  
Lucas Zondag (Goderich, ON) – Waterloo County RFC  
Luke Waters (Whitby, ON) – Ajax Wanderers RFC  
Malin Hazl (Guelph, ON) – Guelph RFC  
Mason Durant (Canning, NS) – Valley Rugby Union 
Massimo Ruben (Shawnigan Lake, BC) – Salish Sea Warriors 
Mickael Tissier (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders RFC  
Nathan Murray (Victoria, BC) – Claremont Secondary School
Nolan Mahoney (Northampton, ENG) – Old Northamptonians RFC  
Oscar Lennox-King (Whistler, BC) – Axemen Rugby Club 
Oskar Benoit (North Vancouver, BC) – Meraloma RFC 
Parker Wrathall (Tsawwassen, BC) – Bayside Sharks RFC 
Philip Peroff (Kingston, ON) – Kingston Panthers RFC 
Quinlan Bjorndal (Abbotsford, BC) – Robert Bateman Secondary School
Rhett Esler (Okotoks, AB) – Cowichan Piggies 
Rogan Moir (Waterloo, ON) – Waterloo County Lions 
Ryder Sim (Ottawa, ON) – Ottawa Ospreys RFC 
Samuel Bayley (Duncan, BC) – Cowichan RFC 
Samuel Cousineau (Pemberton, BC) – Axemen Rugby Club
Samuel Morreale (Stoney Creek, ON) – Burlington Centaurs RFC  
Setrak Kalpakian (Vancouver, BC) – UBCOB Ravens 
Stewart Davis (Pickering, ON) – Ajax Wanderers RFC 
Thomas Cha (Souris, MB) – Souris Sabres / Manitoba U16 
Thomas Dannhauser (Tsawwassen, BC) – Cowichan RFC  
Thomas Gould (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers 
Thomas Steinke (Vancouver, BC) – UBCOB Ravens 
Thymen Vanderploeg (Bayfield, ON) – Waterloo County Lions 
Torin Brooks (Campbell River, BC) – Bytown Blues 
Trace Barrack (Edmonton, AB) – Cowichan RFC
Trent Benedict (Thornhill, ON) – Aurora Barbarians 
Tyler Cunningham (Streetsville, ON) – Mississauga Blues RFC 
Vigo Kramer (Guelph, ON) – Guelph RFC  
William Young (Surrey, BC) – Unaffiliated
Wyatt McKinnon (Athabasca, AB) – Clansmen RFC  
Wyatt Rainham (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars RFC 

Squad Confirmed for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s South Africa Tour

Head Coach Kevin Rouet has confirmed his 32-player squad that will travel to South Africa for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s two matches against the Springbok Women in July as part of their preparation for the Rugby World Cup.

The game first will take place July 5 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, the second on July 12 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. Both matches will kick off at 1:30pm local time (4:30am PT / 7:30am ET) and will be available on TSN3 and TSN+.

“The players and staff are all excited to get down to South Africa to continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup,” said Rouet. “Three weeks of training together and another two test matches will go a long way to ensure our squad is ready.”

Taylor McKnight has been selected for her first tour with Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team. From Stouffville, Ontario, McKnight spent the past season playing at the University of Guelph and with the Ontario West team that competed in the Quebec Ontario Rugby Championship earlier this spring.

This also marks the first time Carissa Norsten will tour with Canada’s 15s team after making her international rugby debut with Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team. Norsten was named the HSBC SVNS Series Rookie of the Year in 2024.

Following the South Africa tour, the squad will assemble in Ottawa in late July for their match against the USA at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa on August 1. This is the fourth year in a row that Ottawa has hosted international rugby. Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team last played at TD Place in 2023 for the Pacific Four Series, playing in front of 10,092 fans, the largest crowd in Canadian women’s rugby history. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD  

FORWARDS  

Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats
Caroline Crossley (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers
Courtney O’Donnell (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby  
DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – 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    
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
Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC
Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish
Rachel Smith (South Surrey, BC) – University of British Columbia
Rori Wood (Sooke, BC) – College Rifles RFC / Ealing Trailfinders
Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens
Taylor McKnight (Stouffville, ON) – University of Guelph / Aurora Barbarians

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 / Saracens
Carissa Norsten (Waldheim, SK) – Kirin RFC / University of Victoria
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 Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
Krissy Scurfield (Canmore, AB) –  University of Victoria / Loughborough Lightning  
Madison Grant (Cornwall, ON) – Cornwall Claymores
Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
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.