32-PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S SQUAD FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP IN ENGLAND 

Thursday July 24, 2025 (Langford, BC) – Ranked second in the world, Canada’s 32-player squad for the Rugby World Cup 2025, kicking off next month in England, has been named by Head Coach Kevin Rouet.

“We believe in the group we have selected and we believe in the process we have taken to get to this point, but the work isn’t done yet,” said Rouet. “It all starts next month in England when we enter the next stage of our World Cup journey and officially get on the field in that first match against Fiji.”

Captain of the team in England will be 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, Alexandra Tessier. She has earned 59 caps for Canada, scoring six tries and 53 points over her ten-year international career that includes representing Canada at the Rugby World Cup in 2017 and 2021 (played in 2022).

Twenty-one players return from the 2021 Rugby World Cup team including veterans Tyson Beukeboom, Olivia DeMerchant and Karen Paquin who will all represent Canada at the Rugby World Cup for a fourth time.

Sophie de Goede, named to the 2022 and 2024 World Rugby Women’s Dream Team, will compete in her second Rugby World Cup. De Goede made her long-awaited return to the Canadian lineup earlier this month in South Africa, her first time back on the field in over a year following a significant knee injury.

Canada’s leading try-scorer at the last World Cup with six, Emily Tuttosi, will play in her second Rugby World Cup. Tuttosi’s performance earned her a spot on the 2022 World Rugby Dream Team of the Year.

With Rugby Canada’s “One Squad” philosophy on full display, six players who won a silver medal with Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics have been selected; Caroline Crossley, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Olivia Apps, Asia Hogan-Rochester and Taylor Perry.

The 2025 Rugby World Cup will be the first for 11 players including Rachel Smith, Taylor McKnight, Claire Gallagher, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Laetitia Royer and Maya Montiel.

“Selecting the World Cup squad forced the coaching staff to make some very difficult decisions,” added Rouet. “Since the last World Cup, our focus has been on building depth in the squad, so we had more than just 32 players who could step on the field and perform at any moment. We achieved our goal but as a result it meant needing to make some very challenging decisions.”

Prior to the team departing, Canada will compete in its final home match at TD Place in Ottawa on Friday, August 1 vs USA. The match aims to surpass a new attendance record for a women’s rugby match in North America that was previously set at the stadium in 2023. Tickets are on sale HERE and the roster for this specific game will be announced on Wednesday, July 30.

At the Rugby World Cup in England, Canada will compete in Pool B alongside Scotland, Wales and Fiji. Their first match will be against Fiji at the York Community Stadium in York on Saturday, August 23 at 9:30am PT / 12:30pm ET (5:30pm local time). Click here for the full Pool B schedule.

WHERE TO WATCH

All of Canada’s Rugby World Cup matches will be available live on TSN and TSN+. Earlier this year Rugby Canada and TSN announced a long-term agreement bringing increased coverage in 2025 and beyond for rugby fans in Canada.

2025 RUGBY WORLD CUP SQUAD – CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM 

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  

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   
Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Quebec
Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia University / Saracens
Maya Montiel (Dieppe, NB) – Saracens

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
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
Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC
Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders
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
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

TEAM STAFF 

Head Coach – Kevin Rouet

Assistant Coach – Alex Austerberry, Carolyn McEwen, Conor Twomey, David Butcher, Iain Monaghan, Jocelyn Barrieau, Martial Lagain 

Team Manager – Dustin Hopkins

Strength & Conditioning – Clarence Gay, Travis Dorsey

Analyst – Stacey Maskelyne, Richard Owen

Team Doctor – Anthony Dixon, Adam Pyle

Physiotherapist – Allison Rodway, Amelie Michaud

Media – Braedan Willis, Jordan Jones

MEDIA ADVISORY

Members of the media are invited to attend a special event marking a major milestone on Canada’s road to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in advance of the team’s match vs. USA at TD Place on August 1. With the capital city as the backdrop, Rugby Canada will formally send off the Women’s World Cup squad.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – Great Hall at the National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, Ontario)
11:45 AM ET – Media to arrive by 11:30 AM ET 

Camera/Interview Opportunity: Following the press conference, players, as well as the captain and coach from the Women’s World Cup squad, will be available for one-on-one interviews with media. Please RSVP to Avery German: agerman@national.ca

MISSION: WIN RUGBY WORLD CUP 

In March 2025, Rugby Canada officially launched the Mission: Win Rugby World Cup (MWRWC) 2025 fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $1,000,000. Despite rising to the second world ranking, the Canadian women’s rugby team operates on a fractional budget compared to its closest competitors. This $1 million gap was identified to best equip the team with extra resources to help them make history.

The mission is now within reach: over 75% of the fundraising goal has been pledged through generous individual donations and crowdfunding. Rugby Canada extends its deep appreciation to all MWRWC supporters in embarking on a final push of this campaign for the team’s Rugby World Cup journey. For more information or to donate, visit rugby.ca/donate.

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

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

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!

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!