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.

42 PLAYERS NAMED TO CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S EDMONTON TRAINING CAMP

Head Coach Stephen Meehan has named 42 players to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s training camp in Edmonton ahead of July’s test matches at Clarke Stadium. 

The squad will take part in a week-long training camp at the University of Alberta ahead of the first match week, with the team’s final squad of 32 players to be announced in early July. The seven New England Free Jacks players listed below will join the squad following the MLR final, which will see the Free Jacks take on the Houston SaberCats on June 28.  

“Players and staff alike are really eager to get on the pitch and get the season started, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with this squad in Edmonton,” said Meehan. “This time together will be extremely valuable as we make our final selections for the July tests and build a strong foundation as we strive towards Rugby World Cup qualification later this year. We have invited a mix of experienced players and new talent and are looking forward to seeing what they each bring to camp.” 

Meehan will be joined on the coaching staff in Edmonton by Defence Coach Phil Mack and Restart and Breakdown Coach Anthony Mathison. 

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will kick off against Belgium on July 12 at 5:00pm MT and against Spain on July 18 at 7:00pm MT, both at Edmonton’s Clarke Stadium.  

Tickets for both matches are available for purchase here. Applications for media accreditation are currently being accepted here. Both matches will be available on TSN2 and TSN+. 

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s extended player squad was announced earlier this month and can be found here. 

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM EDMONTON TRAINING CAMP 

FORWARDS 

Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks  
Austin Creighton (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / James Bay AA 
Caleb Ashworth (Crowborough, ENG) – Crowborough RFC / Harlequins FC  
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  
Griffin Phillipson (Ballymoney, NI) – Ballymoney RFC / City of Armagh RFC  
Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Capilano RFC  
James Stockwood (Bowmanville, ON) – Oshawa Vikings

Jeffrey Young (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads  
Kaden Duguid (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / NOLA Gold 
Karl Hunger (Beaconsfield, QC) – Beaconsfield RFC / Pacific Pride  
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  
Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves  
Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars RFC / NOLA Gold  
Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club / Kalinga Black Tigers  
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  
Josh McIndoe (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / Greerton Marist Rugby Club  
Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Pacific Pride 
Luke Toroca (Nadi, FIJ) – Sabeto Rugby Club / Langley Rugby Club 
Maddox MacLean (Brisbane, AUS) – Souths Rugby Club Brisbane 
Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto City Rugby / University of Victoria  
Nic Benn (Caves Beach, AUS) – Lake Macquarie Roos / Utah Warriors   
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 

STAFF 

Stephen Meehan – Head Coach 
Phil Mack – Assistant Coach 
Anthony Mathison – Assistant Coach 
Gwern James – Head Analyst 
Michael Deasy – Head S&C Coach 
Lisa Ruggles – Lead Therapist 
Alistair Wilson – Assistant Therapist 
Dr. Adam Pyle – Team Doctor 
Neil MacDougall – Manager  

Wolf Pack Take Down Eastern Admirals 31–30 in Coast to Coast Cup Thriller

Halifax, NS — The Rugby Alberta Senior Men’s Wolf Pack made the most of their Coast to Coast Cup appearance, securing a thrilling 31–30 victory over the Eastern Admirals in the consolation final. A last-minute try from Charlie Greaves sealed the win in what turned out to be a one-and-done showdown for Alberta.

The June 22 clash at Wanderers Grounds had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The Wolf Pack came out strong, taking a 14–12 lead into halftime after a hard-fought opening 40 minutes.

The second half saw the lead change hands multiple times. The Admirals fought their way back into the game and pulled ahead late, holding a narrow 30–26 advantage with just minutes remaining.

But the Pack weren’t done yet.

In the dying moments, Charlie Greaves broke through the Admirals’ defence for the game-winning try — a clutch finish that capped off a gritty team performance. The conversion pushed the final score to 31–30, and Alberta closed out the game with composure to claim the win.

Though it was their only game of the tournament, the Wolf Pack made it count — walking away with pride, momentum, and a hard-earned win on the national stage.

Starting XV

  1. Jo-Hwa Adjagbe

  2. Heath Barnett-Ritcey

  3. Nathan Amey

  4. Jacques Bonsant

  5. Mason MacDonald

  6. Ben Graci

  7. Gordon Mitchell

  8. Jack Part

  9. Giovanni Estrada

  10. Lachlan Crooks

  11. Brendan Bourchier

  12. Adham Young

  13. Michael McTighe

  14. Hugh Mager

  15. Charlie Greaves

Finishers

  1. Matt Prescott

  2. Willis Reimer

  3. James Hoang

  4. Manus Dale

  5. Luka Crncevic

38 PLAYERS NAMED TO TRAINING CAMP AHEAD OF WOMEN’S SOUTH AFRICA TOUR

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team Head Coach Kevin Rouet has named 38 players to a training camp in Perth, Ontario in preparation for the team’s upcoming tour to South Africa.  

Following the camp, which takes place June 20 to 27, a squad of 32 will be selected to travel to South Africa for a pair of test matches in July.  

Thirty-three players from Canada’s Pacific Four Series squad, who came second in the tournament in May with wins over the USA and Australia and a tie to New Zealand, have been named for the camp.  

Madison Grant, Paige Farries, Pamphinette Buisa and Sophie de Goede all return to the training environment following recovery from injury while Carissa Norsten, a Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist and 2024 HSBC SVNS Women’s Rookie of the Year, has earned her first invite to a senior team camp.  

“We are looking forward to reconvening as a group after a short break following the Pacific Four Series,” said Kevin Rouet. “This training camp, and the matches against South Africa, are important components in our on and off field preparation for the Rugby World Cup. We will continue to refine our gameplay as we spend some valuable training hours together. The Lanark Highlanders have been great hosts for our team in the past, and we are excited to return to Perth and the Oakfield Rugby Park.” 

Canada will play two fixtures against the Springbok Women in July as part of their preparation for the Rugby World Cup. The 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+.  

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM TRAINING CAMP 

FORWARDS 

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 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 
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 
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  
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 / Westshore RFC 
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 
Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC    
Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC    
Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Saracens    
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.