Rugby Canada is uniting the country as its women’s team gets ready to vie for the nation’s first Rugby World Cup championship. The game on Saturday, September 27 at Allianz Stadium in London could signify one of the most remarkable days in Canadian sports, showcasing the resolve and united backing that has driven the team’s unforgettable journey.
Following a record-setting triumph over the current champions New Zealand by the widest margin in Rugby World Cup history, Canada is now targeting England for its first final appearance since 2014. The match will air live on TSN (TSN1 & TSN4) and CTV2, with coverage beginning at 10:30 AM EST / 7:30 AM PST. Expected record viewership is accompanied by watch parties throughout Canada, with backing coming from figures like The Tragically Hip, Shania Twain, and Russell Crowe.
Rugby Canada initiated the Mission: Win Rugby World Cup campaign to address a $1 million funding shortfall for sending the best-prepared Canadian team to a Rugby World Cup. The CEO of Rugby Canada convened with Head Coach Kevin Rouet at the beginning of the season to outline an optimal training and preparation plan. The sum reached $3.6 million.
Rugby Canada, as a non-profit National Sport Organization, functions with limited budgets and resources in comparison to our international rivals. The union provided significant backing to both men’s and women’s teams, contributing a record $2.6 million to a high-performance team. At 95% of its $1 million fundraising target, the campaign’s proceeds will directly fund team priorities, including pre-tournament training camps, warm-up matches, travel, nutrition, and daily operations for extended team gatherings.
Athletes have managed to balance their careers, education, and international contracts, yet Rugby Canada was among the initial rugby nations to transition their women’s program beyond the pay-to-play model in 2018. Players receive small payments while all travel, lodging, food, and additional expenses are taken care of during the tour.
“It signifies everything to feel the country’s support,” stated Alex Tessier, captain of Canada’s women’s rugby team. “It’s not only about us claiming a trophy—it’s about demonstrating our enthusiasm and highlighting what investing in Canadian rugby can accomplish to motivate the next generation.”