Red and Rising: The Ascent of Women’s Rugby in Canada

In the heart of Ottawa, a thunderous cheer erupted as over 10,000 fans witnessed Canada's women's rugby team face off against the formidable Black Ferns. This moment wasn't just a game; it was a testament to the meteoric rise of women's rugby in Canada—a sport once overshadowed, now commanding national attention. The momentum behind the Canadian women’s rugby program is not only transforming the sport but also reshaping cultural narratives around gender, community, and national identity.

A Historic Triumph

The 2024 Pacific Four Series marked a turning point. Canada clinched their second title, defeating New Zealand for the first time in 18 encounters with a nail-biting 22-19 victory in Christchurch. This win propelled Canada to second in the World Rugby rankings, their highest position since 2016. No longer underdogs, the Canadians are now recognized as one of the most disciplined and dynamic teams in international rugby.

Head coach Kevin Rouet expressed confidence in the team's development:

“I feel like we are more prepared the year before the World Cup than last time.”
(rdnewsnow.com)

Their training camp infrastructure, access to sport science, and athlete support programs have evolved significantly over the past four years. Rugby Canada has leaned into long-term investment in their women’s program—a move that is finally paying dividends.

Building Momentum

The surge in performance is mirrored by growing public and institutional support:

• Record Attendance: In May 2025, a match against the USA at Kansas City's CPKC Stadium drew 10,518 fans—the largest crowd for a women's rugby game in U.S. history.
• Youth Engagement: Rugby Canada reported over 7,000 participants in community engagement sessions in 2024 alone, introducing the sport to a younger, more diverse audience.
• Broadcast Reach: The 2023-24 Canada Sevens tournament attracted 745,000 cumulative viewers nationwide, a 22% increase over the previous year.

The accessibility of the women's game is a critical factor. With fewer barriers to entry, more visible role models, and a growing network of regional clubs, girls from across the country are finding a place in rugby. The sport has especially taken root in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, where school and club partnerships have flourished.

Road to the World Cup

With the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup on the horizon, Canada is set to face Fiji, Wales, and Scotland in Pool B. These are not easy matches, but they are winnable. The team’s path to the semifinals will depend on consistency, execution, and resilience under pressure.

Preparation has been rigorous:

• Pacific Four Series: Canada competed against the USA, New Zealand, and Australia in May 2025—a crucial test of readiness.
• South Africa Tour: Two fixtures against the Springbok Women in July will sharpen match fitness and depth.

Sophie de Goede, team captain and a standout leader, remains a central figure in the team’s spirit and strategy. Although she has been recovering from an ACL injury, her presence continues to inspire the squad.

“Everything that’s happened this year has been a positive for the growth of women’s rugby in the long run in Canada.”
(timescolonist.com)

Canada’s technical staff have also expanded, with specialized roles in data analysis, performance nutrition, and mental conditioning—matching the standards of Tier 1 rugby nations. This multidisciplinary approach is setting a new benchmark in North American rugby development.

Investing in Success

To support their growing ambitions, Rugby Canada launched the "Mission: Win" campaign, aiming to raise $1 million to fund coaching, travel, nutrition, and sports science. As of April 2025, the campaign has raised over $550,000.

De Goede emphasized the importance of resource equity:

“As women’s rugby ascends, we don’t want to get left behind just because we’re a smaller (rugby) nation.”
(cfjctoday.com)

This funding directly impacts player welfare, allowing athletes to train full-time without juggling part-time work. It also ensures access to high-performance environments that rival global standards.

Community Impact

The real legacy of women’s rugby in Canada may not be seen on scoreboards, but in communities across the country. From rural Ontario to the urban heart of Vancouver, rugby is offering young women opportunities for leadership, identity, and self-expression.

Programs like HSBC Rookie Rugby have introduced the sport to thousands of school-age girls, while the Community Rugby Fund provides grants for marginalized communities to access coaching and equipment. The Women in Leadership initiative supports career development for women in coaching, officiating, and governance roles.

De Goede reflected on the power of visibility:

“Hosting PAC4 last year and had our best turnout ever for a women’s rugby game, over 10,000 in TD place in Ottawa. That was such a special feeling and there were so many young kids in the crowd, boys and girls, that we had been able to meet with and play with throughout the week in different community events and then showed up to the game to watch us play New Zealand.”
(rugbypass.com)

This community connection is vital. It ensures that the next generation sees rugby not just as a sport, but as a viable and vibrant path.

A Nation's Pride

Canada's women's rugby team embodies resilience, determination, and unity. Their rise is not just a sports story—it's a cultural reawakening. The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be a litmus test, not just for athletic performance, but for the strength of a grassroots movement that has captured the imagination of a nation.

Whether they win or lose, these women have already secured something far greater: a permanent place in the heart of Canadian sport.