(September 24, 2025) – Rugby Canada is rallying the nation as its women’s team prepares to compete for the country’s first-ever Rugby World Cup title. The match on Saturday, September 27 at Allianz Stadium in London has potential to mark one of the greatest days in Canadian sport, reflecting the determination and collective support that has fueled the squad’s historic journey.
After defeating reigning champions New Zealand with the largest margin of victory ever recorded against them in Rugby World Cup history, Canada sets its sights on England for its first appearance in the final since 2014. The game will be broadcast live on TSN (TSN1, TSN4 and TSN+) and CTV2 with coverage starting at 10:30AM EST / 7:30AM PST. Anticipated record viewership is matched by watch parties across Canada, with support pouring in from icons such as The Tragically Hip, Shania Twain, and Russell Crowe.
The Mission: Win Rugby World Cup campaign was launched to close a $1 million dollar funding gap in sending the best-ever prepared Canadian team to a Rugby World Cup. Rugby Canada CEO met with Head Coach Kevin Rouet at the outset of the season and mapped an ideal training and preparation schedule. It totaled $3.6 million.
As a non-profit National Sport Organization, Rugby Canada operates on fractional budgets and resources compared to our global competitors. While equally supporting men’s and women’s teams, the union contributed the most it ever has behind a high-performance team at $2.6 million. Currently at 95% to its $1 million fundraising goal, proceeds from the campaign directly support priorities of the team – pre-tournament training camps, warm-up matches, travel, nutrition, and daily operations of having the group together longer.
“The Mission campaign was about supporting this outstanding team with the best possible preparation going into the tournament. Not just to go to the Rugby World Cup, but to win.” said Bombrys, thanking all donors for their passion and contributions behind the team. “We are so proud to see the nation backing our team in such extraordinary fashion. Our women have demonstrated the amazing possibilities that can be achieved when we invest in outstanding Canadians.”
“This campaign has shown the true spirit of Canadian rugby,” said Rouet. “Our players have worked relentlessly to reach this stage, but having the nation behind us has given us an extra edge, that our players will take with them onto the pitch in the final. Now we have the chance to make history together, as a team and as a country.”
Thousands have contributed from community rugby clubs, former players, new supporters, the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s Monty Heald Fund, as well as major gifts from some high-net-worth individuals. The payoff is clear: Canada has delivered commanding performances, defeating powerhouse nations to book their place in the final. The success has sparked record levels of engagement and unprecedented attention to Canadian rugby.
Players have balanced careers, studies, and overseas contracts, however, Rugby Canada were one of the first rugby nations to move their women’s program beyond the pay-to-play era back in 2018. Players earn modest fees while all travel, accommodation, meals, and more are covered while on tour.
“It means everything to know the country is behind us,” said Alex Tessier, captain of Canada’s women’s rugby team. “It’s not just about us winning a trophy—it’s about showing our passion and promoting what investing in Canadian rugby can achieve to inspire the next generation.”
The Mission campaign continues to accept donations. Visit www.rugby.ca/en/donate for more information or LINK HERE for the donation page.
Canada’s roster for the Rugby World Cup final will be released on Thursday, September 25. Over 80,000 will be in attendance in Twickenham and over 440,000 tickets have been sold throughout the tournament.
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About Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby 15s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 40,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.
Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, with staff also working from Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Vancouver Sevens annual tournaments.
Media Contacts:
Bethany Wood
Director, Marketing & Communications
bwood@rugby.ca
Braedan Willis
Manager, Communications
bwillis@rugby.ca