Following Japan’s win over the United States in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, Canada has now officially qualified for the semi-finals and has secured their place at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
The Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025 not only crowns a champion but also serves as a pivotal pathway to the expanded 24-team Rugby World Cup in 2027. With Fiji and Japan already pre-qualified from RWC 2023, the three best non-qualified teams secure direct passage to Australia 2027.
Canada are the 21st team to punch their tickets for rugby’s pinnacle competition and will take part in their 10th Rugby World Cup, having competed in all editions excluding 2023. They will aim to replicate history in Australia by reaching the knockout phase, a feat they last achieved in 1991.
This achievement underscores the resilience and determination of Canadian rugby, reflecting years of hard work, renewal, and development at both the national and grassroots levels. For a program that has competed in every Rugby World Cup from 1987 through 2019, reclaiming a place among the world’s best is both a source of national pride and a significant milestone in the team’s journey. Qualification not only reaffirms Canada’s standing in international rugby but also provides a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of Canadian players and fans.
The road back to the Rugby World Cup has not been without its challenges. Following the setback of 2023, Canada undertook a period of renewal, blending veteran leadership with a new generation of players determined to restore the program’s competitive edge. Along the way, the team endured difficult results and hard lessons, but each step reinforced their resilience and sharpened their identity. That resolve was on full display on August 22, 2025, when Canada earned a pivotal 34-20 victory over the United States, a defining performance in front of 11,587 fans at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium – symbolizing the resurgence of Canadian rugby on the international stage.
Rugby Canada formally extends its congratulations to all players who have contributed to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s qualification campaign. This accomplishment is the result of the commitment, sacrifice, and resilience demonstrated by every athlete who has worn the jersey during this journey. From those who laid the groundwork in the early stages of qualification to the squad that secured the decisive result, each player has played a vital role in restoring Canada’s place on rugby’s biggest stage. Their dedication and perseverance embody the very best of Canadian rugby, and this success is a shared achievement that will inspire generations to come.
Canada will now prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals, to be held in Denver, Colorado, next weekend. While their primary objective of Rugby World Cup qualification has been achieved, the team remains focused on advancing further in the tournament where they will face the winner of Pool A (Fiji, Tonga, Samoa).
Currently ranked 24th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, Canada will also turn their attention to the RWC 2027 Draw, scheduled to take place in December 2025, where they will learn the identity of their pool opponents.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be hosted in Australia (1 October – 13 November, 2027) and will kick-off a new era of openness and entertainment for the sport. Featuring an expanded format of 24 teams, six pools of four and a round of 16 for the first time in the tournament’s history, Australia 2027 promises to be a spectacular event.
More information on the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 can be found here.
More information on the Pacific Nations Cup can be found here.
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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.