More Than a Game: Why 2025 Matters for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team

RUGBY CANADA/ X

When you think of the top Rugby teams in the world, nations like New Zealand, Australia or England come to mind or maybe even the USA with their popular star Ilona Maher. However, in the quiet shadows sits the dominant force of Team Canada, ranked number 2 in the world. 

The Canadian squad is full of talent, grit and determination. They also have the potential to dethrone England from number 1 spot at the 2025 Rugby World Cup on home soil. 

Kicking off August 22, the best teams from around the world will be competing in the 2025  Women's Rugby World Cup. This year the cup is being hosted in England with matches among 8 different cities. 

Although Canada’s 15s team has never won a Rugby Cup, they’ve consistently been a dominant force on international stages. Their best finish to date was in 2014, when they showed up in the finals but were unfortunately met with a loss, becoming the runner ups. 

Despite being such a well ranked team the Canadian ladies face many challenges that their rivals don’t. While other powerhouse clubs are funded fully as professional programs, Canadians often face the problem of limited resources and funding. Many Canadian players also struggle with juggling full-time jobs, school, and family responsibilities alongside their rugby careers. 

Earlier this year, it became clear that the team might not even be able to afford the trip to England, to take their shot at winning. That was when Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team set out with a bold mission: raise $1 million to fully fund their journey to the 2025 Rugby World Cup. 

The campaign, titled Mission: Win Rugby World Cup, was launched in May with the goal of covering training camps, travel, accommodations, nutrition, and the high-performance support staff that rival nations already take for granted. 

In early August, an iconic Canadian rock band decided they wanted to help out with the women’s campaign. The Tragically Hip teamed up with the Canadian team to release a limited edition T-shirt, priced at $45. The shirt blends the band’s iconic style, a bold red and black design element with Rugby Canada’s shield logo. The proceeds of the shirt went directly to the “Mission: Win Rugby World Cup” fund. 

By early August, Rugby Canada announced that they had reached 88% of their $1 million campaign goal. Showing a testament to the pride and passion the women’s team has inspired across the country.

This year isn’t just another Rugby World Cup, it could be a turning point for Canadian women’s rugby. As a number 2 ranked team, a strong performance on England soil would prove that Canada belongs among rugby’s elite, but it could also shine a much-needed spotlight on women’s rugby back home. It is an opportunity for Canada to rally behind their country and show their support for women's sport as these athletes try to make history and lift their first ever World Cup. 

You can watch Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team kick off their tournament on Saturday August 23, 9:30 a.m. PST against Fiji.