Canada's national women's rugby team is on the verge of clinching the Women's Rugby World Cup title, facing off against England in the finals scheduled for Saturday. The match holds special significance as Canada aims to overcome their previous defeat to England in the 2014 finals.
Junior girls from the Toronto Nomads rugby club expressed their enthusiasm and pride in seeing their national team excel in the tournament. Sarah McCabe, a young rugby player, shared, “It’s really inspiring; it makes you think you can go pro anywhere.” Another player, Abigail Flores, stated, “It really makes me so happy seeing the women getting the recognition they deserve.” The Nomads are particularly excited for Asia Hogan-Rochester, a national player who previously played for them and actively supports junior teams.
“I’m so proud that Asia made it all the way here from Nomads! I feel like I’m part of the community too,” said Ariana Pirnia. Mikhalia, another young player, shared that Hogan-Rochester encouraged her to return to the sport after losing interest, saying, “She actually convinced me to start playing again after not wanting to play anymore.”
An Inspiration to Youth
Leanne Stillman, the director of the Toronto Nomads' junior teams, emphasized the impact of Hogan-Rochester's journey. “Asia has been an inspiration to so many youths coming through our program. They really focus on supporting BIPOC youth and kids in general,” Stillman remarked. She highlighted Hogan-Rochester's athletic growth and resilience in a sport that has historically been dominated by white athletes in North America.
Another source of inspiration within the team is Olivia Apps, a national player who has alopecia and advocates for awareness regarding the condition. “There are so many women in the rugby space that are authentically themselves. And I think that’s a really special part of rugby,” said Apps, who highlighted the sport's inclusivity. Canada vice-captain Sophie de Goede also made a remarkable comeback from a knee injury in July and is now nominated for World Rugby's Women’s Player of the Year.
Despite being ranked as the second-best team globally, Canada has been considered the dark horse in this tournament. Apps noted, “I think we knew that this was a really special group for this World Cup, and we knew we had the ability to go all the way.”
Raising Money to Play
To finance their preparation for the tournament, Team Canada initiated a $1 million crowdfunding campaign called “Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025.” Although Rugby Canada provided $2.6 million, the team recognized the necessity for additional funds to enhance their competitive edge. Apps explained, “With that funding, the purpose is basically like the more time the team could have together,” which includes international games, training camps, and overall team bonding experiences.
The team has successfully raised approximately 95% of their target amount, though the funding remains a fraction of what professional teams typically receive. Apps remarked, “We’ve always done more with less and we’ve always found a way,” highlighting the team’s determination and resourcefulness.
Rugby’s Time to Shine
The stakes are high for Canada as they prepare to face England once more on a grand stage—at a sold-out Twickenham Allianz Stadium. This rematch offers an opportunity for Canadian players to prove themselves and elevate the profile of rugby in the country. Mikhalia conveyed the importance of visibility for their sport, stating, “Not a lot of people know that we are out there like that so it means a lot.”
Flores encouraged young girls involved in rugby, saying, “If rugby is your great thing, then this is your time to shine.” Watch parties are organized across Canada and the Greater Toronto Area, including one hosted by the Toronto Nomads. Stillman and Apps are optimistic about the team's chances, believing that they can break away from the underdog label after the tournament finale.
“Asia and the rest of the team have really made an incredible mark this year and could really win it this Saturday, and I expect them to,” Stillman stated. Apps concluded with confidence, “We know that we don’t need to reinvent anything to win this final. We just need to play at our best and be really confident in what we’re doing.”
