The Canada women's national rugby union team represents Canada in international rugby union competitions. They are overseen by Rugby Canada, the governing body of rugby union in Canada.
History The Canadian women's program began to develop in the 1980s with the first match being played in 1987 in Victoria, British Columbia against another international rugby start-up, the United States. It was the first women's international test match that was played outside of Europe.
In 1991, Canada competed in the inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup in Wales. The team finished in fifth place after defeating Spain 19–4 in the Plate final. Canada has appeared in every World Cup since 1991.
Canada were finalists at the 2014 Rugby World Cup. They were drawn in the same pool with eventual winners, England. They had a 13 all draw during the pool stage before meeting in the final, Canada lost 21–9 and were runners-up.
In 2022, Canada finished fourth after losing to France in the third place final at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Competitive record Women's Rugby World Cup
Head-to-head record Overall
(Full internationals only; Correct as of 26 September 2026) + Rugby: Canada internationals 1987- Opponent First game Played Won Drawn LostPercentage 2014 9 9 0 0 100.00% 1993 39 3 2 34 % 2022 2 2 0 0 100.00% 1996 19 9 0 10 % 2017 1 1 0 0 100.00% 2002 5 4 0 1 80.00% 1991 3 3 0 0 100.00% 1994 2 2 0 0 100.00% 1994 2 2 0 0 100.00% 1998 1 1 0 0 100.00% 1991 21 2 1 18 % 2014 1 1 0 0 100.00% 1994 9 8 0 1 % 2009 6 6 0 0 100.00% 2010 1 1 0 0 100.00% 1991 1 1 0 0 100.00% 2006 3 3 0 0 100.00% 1987 49 30 0 19 % 1991 15 11 2 2 % Summary 198718999585%
Players Current squad On 24 July 2025, Kévin Rouet announced Canada's 32-player squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
1 On 15 August 2025, Pamphinette Buisa was ruled out of the World Cup after sustaining an injury in a warm-up match against Ireland. She was replaced by Julia Omokhuale.
Note: The age and number of caps listed for each player is as of 22 August 2025, the first day of the tournament.
World Cup squads
Notable players Heather Moyse is the first Canadian woman to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2016. She has represented Canada in rugby, cycling and bobsleigh; She won two gold medals at the Winter Olympics in 2010 and 2014. She has made 22 international appearances for Canada in 15s and has been to two Women's Rugby World Cups in 2006 and 2010. She also helped Canada finish in second place at the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia.
Award winners The following Canada players have been recognised at the World Rugby Awards since 2001:
+ World Rugby 15s Player of the Year Year Nominees Winners 2014 Magali Harvey Magali Harvey Kelly Russell 2022 Sophie de Goede — 2024 Alex Tessier 2025 Sophie de Goede (2) Sophie de Goede
+ World Rugby 15s Dream Team of the Year Year Players 2021 7. Karen Paquin 2022 2. Emily Tuttosi 8. Sophie de Goede 2024 5. Laetitia Royer 7. Sophie de Goede (2) 12. Alex Tessier 2025 2. Emily Tuttosi (2) 4. Sophie de Goede (3) 9. Justine Pelletier
Honours Women's Rugby World Cup Runners-up (2): 2014, 2025
WXV 1 Runners-up (1): 2023
Pacific Four Series Champions (2): 2021, 2024 Runners-up (3): 2022, 2023, 2025
Women's Super Series Champions (1): 2016
Women's Nations Cup Champions (1): 2013 Runners-up (2): 2008, 2011
Attendance
The highest attended matches played in Canada.
Rank Attendance Opponent Date Venue Location Ref. 1 11,453 TD Place Stadium Ottawa 2 10,092 TD Place Stadium Ottawa
References
External links Rugby Canada Official website Canadian rugby union news from Planet Rugby