Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team Takes on England in World Cup Showdown

Canada’s national women’s rugby team is set to face England in the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium this Saturday, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 82,000. The matchup has captured the nation’s attention, drawing fans old and new, including celebrities like Shania Twain, The Tragically Hip, and actor Russell Crowe.

Underdogs with Momentum

Ranked second in the world, Canada enters the final as the underdog against England, the No. 1 team and a dominant force in international rugby. The Red Roses have won 32 games in a row, a historic streak, and boast 62 victories in their last 63 international tests. Meanwhile, Canada’s team has impressed with a fast-paced, physical style that saw them sweep the pool games and hand New Zealand their first knockout loss in 34 years.

Why Canada is the Underdog

Despite this tournament’s strong performance, Canada has struggled historically against England, winning only three of their 37 encounters and losing the last 13 meetings. The team also operates on a fraction of the budget of fully professional teams like England, relying on fundraising efforts to support training, travel, and accommodations for the World Cup.

Funding the Dream

Rugby Canada launched a fundraising campaign in March to raise $1 million to prepare the team, raising 95% of the goal. Supporters, including The Tragically Hip, helped with initiatives like limited-edition merchandise sales. Unlike professional squads, Canada’s women’s rugby team is amateur, and players do not receive salaries.

Star Player Spotlight

Sophie de Goede, returning from a 13-month ACL injury, has been pivotal to Canada’s World Cup success. Leading the tournament in carries, offloads, and lineout takes, de Goede has scored 58 points and is nominated for World Player of the Year. England’s Megan Jones is also a contender for the same accolade.

Rugby 101: A Quick Guide

• Rugby is a full-contact sport where points are scored by carrying or kicking an oval-shaped ball into the opponent’s in-goal area.

• The World Cup features 15 players per side, with eight forwards and seven backs.

• Matches last 80 minutes, divided into two halves.

• Passing is backward or sideways only; forward movement is achieved by kicking.

• Scoring includes tries (5 points), conversions (2 points), and penalty or drop goals (3 points).

• Scrums restart play after stoppages.

The Stage is Set

Kickoff is at 11 a.m. ET, with coverage beginning at 10 a.m. Fans are ready for a historic showdown that could mark one of the greatest days in Canadian sport.