On Saturday, September 27th, Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team went head to head against England’s Red Roses for the Rugby World Cup Finals. The Rugby World Cup match had a record-shattering crowd of 81,885 at Twickenham—the biggest audience ever for a women’s rugby match. The team fought hard, but in the end lost 33-13. They secured a historic silver medal, and inspired a nation along the way.

The excitement across the country was palpable, and we’re incredibly proud of the 9 Ontarians who represented Canada:

Olivia Apps – Lindsay RFC

Tyson Beukeboom – Aurora Barbarians

Asia Hogan-Rochester – Toronto Nomads

Claire Gallagher – Aurora Barbarians

McKinley Hunt – Aurora Barbarians

Brittany Kassil – Guelph RFC

Taylor McKnight – Aurora Barbarians

Taylor Perry – Oakville Crusaders

Julia Schell – Guelph RFC

In Ontario, clubs hosted watch parties to see their former players compete in one of the biggest matches of the year. Balmy Beach, Aurora Barbarians, Burlington Centaurs, Oakville Crusaders, Toronto Nomads and many more Rugby Clubs were packed, and felt the overwhelming support from families, friends and supporters of our province’s rugby players who were now seen on the big screen.

This incredible journey wasn’t just about a medal, it was about seeing our beloved province’s players be close to their dreams and be an inspiration for the next generation. And while we didn’t snag that final win of the Rugby World Cup, there is still plenty to celebrate in Ontario:

  • Tyson Buekeboom earned her 81st cap in the Canada vs Scotland match – making her Canada’s most-capped rugby player across both men’s and women’s teams. 
  • Julia Schell scored six tries in the Canada vs Fiji match, giving her both the fastest and third fastest hattricks scored in Rugby World Cup history.
  • Asia Hogan-Rochester had an incredible debut in the Wales match after carving through their defence. Asia continued to show flare in the knock-out rounds scoring thrilling tries from the wing against Australia, New Zealand and England.
  • Taylor Perry started at Flyhald in all six Rugby World Cup matches.
  • Brittany Kassil earned her 50th cap for Canada against Scotland.

This team didn’t just play a tournament; they secured a legacy. Rugby Ontario celebrates their journey, their grit, our Ontario women’s unwavering resilience and strength, and the fact that Canadian rugby is now firmly and visibly planted on the world stage.