Canada’s women’s rugby team has earned a reputation for grit, skill, and moments that leave fans stunned. Their journey at the Rugby World Cup was about unforgettable plays, heart-stopping drama, and flashes of brilliance that showcased the depth of Canadian talent. Each match offered something extraordinary, moments that had fans leaping out of their seats and social media buzzing. Here are 10 jaw-dropping moments from Canada’s Women’s Rugby World Cup journey:
Julia Schell’s Double Hat-Trick Against Fiji
Julia Schell stole the spotlight in Canada’s opening World Cup match against Fiji, delivering a staggering six tries in just 21 minutes of the second half. It was one of the fastest scoring feats in tournament history, combining pace, vision, and clinical finishing. Every time Canada surged forward, Schell was there to carve open the Fijian defense, leaving fans and commentators stunned. Her performance not only powered Canada to a 65–7 victory but also put her in the global rugby conversation as one of the most dangerous attacking backs on the field.
Canada Demolishes Fiji 65–7
The opening pool match against Fiji was a statement of intent. Canada crossed the try line eleven times, showcasing not only Julia Schell’s historic performance but also the depth and cohesion of the entire squad. Sophie de Goede, Gillian Boag, Caroline Crossley, Alysha Corrigan, and Karen Paquin all dotted down, demonstrating a multi-threat attack that Fiji simply couldn’t contain. The 65–7 final score marked one of Canada’s most dominant World Cup victories in history and gave fans a glimpse of their championship aspirations.
Canada Crushes Scotland to Top Pool B
Canada’s clash with Scotland was crucial, with a quarterfinal spot on the line. The Canadians responded with a clinical performance, dominating possession and dictating the tempo throughout. Tries from Brittany Kassil, Emily Tuttosi, and Courtney Holtkamp highlighted their ability to balance forward power with backline creativity. Captain Sophie de Goede controlled the midfield, her line breaks sparking multiple scoring opportunities. The result sealed Canada’s place at the top of Pool B, proving that their opening win wasn’t a one-off but part of a consistent, calculated run toward the knockout stages.
Canada Rolls Over Wales in Group Stage
Canada followed up their early momentum with another ruthless performance against Wales. Their attacking pace overwhelmed the Welsh defense, with tries coming from both the forwards and backs. The tactical kicking game also stood out, pinning Wales deep in their own half and forcing them into errors that Canada punished mercilessly. By halftime, the match was all but over, and Canada cruised to another bonus-point victory. This win highlighted Canada’s ability to handle different styles of opponents while maintaining their attacking identity, while analysts agreed that Canada was a serious threat in the knockout rounds.
Feisty Final Warm-Up Win Over Ireland
Just before the World Cup kicked off, Canada traveled to Belfast for a test against Ireland and delivered a fiery 47–26 win. The Canadians dominated the physical exchanges and broke through Ireland’s defensive line repeatedly. Captain Sophie de Goede led from the front, scoring a try and kicking six conversions, showing the balance of leadership and technical excellence she brings. The victory provided Canada with confidence and momentum heading into the World Cup. It also showcased their attacking versatility against a Tier 1 opponent, making their eventual World Cup performances less of a surprise and more of an expectation.
Emily Tuttosi’s Brace Lifts Canada Over Scotland
Hooker Emily Tuttosi played a starring role against Scotland, scoring two tries in dominant fashion. The first came through brute force, as she powered over from close range after a series of punishing pick-and-go phases. The second was a classic hooker’s finish off a rolling maul, highlighting Canada’s set-piece strength. Tuttosi’s impact underlined Canada’s ability to score not just through flashy backline moves but also through forward muscle. It was a game that reinforced the importance of balance across the team and left Scotland with few answers as Canada pushed into the knockout stages.
Historic Delivery- Canada Tops Pool B
By the end of the group stage, Canada had emerged as Pool B champions, which was a massive achievement given the competition. Their undefeated run was characterized by attacking flair, tactical discipline, and standout performances from both established stars and emerging talents. Topping the pool ensured a smoother quarterfinal draw and proved that Canada could compete with the world’s best on consistency, not just isolated brilliance. It was validation for years of investment in women’s rugby at both the grassroots and professional levels, and Canada looked poised to make history as the tournament progressed.
Canada’s Physical Resilience Against Elite Opposition
One of the standout features of Canada’s campaign was its resilience against world-class teams. Facing off against traditional powerhouses, the Canadians didn’t back down physically. Their defensive structures absorbed sustained pressure, while their forwards consistently won collisions. Even in matches where they were tested, Canada’s refusal to fold earned respect across the tournament. Rugby experts noted that this physical toughness set Canada apart from mid-tier nations and showed they belonged in conversations about global rugby’s elite.
Canada’s Offensive Wave in Pool Matchups
Canada was winning games and scoring at will. Across the pool stage, they averaged nearly 50 points per game, a testament to their attacking systems. From Schell’s lightning runs to de Goede’s commanding presence, every match produced highlight-reel tries. Against Fiji, they scored eleven, and against Scotland and Wales, they crossed repeatedly, with both forwards and backs contributing. Few teams in the competition could match their try-scoring output, making Canada one of the most exciting teams to watch. For fans, it felt like a preview of a golden era of Canadian women’s rugby.
A Defining World Cup Campaign for Canada
While Canada ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy, their 2025 World Cup campaign was one of the most memorable in team history. Julia Schell’s record-breaking six tries, Emily Tuttosi’s brace, and the collective dominance of the squad offered fans iconic moments that will live on. More importantly, it proved that Canada can compete with rugby’s traditional giants on the biggest stage. The tournament was a campaign and a defining chapter that elevated Canadian women’s rugby into the global spotlight, and with so much young talent, the best may be yet to come.
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