Canada's Rugby Stars Seek Redemption in World Cup Final Rematch

LANGFORD, BC – April 29, 2026 – A rivalry forged in the crucible of a world championship is set to reignite on Canadian soil. Canada's Women's Rugby Team, ranked third globally, will host the world champion England Red Roses this October in the “Rugby Rematch Tour,” a two-match series that marks the team’s first appearance at home since their historic silver-medal finish at the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

The high-stakes tour, presented by Canadian Tire, will see the two rugby powerhouses clash on Friday, October 16 at Toronto’s BMO Field, followed by a second test on Friday, October 23 at TD Place in Ottawa. For Canadian players and fans, the series is more than just a set of exhibition games; it’s a chance at redemption and a powerful statement about the soaring trajectory of women's rugby in the nation.

A Rivalry Renewed on Home Soil

The narrative is straight out of a sports epic. The last time these two teams met, it was under the bright lights of Twickenham Stadium in London on September 27, 2025, for the World Cup final. In front of a record-breaking crowd of 81,885 spectators—the largest ever for a women's rugby match—England secured their third world title with a hard-fought 33-13 victory. While the Canadians left with silver, their performance throughout the tournament captured the nation's attention and cemented their status as an elite force in the global game.

This October tour offers a tantalizing opportunity for Canada to challenge the reigning champions in front of passionate home crowds. The series will likely feature a constellation of rugby stars. Canada is expected to field a formidable squad led by luminaries like Sophie de Goede, the reigning World Rugby Women's Player of the Year, whose leadership and skill were instrumental in the team's World Cup run. For England, the Red Roses will bring their own immense talent, potentially including their captain Marlie Packer and Sadia Kabeya, who was named Player of the Match in the 2025 final.

The matches in Toronto and Ottawa will also serve as the kickoff for the domestic leg of the new WXV Global Series, a transformative international competition launched by World Rugby to provide more consistent, high-level fixtures for the world's top teams. This new structure, which features a home-and-away model, ensures that Canadian fans will have more opportunities to see their heroes play meaningful international games at home.

The Business of Belief: Powering Women's Rugby

The tour's significance extends far beyond the pitch, signaling a new era of commercial and corporate support for women's sports in Canada. The title sponsorship by Canadian Tire Corporation is a cornerstone of this momentum. The partnership is a key part of the company's “Women’s Sport Initiative,” a landmark commitment launched in 2023 that pledges to dedicate a minimum of 50% of its sponsorship budget to women's professional sports by 2026.

This strategic investment from a major national brand underscores a growing recognition of the commercial viability and cultural importance of women’s athletics. "Having Canada's Women's Rugby Team play on home soil a year after their historic performance at the 2025 Rugby World Cup is important not just to the rugby fans across this country, but to the continued growth of the sport here in Canada," said Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada. "We are grateful to our municipal and provincial partners and Canadian Tire for their support in making these events possible."

Anticipation for the series is exceptionally high. Reflecting this, Rugby Canada has implemented a structured, phased ticket release strategy to manage the expected demand. Fans are encouraged to register their interest online to secure a place in dedicated purchasing windows, a modern approach designed to prevent system overloads and provide a better buying experience for what are expected to be sold-out events.

Building a Legacy from Record Crowds

The return of the national team to Toronto and Ottawa is a homecoming years in the making. The match at BMO Field will be the team’s first in the Greater Toronto Area in 15 years. Meanwhile, Ottawa has already proven itself as a vibrant hub for the sport. On July 8, 2023, a crowd of 10,092 fans at TD Place set a new Canadian attendance record for a women's rugby match during a clash with New Zealand, demonstrating a clear and growing appetite for the game.

Civic leaders are embracing the opportunity to build on that success. "Toronto is proud to welcome Canada's Women's Rugby Team back after 15 years for The Rugby Rematch Tour against England at BMO Field," said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. "This is a major international match for our city and a proud moment for women's sport in Toronto."

Echoing that sentiment, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe stated, "Last year, our city showed up in a big way and set a new standard for women's sport in North America. This match is a chance to build on that momentum, bring our community together, and support some of the best athletes in the world."

To further connect with fans, Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario are developing a series of community events in both host cities leading up to the matches. These initiatives aim to create a lasting community impact, leveraging the visibility of the national team to inspire young athletes and grow the sport at the grassroots level.

This commitment to development is also supported by Rugby Canada’s Earned Not Given campaign, a national fundraising initiative that shines a light on the dedication of national team players, many of whom balance full-time jobs and education with their elite training regimen. Donations from the campaign directly fund high-performance programs, helping to ensure the next generation of Canadian rugby stars has the resources they need to compete on the world stage. All matches from the tour will be televised live on TSN, providing national exposure for this landmark series.