Sophie de Goede to Captain Canada Against World Champion England

World Rugby’s reigning women’s player of the year Sophie de Goede will captain Canada in two upcoming rugby matches against world champion England. The fixtures take place on Oct. 16 at Toronto’s BMO Field and Oct. 23 at TD Place in Ottawa, marking the team’s first home games since losing 33-13 to host England in last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final at London’s Allianz Stadium.

Kevin Rouet Announces 31-Player Roster

Head coach Kevin Rouet announced a 31-player roster on Friday, featuring the return of several key athletes alongside a pair of Olympic rugby sevens silver medallists. Piper Logan and Caroline Crossley join the squad after earning silver medals in sevens competition. Crossley holds 13 international appearances in the 15-a-side game and started in last year’s World Cup final, while Logan looks to earn her first cap in the 15-a-side format.

Alysha Corrigan returns to the national team after missing last month’s matches due to injury. Rori Wood is back with the squad for the first time since suffering an injury ahead of the 2025 World Cup. Prop Brittany Kassil also rejoins the lineup following a red-card suspension that forced her out of last month’s fixtures against England and France. De Goede will receive leadership support from vice-captains Olivia Apps, Justine Pelletier, and Alex Tessier.

Building Toward the 2029 World Cup

Third-ranked Canada enters the home series following a 26-26 draw against the world champions last month in Exeter. That result snapped the Red Roses’ four-year, 39-game winning streak.

The players were not satisfied with the tie against England last month. We want to prove to everyone that this team is moving in the right direction as we build towards the next World Cup in 2029.

Complete Canada Match Roster

The 31 players selected by the coaching staff for the October series span forwards and backs from across the country:

• Forwards: Brooke Rempel, Brittany Kassil, Caroline Crossley, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft, Gillian Boag, Julia Omokhuale, Kiki Idowu, Laetitia Royer, Lizzie Gibson, Mikiela Nelson, Pamphinette Buisa, Rachel Smith, Rori Wood, Sophie de Goede, Sophie McDonald.
• Backs: Alysha Corrigan, Alexandra Tessier, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Aurora Bowie, Charity Williams, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Justine Pelletier, Olivia Apps, Piper Logan, Savannah Bauder, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Taylor Perry.

The opening match kicks off on Oct. 16 in Toronto before the teams travel to Ottawa for the second fixture on Oct. 23.

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