A Historic Underdog Story as Maple Leafs Challenge England

Canada’s women’s rugby team, the Maple Leafs, have emerged as a formidable force in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, defying expectations and shaking up the tournament with their stunning 34-19 semi-final victory over defending champions New Zealand. This result has positioned them as a serious contender in the final against England, who are the world number one and undefeated in 32 matches. However, the Red Roses cannot afford to underestimate the Maple Leafs, who have proven time and again that they are a team of immense talent and tactical brilliance.

Canada’s success is rooted in their exceptional ruck speed, often compared to the efficiency of an F1 pit stop, allowing them to maintain relentless attacking momentum. They have recorded the second-most clean breaks, offloads, and runs in this World Cup, showcasing a fast, fluid style of play that keeps defenses on their toes. Their ability to outmaneuver opponents has been highlighted by former England flanker Maggie Alphonsi, who praised their ability to recycle the ball in under two seconds after a tackle.

Despite being an underdog, Canada has made significant strides in recent years, reaching their first World Cup final since 2014. While they are not a fully professional team and have faced financial challenges, their rugby IQ and strategic coaching have propelled them to this stage. With players like Sophie de Goede and Alex Tessier gaining experience in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) league, Canada’s growth is evident.

The Maple Leafs have also shown resilience in their development, having twice finished in the top three of the WXV1 tournament since the last World Cup in 2022, and narrowly missing out on defending their Pacific Four Series title in 2024. Their sevens side even took silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics, further demonstrating their competitive edge across formats.

Despite financial constraints, the team has launched a crowdfunding campaign titled Mission: Win Rugby World Cup, raising £530,000 to support their efforts. However, as former hooker and Japan head coach Lesley McKenzie noted, this funding came too late to significantly impact the World Cup build-up, but the groundwork had already been laid in previous years.

Canada’s journey has also been marked by a unique blend of cultural and logistical challenges. With players spread across North America and many juggling day jobs, the team has had to rely on a decentralized training model. Prop Olivia DeMerchant, for instance, is a firefighter for the Halifax fire department, while others have contracts with English clubs in the PWR league.

The Maple Leafs’ head coach, Kevin Rouet, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity, fostering a strong team culture and integrating players from different backgrounds and time zones. His leadership has been crucial in maintaining unity and focus, even with the logistical hurdles of managing a team that spans across the continent.

As the final approaches, the Maple Leafs are determined to make history. Their journey has been marked by resilience and a unique blend of skill, speed, and tactical intelligence. Whether they can topple England and claim their first World Cup title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Canada has become a force to be reckoned with in women’s rugby.

With the support of their nation and the growing recognition of their abilities, the Maple Leafs are not just underdogs—they are a team with the potential to redefine the landscape of women’s rugby globally.