Paris 2024 stars boost Canada’s WXV 1 challenge

Six members of the Canada squad that secured a sevens silver medal at Paris 2024 will be part of the country’s push for WXV 1 glory on home soil.

Fancy Bermudez, Olivia Apps, Alysha Corrigan, Taylor Perry, Caroline Crossley and Asia Hogan-Rochester experienced heartbreak in the women’s final against the Black Ferns at a sold-out Stade de France in July.

They will hope to be able to create further history in Vancouver over the next three weeks as Canada attempt to follow up their World Rugby Pacific Four Series title with success in the top level of WXV.

Bermudez and Apps were part of the squad that claimed the Pacific Four Series crown for the first time, while Corrigan and Perry have previous Test experience.

Crossley and Hogan-Rochester, though, are two of three uncapped players included in the squad by Canada coach Kevin Rouet. Rori Wood is the other player selected in line for a Test debut if called upon.

Canada’s hopes of glory were dealt a blow prior to the Olympics when it was confirmed that captain Sophie de Goede had suffered an ACL injury during training.

Trailfinders Women second row Tyson Beukeboom will captain the squad in De Goede’s absence.

Meanwhile, there are returns for two experienced players as Karen Paquin and Sara Kaljuvee are included for the first time since Rugby World Cup 2021 and the Pacific Four Series 2023 respectively.

“Our preparation time was short but efficient. This will be a strong team,” Rouet said.

“All the players have worked very hard for the last couple of weeks to prepare for WXV and we are excited for these next three matches and for the chance to play on home soil here in Vancouver against the best rugby teams in the world.

“France, Ireland and England will each challenge us in different ways but it’s another opportunity to test ourselves and another step in our journey to the Rugby World Cup next year.”

Canada will get their campaign underway against France on Sunday before a match against the following Saturday and a finale against England on October 12th.

Canada squad for WXV 1

Forwards: Alexandria Ellis, Brittany Kassil, Caroline Crossley, Courtney Holtkamp, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft, Gillian Boag, Julia Omokhuale, Karen Paquin, Laetitia Royer, McKinley Hunt, Pamphinette Buisa, Rori Wood, Sara Cline, Tyson Beukeboom.

Backs: Alexandra Tessier, Alysha Corrigan, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Claire Gallagher, Fancy Bermudez, Julia Schell, Justine Pelletier, Mahalia Robinson, Olivia Apps, Paige Farries, Sara Kaljuvee, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Taylor Perry.