In Exeter last month, Olivia Apps shared a smirk with England players Zoe Harrison, Jess Breach and Marlie Packer at the start of Canada's 26-26 draw with the Red Roses at Sandy Park. Apps, Canada's starting scrum-half and a teammate of the England trio at Saracens in the PWR this season, said playing alongside them had taken the mystique away from the names on the teamsheet.
The draw came after a late decision. With the scores level and Canada in possession on their own 22m, full-back Claire Gallagher kicked the ball into touch rather than gamble for victory. Apps said she had to ask coach Kevin Rouet three times before accepting the call. Canada became the first team to avoid defeat against England in nearly four years, yet the players were disappointed not to have beaten rugby's most dominant team.
Canada now face England in Toronto on Friday and again in Ottawa seven days later. More than 15,000 fans are expected at BMO Field for the first home Tests since August 2025. The series is billed as the Rugby Rematch Tour, a chance to revisit the Rugby World Cup final defeat a year ago. Apps said the squad, together for five weeks and with home advantage, feels confident and that a loss would be disappointing.
The matches come as women's rugby gains momentum in Canada. Canada crowdfunded its training camps before the last World Cup, and the government has since announced 755m Canadian dollars (£401m) in sport funding. A behind-the-scenes documentary, All Heart, has also been released. Apps, who joined Saracens as injury cover, was named the PWR's player of the season and has signed a new three-year contract extension.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing