In Exeter last month, Olivia Apps wore two telling expressions that hinted at Canada's confidence against England. The first was a smirk, shared with England trio Zoe Harrison, Jess Breach and Marlie Packer, whom she has played alongside at Saracens in the PWR this season. "Playing at Saracens has really helped to take the mystique away from all these names that you see on a teamsheet," Apps told BBC Sport. "You know them as people and it takes away that uncertainty."
The second came in the final play of the 26-26 draw at Sandy Park, when Canada chose a kick to touch over a risky attempt to win. Rather than joy, Apps and her team felt disappointment at not decisively beating rugby's most dominant team. Now Canada host England in Toronto on Friday and in Ottawa seven days later, their first home Tests since August 2025. More than 15,000 fans are expected at BMO Field. "We've been together for five weeks, we have home advantage, mentally we feel really confident," Apps said. "Overall, I think we'd be really, really disappointed in ourselves if we couldn't get a victory this weekend."
A win would boost women's rugby in Canada, which crowdfunded its training camps before the last World Cup. The government has since announced a 755m Canadian dollars (£401m) sports funding package. Apps, who signed with Saracens as injury cover last October, has been in sensational form, helping the club win its first PWR title in four years and earning the league's player of the season award. A new three-year contract extension was announced this week.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing