Canada’s love affair with rugby dates to the 1850s, with the sport steadily gaining momentum across the country. A defining moment came in 1974 with the formation of the Canadian Rugby Union, establishing a formal structure under federal incorporation and paving the way for organized national competition.
The Canadian National Rugby Team began taking shape in the 1980s and quickly developed into an international powerhouse. Since the inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991, Canada has proudly fielded a team in every tournament. Their breakout year came in 2014, when Team Canada made it to the finals, falling just short against England in an electrifying championship showdown.
Today, the squad is ranked #2 globally and charging full force toward the 2025 World Cup, set to kick off in August. More than 300,000 tickets have already been sold for the tournament, with the final in London—drawing 82,500 fans—completely sold out. It’s shaping up to be the biggest and best Rugby World Cup yet, and Canada plans to be part of it.
Fresh from a win against Team USA in Kansas City, the Canadian National Rugby Team returns home for a marquee match at TD Place in Lansdowne on Friday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m. Fans are already rallying behind the team with hopes of smashing the North American attendance record for a women’s rugby match, and the Canada–USA rivalry is once again igniting national pride in the capital.
Adding extra excitement to the night is American rugby star Ilona Maher, who will be suiting up for Team USA. Known for her viral social media presence and a recent appearance on Dancing with the Stars, Maher brings additional star power to what promises to be a high-impact showdown between the two rivals.
Community, Growth, and the Future of Canadian Rugby
Rugby Canada—the sport’s national governing body—supports over 41,000 registered participants, including players, coaches, referees, and club administrators. With a marked rise in youth and women joining the sport, all eyes are on the Canadian National Rugby Team as ambassadors of growth, excellence, and representation.
Rugby Canada plays a vital role in shaping the sport’s future, managing registration, insurance, and strategic development. And under the leadership of CEO Nathan Bombrys, who stepped into the role in 2022 after serving as Head of International Commercial Projects at the Scottish Rugby Union and Managing Director of Glasgow Warriors, that future looks bright. “It’s an outstanding team,” Bombrys shares. “They did really well in New Zealand in 2022 and have grown immensely. They’ve been consistent and are winning a lot of games. I’m excited to see what they do—and we’ll do everything we can as an organization to support them and prepare them for the competition.”
This Ottawa home game isn’t just about the scoreboard—it’s part of a city-wide celebration. Bombrys adds: “The engagement goes beyond match day. It’s about inspiring the next generation. We’ll see thousands of youth trying rugby, meeting the team, and getting involved. That’s central to our mission.”
Now in its fourth straight year hosting international rugby matchups, Ottawa continues to build a solid reputation as a rugby city. Local clubs are getting involved, using the event to raise funds and rally together as a community. With the Canadian National Rugby Team riding a ten-game winning streak against the U.S., the August 1 match at TD Place isn’t just about points on the board—it’s a chance to celebrate a team that’s putting Canadian rugby on the map. Fans from Ottawa and across the country are lining up to see what’s next.
