Canadian rugby players and where they play

On improving its grassroots development and building stronger national team structures, Rugby in Canada has gained more spotlight in recent years. This climate has increased the opportunities for Canadian athletes both locally and abroad. In other words, the talent base here has really expanded, with players competing in the English Premiership, Major League Rugby and other competitions in the rugby calendar. 

We’re taking the spotlight a step further, highlighting some of the best individual Canadian rugby talents and the teams they currently play for. But first, let’s take a peek at the rugby landscape in Canada. 

A Developing but Determined Landscape

For some time, rugby in Canada was predominantly an amateur university affair. Now in recent times, more and more players have transitioned into professional leagues. This shifting reality can be attributed to a couple of factors. A major one was the MLR’s decision to provide a structured competition for the North American region in 2018. This opportunity facilitated the rise of several Canadian franchises like the Toronto Arrows. 

Even when the Toronto Arrows folded in 2023, the team had already grown some talents who moved on to other MLR clubs in the US and beyond. Since these events, Canadian players have maintained a significant presence in the league. 

Top Canadian Players and Their Current Teams 

DTH van der Merwe, Canadian veteran winger – “Rugby is such a tight-knit community … even from the grass-roots up. You never know when you are going to meet someone who you could possibly run into in the future.”

As promised, let’s explore a snapshot of the best Canadian rugby players and their teams as of 2025.

Ben LeSage – New England Free Jacks (MLR)

Ben LeSage is one of Toronto Arrows’ products who made it to the bigger scene. The Alberta native has been pretty instrumental for the New England Free Jacks, playing as a centre. LeSage has also crafted an identity for his game, as he is known for his solid defence and tactical runs between lines.

Lucas Rumball – Seattle Seawolves (MLR)

Another former Toronto Arrows player, Lucas Rumball was opportuned to captain the team at some point. Today, he’s still one of the most visible Canadian rugby players around. After the Arrows team dissolved, Rumball signed with the Seattle Wolves, one of the most successful teams in the MLR. 

Speaking of team captains, below are some notable players to have captained Canadian rugby on significant occasions; 

• Spence McTavish
• Steve Gray
• Mike James
• Gareth Rees

Fun Fact: As of 2025, Canadian rugby players are competing in leagues across every continent. These include North America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, making Canada one of the most globally distributed rugby nations.

Taylor Paris – Oyonnax (ProD2, France)

Despite having an injury-laden career, Taylor Paris still remains one of Canada’s best wingers. Having moved from Castres Olympique, Paris now plays for Oyonnax in the French ProD2 League. 

Tyler Rowland – Utah Warriors (MLR)

Jamie Cudmore, former Canadian international – “In a sense, yes, rugby saved me. It gave me an outlet. Rugby got me on the right track. I’m certainly glad it did.” 

Even before his move to the USA Utah Warriors, Tyler Rowland was one of the most promising young talents in Canadian rugby. His playing identity has been that of a high-intensity and technical prop. Unsurprisingly, Rowland also played for the Toronto Arrows, making 15 appearances and scoring 5 points during his time. 

Sophie de Goede – Saracens Women (Premier 15s, England)

Being the only women’s player on our list, Sophie is also arguably the most visible Canadian rugby star in the women’s division currently. The British Columbia native captains both the Saracens women and the Canadian national women’s teams. Many rugby pundits have described her as a world-class number 8, as she brings an all-round game to the pitch. 

Fun Fact: Sophie de Goede Comes From a Rugby Royal Family. Both of her parents captained Canada’s national teams. She’s the only Canadian athlete whose entire immediate family has captained their country in rugby.

Rugby and the Wider Canadian Entertainment Landscape

Interestingly, rugby’s growing audience overlaps with some other growing entertainment sectors in Canada. Particularly, digital entertainment and online casino gambling stand out. As the casino sector gains momentum, the services available to Canadians are generally improving. From game selection, to quality, to payment services. Payments in particular have become a big deal as users look to explore online gambling platforms using Interac for payments. 

Online casino gambling analyst, Gerda Grinova, in her reviews has mentioned why Canadian users increasingly prefer simple gambling platforms that guarantee swift payments. 

Conclusion

From the MLR in  North America to the competitions in England, Canadian rugby players are now featuring across a good range of global leagues. Of course, this growing presence speaks of the growing investment in Canadian rugby. It is a time with lots of rising talents and a determination from older athletes to pursue opportunities abroad.