Head coach Kevin Rouet has selected three Exeter Chiefs players in his 32-player squad.
With Alex Tessier retaining the captain’s armband, Canada have also named DaLeaka Menin and Emily Tuttosi. Meanwhile, former Chiefs Mikiela Nelson and Taylor Perry have also been selected.
Going into her third World Cup, 2024 World Player of the Year nominee Tessier, said: “I’m beyond excited and proud to be part of this team.
“We’ve got a big job to do as a team, and we are ready for the challenge. There’s a lot of excitement and good vibes across the group.”
This will be Tuttosi’s second tournament having made her Canada debut in 2018. She said: “Nothing short of an honour and a privilege to be representing Canada at another World Cup.
“It’s been a unique journey this last cycle to get our squad to where it is and I am hopeful we will keep growing and playing the exciting brand of rugby, we are starting to be known for.”
Squad News
Canada, semi-finalists in 2022, have a strong core of experience, with 21 players returning from the 2022 tournament including Tyson Beukeboom, Olivia DeMerchant and Karen Paquin – each preparing for their fourth World Cup.
Saracens star Sophie de Goede and Tuttosi will be aiming to build on their debut campaigns, with De Goede recently returning from a long-term knee injury, and Tuttosi having been Canada’s leading try-scorer at the last Rugby World Cup with six tries.
The squad also features 11 newcomers. In line with Rugby Canada’s ‘One Squad’ philosophy, six of the country’s silver-medal-winning sevens players from Paris 2024 have been included: Caroline Crossley, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Olivia Apps, Asia Hogan-Rochester, and Taylor Perry.
Rouet said: “We believe in the group we have selected and the process that got us here. Since the last World Cup, our focus has been on building depth – having more than 32 players capable of performing at this level and that goal has been achieved.”
Fixtures
Saturday August 23
Canada v Fiji (5.30pm) York Community Stadium
Saturday August 30
Canada v Wales (12pm) Salford Community Stadium
Friday September 6
Canada v Scotland (12pm) Sandy Park, Exeter
Squad
FORWARDS: Forwards: Brittany Kassil, Caroline Crossley, Courtney O’Donnell, DaLeaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Fabiola Forteza, Gabrielle Senft, Gillian Boag, Karen Paquin, Laetitia Royer, Maya Montiel, McKin-ley Hunt, Mikiela Nelson, Olivia DeMerchant, Pamphinette Buisa, Rachel Smith, Sophie de Goede, Taylor McKnight, Tyson Beukeboom
BACKS: Alexandra Tessier, Alysha Corrigan, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Claire Gallagher, Fancy Bermudez, Florence Symonds, Julia Schell, Justine Pelletier, Olivia Apps, Paige Farries, Sarah-Maude Lachance, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Taylor Perry
ONE TO WATCH: Emily Tuttosi – The hooker is vital in the set-piece, has sharp tackling and effective support play
HEAD COACH: Kevin Rouet
CAPTAIN: Alexandra Tessier
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