Canada confirm roster for Rugby World Cup Quarter Final against USA

Rugby Canada 27/10/2022

Rugby 15s Senior Women

Canada’s Women’s rugby team head coach Kevin Rouet has made two changes to his starting roster for this Saturday’s Rugby World Cup Quarter Final against USA at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland, live on TSN 3 from 7:15 p.m. PT and 10:15 p.m. ET.

Canada confirm roster for Rugby World Cup Quarter Final against USA

51-cap veteran loosehead prop Olivia DeMerchant comes into the starting team at her third Rugby World Cup after a standout performance off the bench against Canada’s North American rivals in the last pool game.

Fabiola Forteza also returns to Rouet’s roster at blindside flanker, with Karen Paquin shifting across to openside, the 35-year-old having been one of Canada’s best performers in the tournament to date.

Lock Tyson Beukeboom will move into third place on Canada’s all-time Women’s 15s cap list ahead of Kelly and Laura Russell when she comes off the bench, the veteran set for her 54th appearance for her country, just two caps behind Maria Gallo in second place.

23-year-old scrum half, Olivia Apps joined the squad as injury cover for Brianna Miller earlier this week and will be in line to make her Canadian 15s debut should the team progresses through the Quarter Finals having represented her country in Sevens since 2018.

Rugby Canada would like to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian Government for their ongoing support throughout the World Cup. Prime Minister Trudeau sent a video message to the team before the USA pool game, which can be seen on Rugby Canada social media channels.

Canada’s Women’s rugby team head coach, Kevin Rouet said: “It’s great to be in the playoffs, and we know now is when we have to reach another level.”

“As we said before the tournament, we need a full squad to win the World Cup and our focus this week has been ensuring the 23 selected are prepared for what will be a tough test against USA.”

Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. PT and 11:30 p.m. ET. on Saturday 29 October, which is 4:30 p.m. local time on Sunday 30 October.

WHERE TO WATCH

Saturday’s game against USA will be shown live on TSN 3. Coverage begins from 8:15 p.m. PT and 11:15 p.m. ET.

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER vs USA

1. Olivia DeMerchant (Mapledale, NB) – Halifax Tars RFC

2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs

3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs

4. Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans

5. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Exeter Chiefs

6. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec

7. Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QC – Club de rugby de Québec / Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais

8. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers RFC