Roster named for Canada’s first WXV match versus Wales

The roster for Canada’s first WXV match versus Wales has been named by Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team Head Coach Kevin Rouet.

Competing in the top tier of the new three-tier annual global women’s international 15s competition, Canada plays Wales at Sky Stadium in Wellington at 4:00 p.m. local time on Saturday October 21 (8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET on Friday October 20). Canada currently holds a six-game winning streak over Wales, having last played them in August 2022 in Halifax in preparation for the Rugby World Cup.

Two University of Calgary players, one former and one current, could hit significant milestones on Saturday should they be called off the bench. Coming into the game with 49 caps, DaLeaka Menin could become just the seventh Canadian woman to reach 50, while current Dino Ashlynn Smith could make her senior international debut.

“A lot of hard work has gone into preparing for WXV and all of us, players and staff, are looking forward to getting the tournament started with a good game against Wales,” said Kevin Rouet. “Having competed in England just over two weeks ago, we have been able to have good continuity and momentum, and have continued working on refining our offence and defence. This roster is eager to get back on the pitch this week and implement the elements we’ve continued to work on as a group since arriving in Wellington.”

Returning for each of Canada’s WXV matches is the NFP Forward & Back Game Changers contest. Fans will have the opportunity to vote virtually for the players (one forward and one back) who they think were game changers for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team at WXV, with a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card and a signed jersey. Details on how to participate will be announced on Rugby Canada’s social media channels.

More information on WXV, including the full schedule and results, can be found on the official website at wxvrugby.com. 

WHERE TO WATCH

Canada vs Wales will be broadcast on TSN4 and TSN+.

TSN+ is the new stand-alone digital streaming service from Canada’s Sports Leader, and is home to an extensive slate of live sports coverage from around the world, including Rugby Canada matches. For more information on TSN+, including subscription options, visit TSN.ca/TSN+.

Tickets are available for purchase here.

CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM WXV MATCH DAY ROSTER vs WALES

1. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens
2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs
3. Alexandria Ellis (Ottawa, ON) – Barrhaven Scottish / Saracens
4. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan RFC / Ealing Trailfinders
5. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / ASM Romagnat
6. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Stade Bordelais
7. Sara Svoboda (Belleville, ON) – Brantford Harlequins / Belleville Bulldogs / Loughborough Lightning
8. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers RFC / Saracens
9. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
10. Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / University of Ottawa
11. Sarah-Maude Lachance (Victoriaville, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Lons Section Paloise
12. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs
13. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia
14. Florence Symonds (Hong Kong) – University of British Columbia
15. Madison Grant (Cornwall, ON) – Cornwall Claymores

FINISHERS

16. Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) – Capilano RFC
17. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Redcoats
18. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Exeter Chiefs
19. Ashlynn Smith (Abbotsford, BC) – University of Calgary
20. Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby
21. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
22. Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Redcoats / Castaway Wanderers
23. Krissy Scurfield (Canmore, AB) – University of Victoria