Canada
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Canucks
Les Rouges (The Reds)
EmblemMaple leaf
UnionRugby Canada
Head coachKingsley Jones
CaptainLucas Rumball
Most capsAaron Carpenter (80)
Top scorerJames Pritchard (607)
Top try scorerD. T. H. van der Merwe (38)
Home stadiumVarious
First colours
Second colours
World Rugby ranking
Current23 (as of 16 January 2023)
Highest11 (2011)
Lowest24 (2017)
First international
 Japan 9–8 Canada 
(Osaka, Japan; 31 January 1932)
Biggest win
 Barbados 3–69 Canada 
(Bridgetown, Barbados; 24 June 2006)
Biggest defeat
 England 70–0 Canada 
(London, England; 13 November 2004)
World Cup
Appearances9 (First in 1987)
Best resultQuarterfinals (1991)
Websiterugby.ca/en

The Canada national rugby union team (French: Équipe du Canada de rugby à XV) represents the Canadian Rugby Union in international rugby union competitions. They are overseen by Rugby Canada the governing body of rugby union in Canada.

Canada is classified by World Rugby as a tier two rugby nation and has competed in competitions such as the Americas Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup. Canada traditionally plays in red and white.

Canada has been playing international rugby since their 1932 debut against Japan. Canada competed at every World Cup from the inagurual tournament in 1987 until its elimination at the hands of Chile during the 2023 qualifying process,[1] breaking the 3 decades long record of uninterrupted attendance.

Canada achieved their best result at the World Cup in 1991, where they reached the quarterfinals. Canada was once the dominant power of North American rugby and was the second-best team in the Americas. Before the professionalization of rugby, Canada were known to upset stronger teams, having defeated France, Scotland, Wales, and an uncapped England side prior to 2002.

History

Early years

The Harvard–McGill game of 1874

In 1874 the first North American international game took place in Cambridge, Massachusetts between McGill and Harvard universities.[2] The following day the two teams played under "McGill" rugby rules to a scoreless tie.[3][4] In late 1874, the Harvard team traveled to Montreal to play McGill in rugby, and won by three tries in front of 2,000 spectators.[5][6][7] An annual competition began in 1974 to mark the centennial of the 1874 meeting and is now known as the Covo Cup, using the original rules of rugby football.[8] McGill University can therefore lay claim to being the oldest rugby club in Canada. Westmount Rugby Club is the oldest independent Canadian rugby club.[9] To this day, the McGill University Rugby Football Club is one of the premier university sides in Canada. Since 1989 the team has won 15 RSEQ (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec) Titles, including 8 straight from 2006 - 2013. In 2019, the side represented Quebec at the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship, finishing 6th in the nation. McGill Rugby alumni have gone on to represent Canada on the world stage and join the ranks of professional rugby.

A Canadian Rugby Football Union was established in 1884, although this organisation went on to become the Canadian Football League, as rugby football in Canada evolved into Canadian football. In 1902–1903 the first Canadian team toured the United Kingdom, winning seven on 21 matches.[10] In 1909, Earl Grey, then Governor General of Canada, donated a trophy to the CRU to be awarded for the Rugby Football Championship of Canada. This trophy became known as the Grey Cup. However, the rules used in Canada were vastly different from the rules used in countries that were part of the IRB. In the years that followed, the CRU would legalise forward passing and make other changes that would make Canadian football a totally different sport, similar to American football.

Post-World War I

The original Canadian Rugby Union disbanded just before World War I. During World War I and World War II rugby union was suspended, but during the inter-war period a renaissance occurred. In 1919 a Canadian Services team played overseas against representatives from England, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.[11] The formation of the Rugby Union of Canada in 1929 was followed by a Canadian representative side tour of Japan in 1932.[11] About half the team were Canadian born (mostly British Columbia players) and the rest were originally from Britain. They beat Waseda University 29–13, but lost 9–8 and 38–5 in the two test matches.[12][13][14]

Canada's tour team which travelled to the United Kingdom in 1962 was dominated by British Columbia players. They recorded a 3–3 draw with Barbarians F.C. and lost 8–0 to a Wales under-23 side.[15][16] The 1966 British Lions won a non-cap match 19–8 in Toronto on their way back from Australia and New Zealand.[17] The Rugby Union of Canada was reformed in 1974 as the Canadian Rugby Union.[18] Canada established themselves as the strongest team in North America, though they struggled to compete with the major test-playing nations in Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. Wales won a non-cap game against Canada 56-10 in Cardiff in 1971, and another 58-20 in Toronto in 1973.[11]

Start of the Professional era

Canada National Rugby Squad, 1987 World Cup
Canadian rugby team

Canada were one of the 16 nations that were invited by the International Rugby Board (IRB) to compete at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, hosted by both Australia and New Zealand. Canada were grouped with Wales, Ireland and Tonga in Pool 2. In their first ever World Cup match they defeated Tonga 37–4.[19] However, they lost their subsequent matches 46–19 to Ireland and 40–9 to Wales finishing third in the pool.[20]

Canada had to qualify for the 1991 Rugby World Cup. Canada took part in the Americas tournaments, and finished first in the Americas qualifying standings. Additionally, Canada beat Scotland XV 24–19 on May 25, 1991, at Saint John.[21] At the 1991 Rugby World Cup, Canada was placed into Pool D, alongside France, Romania and Fiji. Canada beat Fiji and Romania in their opening two matches.[22] Despite losing their final group fixture against France 19–13, Canada finished second in the pool and advanced to the quarter-finals.[22] They were then knocked out in the quarter-final by the All Blacks, 29–13.[22] The 1991 tournament stands as Canada's best ever finish in a Rugby World Cup. 23 of the 26 World Cup squad members were born in or played their club rugby in British Columbia.[22]

Having reached the quarter-finals in 1991, Canada automatically qualified for the 1995 Rugby World Cup. They were in Pool A with the hosts South Africa, defending champions Australia, and Romania.[23] Canada finished third in the pool, winning their match against Romania, but losing 27–11 to Australia and 20–0 to the Springboks.

Despite failing to replicate their previous success, Canada would build upon their 1991 World Cup achievement and record wins over tier 1 nations. Canada beat Wales 26–24 on November 10, 1993, at Cardiff Arms Park.[11] They beat France 18–16 on June 4, 1994, at Twin Elms Rugby Park in Nepean, Ontario.[24] They battled to a 27–27 draw against Ireland on 27 June 2000 in Markham, Ontario and chalked up a 26–23 win against Scotland in Vancouver, on June 15, 2002.[25][26]

Canada has yet to beat England in seven attempts. They have also played the England national XV, B team, and Under 23 teams eleven times (for which Canada awarded its players international caps.) The most notable result was a 15–12 victory over a strong England XV on 29 May 1993 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby.[27] Unfortunately for the Canadians, on the eve of the match England's management chose not to award international caps, as some players were touring with the British and Irish Lions at the time.

Canada won the now defunct Pacific Rim Rugby Championship three years in succession in 1996, 1997 and 1998.[28][29]

Canada finished second in Round 4 of the Americas 1999 Rugby World Cup qualifying, losing only to Argentina, and qualified for the World Cup.[30] Canada finished third in their pool (with France, Fiji and Namibia), winning their match against Namibia but losing their other two fixtures. The victory against Namibia was uncharacteristic for Canada, as they ran the score up to 72–11, one of their most lopsided victories. This thrashing was the one bright light in an otherwise disappointing 1999 World Cup performance.[31]

Like many second and third-tier nations, the Canadians have not always had their full complement of players available for test matches. Nevertheless, Canada has produced top class players such as Dan Baugh, Rod Snow, Mike James, Colin Yukes, Dave Lougheed and Jamie Cudmore who have played professionally in England, Wales and France.

Canada qualified for the 2003 Rugby World Cup as Americas 1, finishing at the top of Round 4 Americas tournaments, winning five of their six fixtures to enter the 2003 World Cup in Australia, their fifth world cup in a row. Canada's sole win was a 24–7 result against Tonga as they lost their games against Italy, Wales and the All Blacks.

From 2003–2011 Canada played host to the Churchill Cup and made one finals appearance in 2010, losing to the England Saxons 38–18. In 2004 and 2005 they competed in the Super Powers Cup. In 2005 the competition was renamed the Super Cup and Canada beat Japan 15–10 in the final.[32]

2007 World Cup Cycle

In 2006 Canada completed the qualification process for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They were in a three-team group also containing Barbados and the United States. Each played the other once. On 24 June 2006, Canada defeated Barbados 71–3, in Bridgetown, their largest ever win.[33] Canada achieved a record win over the US in the match in Newfoundland on August 12, 2006, defeating the USA 56–7 in front of a capacity crowd, when player James Pritchard scored a national record 36 points with three tries, six conversions and three penalties in the match, beating the record of 29 he had set against Barbados in their previous match.[34] The win assured Canada of a place in the 2007 World Cup as Americas 2 in Pool B.[35] Also that year, a Canadian team won the NA4 and the national team beat the US earlier in the Churchill Cup.

Canadian team after a pool stage match during the 2007 World Cup
Canada take on Wales during the 2007 World Cup
Canadian fans at the 2007 World Cup

Going into the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, Canada were ranked as severe outsiders, and given odds of 5000/1 to win the tournament.[36] Pool B also contained Australia, Fiji, Japan and Wales. In their opening match on 9 September the Canadians lost 42–17 to Wales.[37] They followed this with a 29–16 loss to Fiji, whom they had needed to beat to have realistic hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals.[38] They drew 12–12 with Japan, conceding an injury-time try by Koji Taira.[39] In their final game they lost 37–6 to an Australian side consisting mostly of second-string players.[40] Canada finished bottom of Pool B, and returned home from a World Cup without winning a single game for the first time ever.

2011 World Cup cycle

Following the 2007 Rugby World Cup Canada hired Kieran Crowley as head coach, and by April 2008 the former New Zealand All Black took over coaching duties.[41] In Autumn 2008 the Canadians toured Europe, beating Portugal in their opening match, but suffering heavy defeats in their subsequent games in Ireland, Wales and Scotland.[42][43][44][45] In June 2009 the Canadians hosted the Welsh and Irish during the Summer test window, losing both encounters.[46][47]

Canada beat the United States in a two-legged playoff game in July 2009 to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and enter the tournament as Americas 1.[48]

Canada began its Rugby World Cup preparations by finishing runner-up in the 2011 Churchill Cup for the second year in a row, losing 37–6 in the final to the England Saxons (England's second-string side). This good form carried on in a two-legged home and away series against the USA Eagles. In the home leg Canada secured a 28–22 victory in front a record 10,621 fans. In the away leg Canada won 27–7. Their warm-up schedule continued with a match against the Australian Barbarians which featured several of Australia's World Cup squad, and the Barbarians claimed a comfortable 38–14 victory.

The Canadians began their 2011 Rugby World Cup on September 14 against Tonga, winning 25–20. They followed this up with a 46–19 loss to France on September 18. The team had only a four-day turn-around after their first match, and let the game slip out of their reach within the final 20 minutes. They produced a repeat result of 2007, by playing to a 23–23 draw against Japan. Their Rugby World Cup concluded with a 79–15 loss against the All Blacks. Canada finished fourth in their pool, narrowly missing out on automatic qualification for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

2015 World Cup cycle

Canada secured a spot in the 2015 Rugby World Cup on 23 August 2013, with a 13–11 win over the USA, 40–20 on aggregate.[49] Canada joined Pool D with France, Ireland, Italy and Romania. Canada finished the tournament with zero wins and in last place in Pool D.[50]

2019 World Cup cycle

At the 2016 Americas Rugby Championship, Canada claimed three wins over Uruguay, Chile and Brazil, and two losses versus Argentina XV and United States. In June 2016, the team defeated Russia and lost to Japan and Italy. In November 2016, Canada was defeated by Ireland, Romania and Samoa.

At the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship, Canada scored a single win versus Chile, and lost the other four matches. In June 2017, the team lost to Georgia and Romania. Later they faced United States for the 2019 World Cup North America play-off, being beaten on aggregate for the first time. In November 2017, Canada lost to the Māori All Blacks, Georgia and Fiji, while defeating Spain.

In 2018, Canada lost both matches versus Uruguay for the 2019 World Cup Americas play-off, therefore the team advanced to the intercontinental repechage which it won, securing the very last spot in the final tournament. The team also lost to United States in the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship.

Canada secured the last spot in the 2019 Rugby World Cup on 23 November 2018, winning all of its three matches of the intercontinental repechage in Marseille, France.[51]

They joined 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B with title holders New Zealand and third-placed team from 2015 South Africa, Italy and the African qualifier, Namibia.[52] They lost their first 3 fixtures by scores of 48–7 to Italy, 63–0 to New Zealand, and 66–7 to South Africa.[53][54] Their last fixture against Namibia was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis.[55]

2023 World Cup Cycle and failure to qualify

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Americas qualifying round was delayed indefinitely before it was abridged and the first fixtures were confirmed for July 2021. Canada played the United States in a two-game series; Canada won in thumping fashion in St. John's, winning by a score of 34–21.[56] However, they scuttled in the return leg in Glendale, Colorado, losing by a score of 38–16, with the Americans dominating the game from start to finish.[57] Canada lost the aggregate 50–59 and were drawn to play Chile in a two-game series for the second Americas spot. While Canada once again won the first leg, they only did so by a score of 22–21.[58] Canada would lose the second leg in Santiago by a score of 33–24 (their first ever loss to Chile), which eliminated Canada from qualifying, marking the first time ever that Canada failed to qualify for the Rugby World Cup.[58]

Stadium and attendance

The national team currently does not have a permanent home stadium and as such play their matches at various locations across Canada. BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario has been proposed as the national team's home stadium, despite not providing a suitable rugby climate year-round.

In August 2011 it was announced that the national team would have a permanent training centre located in Langford, British Columbia. The centre opened in 2017 and was named the Al Charron Rugby Canada National Training Centre.[59]

The highest attended matches in Canada involving the Canadian national team are:

RankAttendanceOpponentDateVenueLocationRef.
129,480 Māori All Blacks2017-11-03BC PlaceVancouver[60]
222,566 Māori All Blacks2013-11-03BMO FieldToronto[61]
320,396 Ireland2013-06-15BMO FieldToronto[62]
418,788 Scotland2014-06-14BMO FieldToronto[63]
516,132 Uruguay2018-01-27BC PlaceVancouver[64]
615,000 United States2005-06-26Commonwealth StadiumEdmonton[65]
713,187 United States2017-06-24Tim Hortons FieldHamilton[66]
813,125 Italy2016-06-26BMO FieldToronto[67]
912,824 Scotland2018-06-09Commonwealth StadiumEdmonton[68]
1012,220 Italy2012-06-15BMO FieldToronto[69]
1111,200 Samoa2015-07-29BMO FieldToronto
1210,621 United States2011-08-06BMO FieldToronto[70]
1310,250 Japan2016-06-11BC PlaceVancouver[71]
1410,207 United States2013-08-24BMO FieldToronto[72]
1510,000 New Zealand XV1980-10-11Swangard StadiumBurnaby[73]

Results and fixtures

Upcoming fixtures

Date Tournament Location Venue Opponent

Recent results

Date Tournament Location Venue Opponent Result Score
18 November 2023 End of year tests Villajoyosa, Spain Campo de Rugby El Pantano  Brazil Win 40–15
11 November 2023 End of year tests Villajoyosa, Spain Campo de Rugby El Pantano  Spain Loss 42–20
10 August 2023 RWC warm-up match Nukuʻalofa, Tonga Teufaiva Sport Stadium  Tonga Loss 36–12
10 August 2023 RWC warm-up match Nukuʻalofa, Tonga Teufaiva Sport Stadium  Tonga Loss 28–3
19 November 2022 End of year tests Amsterdam, Netherlands NRCA Stadium  Namibia Loss 43–37
12 November 2022 End of year tests Amsterdam, Netherlands NRCA Stadium  Netherlands Win 37–25
10 July 2022 Mid-year tests Ottawa TD Place Stadium  Spain Loss 57–34
2 July 2022 Mid-year tests Halifax Wanderers Grounds  Belgium Win 45–0
13 November 2021 End-of-year tests Brussels, Belgium Sportscentrum Nelson Mandela  Belgium Win 24–0
6 November 2021 End-of-year tests Lisbon, Portugal Estádio de Rugby Jamor  Portugal Loss 20–17
Green background indicates a win. Red background indicates a loss. Yellow background indicates a draw.

Players

Current squad

On 5 July, Kingsley Jones named a 32-player squad for their 2-test series against Tonga as part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches.[74]

Head coach: Wales Kingsley Jones

  • Caps Updated: 30 July 2023
Player Position Date of birth (age) Caps Club/province
Andrew Quattrin Hooker (1996-08-29) 29 August 1996 16 United States New England Free Jacks
Tyler Wong Hooker (1996-08-03) 3 August 1996 0 Canada Toronto Arrows
Foster DeWitt Prop (1996-05-25) 25 May 1996 1 United States New England Free Jacks
Liam Murray Prop (1997-10-17) 17 October 1997 4 United States Dallas Jackals
Djustice Sears-Duru Prop (1994-05-24) 24 May 1994 64 United States San Diego Legion
Kyle Steeves Prop (2000-01-31) 31 January 2000 1 United States Dallas Jackals
Conor Young Prop (1995-08-15) 15 August 1995 1 United States New England Free Jacks
Mason Flesch Lock (1999-11-18) 18 November 1999 2 Canada Toronto Arrows
Izzak Kelly Lock (1996-11-28) 28 November 1996 0 New Zealand Spotswood United
Conor Keys Lock (1996-07-09) 9 July 1996 29 United States New England Free Jacks
Callum Botchar Back row (1997-10-03) 3 October 1997 1 New Zealand New Plymouth Old Boys
Matt Klimchuk Back row (2002-04-30) 30 April 2002 1 Canada Pacific Pride
Travis Larsen Back row (1991-06-04) 4 June 1991 0 United States Old Glory DC
Zephyr Melnyk Back row (2000-12-23) 23 December 2000 0 Canada Pacific Pride
Sion Parry Back row (1998-10-29) 29 October 1998 0 Wales Pontypridd
Lucas Rumball Back row (1995-08-02) 2 August 1995 47 Canada Toronto Arrows
Siaki Vikilani Back row (2000-08-07) 7 August 2000 9 United States American Raptors
Piers von Dadelszen Back row (2000-03-25) 25 March 2000 2 England Oxford University RFC
Ross Braude Scrum-half (2000-01-18) 18 January 2000 12 Canada Toronto Arrows
Jason Higgins Scrum-half (1995-03-28) 28 March 1995 9 United States San Diego Legion
Gradyn Bowd Fly-half (1992-08-27) 27 August 1992 10 United States Old Glory DC
Peter Nelson Fly-half (1992-10-05) 5 October 1992 15 Canada Toronto Arrows
Robbie Povey Fly-half (1996-09-21) 21 September 1996 13 United States Houston SaberCats
Gabe Casey Centre (1999-07-15) 15 July 1999 0 New Zealand Sumner
Ben LeSage Centre (1995-11-24) 24 November 1995 27 United States New England Free Jacks
Isaac Olson Centre (2000-07-01) 1 July 2000 1 United States New England Free Jacks
Mitch Richardson Centre (1996-06-09) 9 June 1996 1 Canada Toronto Arrows
D'Shawn Bowen Wing (1996-09-12) 12 September 1996 0 Canada Toronto Arrows
Kainoa Lloyd Wing (1994-05-21) 21 May 1994 21 United States Houston SaberCats
Jack Shaw Wing (1996-09-12) 12 September 1996 0 United States Rugby ATL
Ciaran Breen Fullback (2001-04-19) 19 April 2001 0 Canada Toronto Arrows
Spencer Jones Fullback (1997-07-17) 17 July 1997 6 United States New England Free Jacks

Past coaches

Years Coach
1932Canada Jack Tyrwhitt
1959Australia Max Howell
1962Canada 'Buzz' Moore
1966Canada Ken Banks
1967Canada George Sainas
1970Canada Dick Ellis
1971Australia Max Howell
1973–1974Canada George Carson
1976–1978Canada Donn Spence
1979–1982New Zealand Bruce Howe
1983–1984Canada Tillman Briggs
1985Canada Barry Legh
1985–1989Canada Gary Johnston
1989–1996England Ian Birtwell
1996–1999Republic of Ireland Patrick Parfrey
2000–2001Australia David Clark
2001England Ian Birtwell (Interim)
2001–2003Australia David Clark
2004–2007Canada Ric Suggitt
2008–2015New Zealand Kieran Crowley
2016France Francois Ratier (Interim)
2016–2017New Zealand Mark Anscombe
2017–presentWales Kingsley Jones

Individual records

Most caps

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Won Lost Draw %
1Aaron CarpenterNumber 82005–20178061192848338.12
2Al CharronFlanker1990–2003767604036052.63
3Ciaran HearnCentre2008–20197261112546135.4
4Djustice Sears-DuruProp2013–6731361848126.87
5Winston StanleyWing1994–2003666422738141.66
6Scott StewartFullback1989–2001646222934146.09
7Nick BlevinsCentre2009–20196347162240135.71
8James PritchardFullback2003–2015625842634243.54
Rod SnowProp1995–2007625932733245.16
10D. T. H. van der MerweWing2006-2019605641938334.16
Last updated: Brazil vs Canada, 18 November 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.[75]

Most tries

# Player Pos Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries
1D. T. H. van der MerweWing2006–20196056419038
2Winston StanleyWing1994–20036664212324
3Taylor ParisWing2010–2019282629018
James PritchardFullback2003–20156258460718
5Aaron CarpenterNumber 82005–20178061198517
6Morgan WilliamsScrum-half1999–2008565246813
7Nick BlevinsCentre2009-20196347166012
Matt EvansFullback2008–2018403466012
9Kainoa LloydWing2017–present252235010
Kyle NicholsCentre1996–2002252236110
Last updated: Brazil vs Canada, 18 November 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.[76]

Most points

# Player Pos Span Mat Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop
1James PritchardFullback2003–201562607181041030
2Gareth ReesFly-half1986–1999554917511109
3Bobby RossFly-half1989–2003584197518410
4Gordon McRorieScrum-half2014–201945283644541
5Mark WyattFullback1982–199129255223625
6Jared BarkerFly-half2000–200418226224551
7D. T. H. van der MerweWing2006–20196019038000
8Winston StanleyWing1994–20036612324001
9Peter NelsonFullback2019–1999129120
10Taylor ParisWing2010–2019289018000
Last updated: Brazil vs Canada, 18 November 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.[77]
  • Note, Gareth Rees points total is in dispute, some sources claim 487 while others including World Rugby claim 491.

Most matches as captain

# Player Pos Span Mat Won Lost Draw % Pts Tries
1Al CharronFlanker1996–2003251312052.00102
Gareth ReesFly-half1994–1999251015040.002854
3Pat RiordanHooker2008–2011231210154.34153
4Lucas RumballFlanker2016–22715031.81357
5Tyler ArdronNumber 82013–201916016000.00102
6John GrafScrum-half1995–19991596060.00586
Morgan WilliamsScrum-half2005–20071559136.66255
8Aaron CarpenterNumber 82012–20161477050.00153
9Phil MackScrum-half2017–20191165054.5400
10Mark WyattFullback1990–1991963066.66972
Last updated: Brazil vs Canada, 18 November 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.[78]

Most points in a match

Australian born James Pritchard is Canada's second highest try scorer and points scorer of all time, he also holds the record for most points in a match with 36 against the USA in 2006.
# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1James PritchardWing363630 United StatesCanada St John's12/08/2006
2James PritchardWing293700 BarbadosBarbados Bridgetown24/06/2006
3Gareth ReesFly-half270930 NamibiaFrance Toulouse14/10/1999
James PritchardFullback272430 PortugalPortugal Lisbon23/11/2013
5Bobby RossFly-half261350 JapanCanada Vancouver13/07/1996
Gordon McRorieScrum-half262520 RussiaCanada Calgary18/06/2016
7Mark WyattFullback240080 Scotland XVCanada Saint John25/05/1991
8Gareth ReesFly-half230170 ArgentinaArgentina Buenos Aires22/08/1998
James PritchardFullback231340 TongaCanada Kingston08/06/2013
105 players on 22 points
Last updated: Brazil vs Canada, 18 November 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.[79]

Most tries in a match

# Player Pos Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Opposition Venue Date
1Kyle NicholsCentre204000 JapanCanada Markham15/07/2000
2Steve GrayCentre153000 United StatesCanada Vancouver10/05/1987
James PritchardWing293700 BarbadosBarbados Bridgetown24/06/2006
James PritchardWing363630 United StatesCanada St John's12/08/2006
Taylor ParisWing153000 ChileCanada Langford11/02/2017
D. T. H. van der MerweWing153000 KenyaFrance Marseille11/11/2018
Kainoa LloydWing153000 ChileCanada Langford22/02/2019
Lucas RumballFlanker153000 BrazilSpain El Pantano, Villajoyosa18/11/2023
Last updated: Brazil vs Canada, 18 November 2023. Statistics include officially capped matches only.[80]

Competitive record

World Cup

Canada has played in every Rugby World Cup since the inaugural 1987 tournament, and up to 2015, have always qualified during the first round.[81] However, for the 2019, they have failed to qualify during the first two rounds, but to qualified by means of the 4-team repechage in November 2018.[81]

World Cup record World Cup Qualification record
Year Round P W D L F A P W D L F A
AustraliaNew Zealand 1987Pool Stage31026590Automatically qualified
United KingdomRepublic of IrelandFrance 1991Quarter Final4202586243016738
South Africa 1995Pool Stage31024550Automatically qualified
Wales 1999Pool Stage31021148232019783
Australia 2003Pool Stage410354135650119280
France 2007Pool Stage401351120220012510
New Zealand 2011Pool Stage41128216822004730
England 2015Pool Stage40045813122004020
Japan 2019Pool Stage401314177731322589
France 2023did not qualify420296113
Australia 2027to be determinedQualification not started
United States 2031
Total9/103373235411015302118889563

Head-to-head record

Below is table of the representative rugby matches played by a Canada national XV at test level up until 19 November 2023.[82]

Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn Win % For Aga Diff
 Argentina936033.3%159277–118
 Australia60600.0%60283–223
 Barbados1100100.0%693+66
Barbarians20110.00%732–25
 Belgium3300100.0%11212+100
 Brazil532060.0%17087+83
 British & Irish Lions10100.00%819–11
 Chile981090.0%311127+184
 England70700.0%87343–256
 England XV615016.7%40159–119
 England U2320200.0%2255–33
 England Saxons30300.0%41132–91
 Fiji1239025.0%221409–188
 France918011.1%119315–196
 French Barbarians10100.0%717–10
 France A312033.3%5785–28
 Georgia734042.9%141145–4
 Germany1100100.0%2910+19
 Hong Kong761085.7%209109+100
 Ireland80710.0%105328–223
 Ireland XV10100.0%2124–3
 Italy1028020.0%135294–159
 Japan25815232.0%581612–31
 Kenya1100100.0%6519+46
 Namibia321066.67%12667+59
 Netherlands1100100.0%3725+12
 New Zealand60600.0%54376–322
 New Zealand XV10100.0%1043–33
 Māori All Blacks20200.0%3695–59
 Portugal541080.0%15573+82
 Romania826025.0%142138+4
 Russia541080.0%15791+66
 Samoa60600.0%103169–66
 Scotland514020.0%59153–94
 Scotland XV1100100.0%2419+5
 Scotland A10100.0%1015–5
 South Africa30300.0%25137–112
 Spain422050.0%151148+3
 Tonga1165054.55%254238+16
 United States653924260%1,4981,198+300
 Uruguay1385061.5%370232+138
 Wales1311207.69%219528–309
 Wales XV30300.0%37138–101
 Wales U2310100.0%08–8
Total296116174639.19%6,2437,787–1,544

Wins against Tier 1 nations

The following is a list of Canada's wins against Tier 1 countries:

25 June 1983 Canada Canada 19–13  Italy Sports Complex, Burnaby Lake  
Try: Donaldson
Pen: MacLean, Wyatt (4)
 Report Try: Ghizzoni
Pen: Torresan (2)
Drop: Torresan
 Referee: I. Nixon (Canada)
30 March 1990 Canada Canada 15–6  Argentina Sports Complex, Burnaby Lake  
Try: Palmer
Con: Wyatt
Pen: Wyatt (3)
 Report Pen: Vidou (2)
 Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Kerry Fitzgerald (Australia)
16 June 1990 Argentina  15–19 Canada Canada José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires  
Try: Bundaer (2)
Garzón
Pen: Mesón
 Report Try: Stuart
Pen: Rees (4)
Drop: Rees
 Referee: Dave Bishop (New Zealand)
25 May 1991 Canada Canada 24–19  Scotland XV Saint John, New Brunswick  
29 May 1993 Canada Canada 15–12  England XV Swangard Stadium, Burnaby, BC  
10 November 1993 Wales  24–26 Canada Canada Cardiff Arms Park  
Pen: N Jenkins (8)
 Report Try: Charron
Stuart
Con: Rees (2)
Pen: Rees (4)
 Attendance: 27,000
Referee: Owen Doyle (Ireland)
4 June 1994 Canada Canada 18–16  France Twin Elm Rugby Park, Nepean  
Pen: Rees (6)
 Report Try: Ntamack
Con: Lacroix
Pen: Lacroix (3)
 Attendance: 6,000
Referee: Ian Rogers (South Africa)
11 November 2000 Italy  17–22 Canada Canada Stadio Comunale Mario Battaglini, Rovigo  
Try: M. Dallan
Pen: Mazzariol (3)
Pez
 Report Try: Wirachowski
Con: Barker
Pen: Barker (4)
Drop: Barker
 Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Didier Mene (France)
15 June 2002 Canada Canada 26–23  Scotland Vancouver, BC  

Canada also achieved a 27–27 draw against Ireland on 27 June 2000 at Markham, Ontario.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Canada fails to qualify for Rugby World Cup for 1st time ever".
  2. ↑ Rugby in USA, Rugby Football History. Accessed September 26, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Foot Ball". Boston Post. May 16, 1874. p. 3. Retrieved March 29, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  4. ↑ "THIS WEEK IN HISTORY (Oct. 23, 1874): First intercollegiate rugby-style football game in Canada was played at McGill". McGill Athletics. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  5. ↑ MacDonald, D.A.L. (November 27, 1970). "Montreal's Cup Float recalls how McGill started grid mania". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Early Football". San Jose Evening News. November 13, 1915. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  7. ↑ MacDonald, D.A.L. (December 22, 1933). "McGill and Harvard Have Been Rivals for 59 Years". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  8. ↑ "MONTREAL GAZETTE Covo Cup: McGill, Harvard to mark anniversary of historic rugby match". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  9. ↑ "A LONG CLUB HISTORY". Westmount Rugby. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  10. ↑ "Star-studded club XVs, France against the Soviet Union and Welsh cap games against the Barbarians". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Northern rocks: Canadian rugby". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  12. ↑ "Touring Canadian Rugby Team Beats Waseda, 29-13, in Japan". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  13. ↑ "Japan (3) 9 - 8 (0) Canada (FT)". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  14. ↑ "Japan (22) 38 - 5 (5) Canada (FT)". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  15. ↑ "Barbarians 3 - 3 Canada (FT)". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  16. ↑ "Wales Under-23s 8 - 0 Canada (FT)". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  17. ↑ "ON THIS DAY: THE LIONS FACE CANADA TO END THEIR EPIC 1966 TOUR". Lions Rugby. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  18. ↑ "HISTORY". Rugby CA. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  19. ↑ "Full Match – Canada vs Tonga 1987". americas rugby news. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  20. ↑ "1987 (New Zealand/Australia)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  21. ↑ "Canada (6) 24 - 19 (6) Scotland XV (FT)". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "1991 Canadian Men's National Rugby". BC Sports Hall. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  23. ↑ "Memorable Americas Tries: Al Charron vs Romania in 1995". americas rugby news. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
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  25. ↑ "Canada Ireland". Irish Rugby. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
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  31. ↑ "RWC Rewind Canada: Rees vs Namibia in 1999". americas rugby news. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  32. ↑ "Canada win Super Cup". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  33. ↑ "Canada beat Barbados 71-3 in Rugby World Cup qualifier". Caribbean Net News. June 26, 2006. Archived from the original on January 12, 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  34. ↑ "Canada book Wales RWC encounter". BBC News. 13 August 2006. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
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  36. ↑ "Rugby World Cup 2007 Latest Betting - 07-11-07". Online-gambling-insider.com. 2011-11-18. Archived from the original on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2012-03-16.
  37. ↑ "Wales 42–17 Canada". BBC News. 9 September 2007. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  38. ↑ Malin, Ian (17 September 2007). "Fiji send Wales a mixed message". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  39. ↑ Millward, Robert (26 September 2007). "Canada 12 Japan 12: Japan celebrates ending losing streak after draw". The Independent. London. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  40. ↑ Malley, Frank (30 September 2007). "Mitchell double helps subdue brave Canada". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  41. ↑ "Former All Black appointed Canada coach". rugbyweek.com. 18 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
  42. ↑ "Canada begin tour with victory". espnscrum. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  43. ↑ "Ferris delivery leaves Kidney with difficult selection calls". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  44. ↑ "Halfpenny is strong but Hook's injury hits Wales hard". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  45. ↑ "Scotland take out recent frustrations on hapless Canada". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  46. ↑ "Canada 6-25 Ireland". BBC News. 23 May 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  47. ↑ "Canada 23-32 Wales". BBC News. 30 May 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  48. ↑ "Canada qualify for 2011 World Cup". BBC Sport. 2009-07-12. Retrieved 2009-07-13.
  49. ↑ "Canada clinches spot in 2015 Rugby World Cup". CBC. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  50. ↑ "The misery and solace of Canada's winless 2015 Rugby World Cup". Olympic CA. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  51. ↑ "RUGBY CANADA ANNOUNCES 2019 RUGBY WORLD CUP TEAM; FINAL WARM-UP TEST MATCH AGAINST USA SET TO TAKE PLACE SEPTEMBER 7TH AT BC PLACE STADIUM". Rugby CA. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
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  53. ↑ "Rugby World Cup: New Zealand overpowers Canada". CNN. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  54. ↑ "South Africa's Rugby World Cup 2019 blitz of Canada another unwelcome reminder of the sport's inequalities". Independent. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  55. ↑ "NAMIBIA V CANADA MATCH CANCELLED, HANAZONO AND KUMAMOTO MATCHES GO AHEAD". Rugby World Cup. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
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  57. ↑ "USA set up Americas 1 showdown with Uruguay". World Rugby. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  58. 1 2 "Uruguay make history as they qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023 as Americas 1". World Rugby. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
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  61. ↑ "Rugby Canada comes up short to New Zealand Maori All Blacks before sellout crowd". National Post. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  62. ↑ "Ireland rout Canada". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  63. ↑ "Canada's men's rugby team loses to Scotland". Sportsnet. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
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  66. ↑ "Canada and USA scrap to draw in Hamilton". americas rugby news. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
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  73. ↑ "Canada (3) 10 - 43 (25) New Zealand XV (FT)". espnscrum. Retrieved 8 December 2023.
  74. ↑ Canada call up Welsh flanker for Pacific tour
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