Canada women’s rugby team headed to Southern Hemisphere in May for Pac Four Series

The Canadian women’s rugby team is set to embark on a journey to the Southern Hemisphere in May to defend their Pacific Four Series title. Ranked second in the world, the Canadians will be facing tough competition from No. 3 New Zealand on May 17 in Christchurch and No. 5 Australia on May 24 in Brisbane. Additionally, they will take on the ninth-ranked U.S. at a location to be announced sometime in May.

Last year, the Canadian women made history by clinching the Pacific Four title with a thrilling 22-19 victory over the reigning World Cup champions, New Zealand, in Christchurch. This win marked a significant milestone as Canada had lost all 17 previous encounters with the Black Ferns, with most defeats being by a margin of 27 points or more. The closest they had come to victory before that was a narrow 16-8 loss in Tauranga back in June 2014.

The Canadians also emerged victorious in the inaugural Pacific Four Series in 2021, which was a two-game series against the United States. In the following years, the tournament expanded to include four countries, with Canada finishing as runner-up to New Zealand in 2022 and 2023.

As the Canadian women gear up for the upcoming 16-team World Cup scheduled to take place in England from August 22 to September 27, they are focused on their preparations. Having secured their World Cup berth by finishing fourth in the last tournament held in New Zealand in November 2022, Canada has been drawn in Pool B alongside No. 7 Scotland, No. 10 Wales, and No. 17 Fiji.

Excitement for the World Cup is already building, with organizers reporting the sale of over 220,000 tickets earlier this month. While the Pacific Four Series has traditionally served as a qualifier for the WXV tournament, there will be no WXV in 2025 due to the focus on the World Cup.

The Canadian women’s rugby team is ready to face their toughest competition yet as they aim to defend their Pacific Four Series title and make their mark on the world stage at the upcoming World Cup. Fans can expect thrilling matches and fierce competition as these talented athletes showcase their skills and determination on the rugby field.