Canadian women’s rugby team falls 21-5 to host France

On Saturday, Canada's women's rugby team faced host France and suffered a significant defeat, ending with a score of 21-5. The match took place in La Rochelle, France. Lizzie Gibson from Caledon, Ontario, managed to score the only try for Canada, which placed them trailing 7-5 at halftime. The Canadian team, ranked third in the world by World Rugby, was going up against France, who held the fourth position.

Emilie Boulard played a crucial role for France, scoring a try in each half of the match. France's defense, led by Mouna Toure at backrow, was instrumental in limiting Canada's offensive capabilities. Asia Hogan-Rochester, a key player who had previously won silver medals at the 2025 World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games in sevens, was unable to participate due to an undisclosed injury sustained during training.

Veteran Sophie de Goede, who was named the World Rugby Women's Fifteens Player of the Year in 2025, also missed the game as she was rested by the coaching staff in preparation for upcoming matches against England in Canada. The Canadian women's rugby team will face England once again on October 16 in Toronto and on October 23 in Ottawa.

Notably, Canada and England had a tie of 26-26 in their September 19 rematch in Exeter, England, which was the final of the 2025 World Cup.