women
international women
Canada Head coach Kévin Rouet has revealed his ambition to strengthen links between the national team and Premiership women’s rugby clubs.
On the eve of Canada’s win in the WXV Global Series opener Scotland in Edinburgh, they joined the squad Trailfinders Women coach Barney Maddison in camp.
The 37-year-old – who coached the west London club PWR final last season – joined the team as a guest coach ahead of Canada’s 64-26 win at Hive Stadium. Rouet already has Saracens director of women’s rugby Alex Austerberry and Loughborough Lightning head coach Nathan Smith as part of his coaching team in Canada.
“Barney was only a guest coach for two weeks – he won’t be with us for England,” explained Rouet. “Alex from Sarries and Nathan from Loughborough are more consistent for us. Barney has eight or nine Canadians, Loughborough has eight and Saracens will have a little less this year but still plenty of Canadians.
“For me, the goal is very simple and it’s no secret: girls spend 80 percent of their time in a PWR environment. I think it’s important that we have this relationship to ensure that both environments benefit from each other. It’s a win-win situation.
“It’s about relationships and helping the girls have a great schedule when they spend 80 percent of their time (in PWR clubs). That’s my goal.”
This weekend, Canada plays England Red Rose in the Women’s replay Rugby World Cup Finals 2025 Last year, the North Americans made a big impression on their way to the final at Allianz Stadium, but fell short against the world’s number one side.
There are currently 25 Canadian internationals contracted to PWR clubs. This gave players significant game minutes and, in turn, helped Canada’s national team flourish.
Last season, a Saracens team backed by a number of Canadian players won their fourth PWR – formerly Premier15s – title since the English Premier League was rebranded ahead of the 2017/18 season.
Canadian captain Sophie de Goede was among them and played a major role. Ahead of next season, Loughborough have signed six Canadian internationals, who join Fancy Bermudez in the East Midlands.
This was reported by BBC Sport England Rugby lobbying PWR to extend game time for England-eligible players may have paid off at the start of the 2027/28 season.
The RFU confirmed to BBC Sport that the current requirement of 13 EQP players per match day team will continue, but the club’s injury credit will be removed. From the 2027/28 season, only players injured while representing England will be eligible.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a quality league in Canada right now,” Rouet said. “I hope it comes. That’s my number one wish. But it’s not there yet.”
“I loved going to PWR last year. I needed a personal project – to go to Saracens and train every weekend. This year is about building relationships with those three PWR teams where we have a lot of Canadians.”
“I think there is a mutual benefit,” de Goede continued. “It’s not like we’re coming to try to spy in any way. It’s a very selfish pursuit of trying to get better for the national team.”
“Like Kevin said, we just don’t have the quality of the league in Canada. If we had a quality league in Canada, I’d come home. There’s no doubt about it. We just don’t have it.
“PWR makes the most sense, I think it’s the same for a lot of Canadians, so we go there and learn a lot and hopefully pass something on to the clubs we’re at.”
