Here’s a sports story that deserves a lot more attention than it’s probably going to get.

On October 23 in Ottawa, Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team, currently ranked third in the world, will take on world number one England in what’s being billed as the Rugby Rematch Tour.

And this isn’t just another exhibition game.

This matchup revisits the 2025 Rugby World Cup Final, giving Canadian fans another chance to see two of the sport’s biggest heavyweights collide.

One of Canada’s Best Teams That Nobody Talks About Enough

Let’s be honest. In Canada, rugby often finds itself competing for headlines with hockey, football, basketball, baseball, and whatever Connor McDavid did five minutes ago.

But Canada’s women’s rugby program has quietly become one of the country’s most successful national teams.

Year after year, they compete with the world’s elite. They consistently rank among rugby’s top nations. And when big international tournaments roll around, they’re rarely just happy to be there.

They’re there to win.

That’s what makes this game so intriguing.

A Chance at a Little Redemption

Ask any athlete and they’ll tell you the same thing.

The games that stick with you aren’t always the victories.

Sometimes it’s the losses.

A rematch of a World Cup Final automatically carries a little extra meaning, even when there’s no trophy on the line. The stakes may be different, but the competitive fire usually isn’t.

England enters as the world’s top-ranked team. Canada enters as a legitimate contender that’s proven it can compete with anybody.

If you’re a rugby fan, that’s about all you need to know.

Rugby’s Growth Story in Canada

While the game doesn’t get the same spotlight as some other sports, rugby continues to grow across the country, including right here in New Brunswick.

Local clubs, youth programs, high school teams, and university programs have helped build a passionate rugby community that follows these international matchups closely.

And having Canada regularly compete among the world’s best only helps that momentum.

When young players see Canadians challenging the top-ranked nation on the planet, it reinforces the idea that there’s a pathway from local pitches to the world stage.

The Bottom Line

No, most fans from Atlantic Canada probably aren’t hopping in the car and driving to Ottawa for kickoff.

But it doesn’t make the story any less important.

When the third-ranked team in the world takes on the number one team in the world, that’s a big deal regardless of the sport.

It’s also a reminder that one of Canada’s most accomplished national teams continues to perform at an elite level, even if they don’t always get the headlines they deserve.

On October 23, Canada gets another crack at England.

And if history has taught us anything about rugby, it’s that rankings look great on paper.

The game still has to be played. 🏉🇨🇦