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‘I hope you won’t forget them’ – Rouet calls for Canada legacy
By Joe Harvey reporting from Twickenham
Canada head coach Kévin Rouet did not mince his words after his team’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final defeat to England’s Red Roses.
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In his post-match press conference, the Frenchman admitted that he was “frustrated” by the North Americans’ efforts in the 33-13 loss. He knew they did not play their best game. But amid the immense disappointment of defeat, there was also pride.
Over the course of the World Cup cycle, the 38-year-old has leant on the teachings of Bruce Lee to prepare his squad to take on the world, been at the helm of the side’s clamber up to second in the World Rugby rankings and to a second-ever World Cup finale.
Usually stoic and reserved, sat looking at his captain, Alex Tessier, in the depths of Allianz Stadium, there was a look of immense pride plastered across his face.
Across the duration of the tournament supporters got to learn more about how the North Americans battled against the odds to reach the final two and even crowdfunded to give themselves the best possible chance of success in England.
In Canada rugby is a minority sport. It is far from professional and sees its highest standard of rugby played at the university level.
But as the World Cup raged on and the success of their national team filtered across the Atlantic, coverage of the side has increased and even Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, made his way to West London.
So it was in the moments of immense heartbreak that Rouet hoped to make sure that this increase in attention was more than just a flash in the pan.
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“I’m excited to come back to Canada, talk to people and see how we could just help rugby grow in Canada,” Rouet said. “I think we are all in the same boat. We received so many messages; it is great to see the excitement.
“We have to care about ourselves because it is always the same, whatever performance you do, if you don’t win, people forget you and you have to come back in four years. It’s always the same.
“I’m happy for Canada and I hope you guys (in Canada) won’t forget them.”
For Tessier there was also a sense of achievement at full-time.
One of the many Canadians that have packed their backs to play overseas in Élite 1 and Premiership Women’s Rugby, the 32-year-old has sacrificed so much to hone her craft far from home.
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Much like her head coach, she found a solace in knowing that an entirely new generation of player has been inspired thousands of miles away.
“I think what we have accomplished at this World Cup is very powerful, especially for rugby in Canada,” Tessier said.
“I think despite our underperformance today, I think what we’ve done at this World Cup is huge.
“Every match we were dominant. We were performing. We were very true to ourselves. We got to play free and impose a rhythm. Today wasn’t a reflection on us and I think winning that semi-final last weekend has inspired a lot of people.
“We’ve got so many messages from schools, from young girls that know that the broadcast is becoming more and more on our TVs back in Canada. It goes a long way.”
A pledge to be back
Coming into Saturday’s final there was a palpable sense that Canada have put out better performances over the course of the World Cup. When they dispatched the Black Ferns at Ashton Gate Stadium it was done with a confidence and vigour that appeared challenging for England, who laboured past France, and had not set their home World Cup alight with the same kind of intensity.
When the final came the Red Roses had clearly done their homework. They pressured Justine Pelletier from the very first second that the scrum-half laid hands on the ball, put forward challenging kicks and even managed to break the North Americans’ dominant set-piece.
The only consolation of the day came in the form of Sophie de Goede picking up the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award at full-time. A just reward for a player that has surpassed even her own lofty standards upon the return of a 13-month layoff with an ACL injury.
Before the team go their separate way again – whether that be back to Canada, PWR clubs, France or even New Zealand – there will be a time of reflection and even a promise that the best could be yet to come.
“What’s the beauty about our team is that we are actually not going back home, we are going on vacation here and there together to celebrate what we have accomplished this tournament and for the last three years,” Tessier said.
“From the get-go after the loss to France in the Bronze Final at the last World Cup, we were not happy about where we were and I think it’s going to be similar for the next four years.
“We’re definitely not happy with the result tonight. We are proud of what we have accomplished, but we are going to take some time off, celebrate what we achieved this time – it’s incredible what the girls have done.
“We’ll then put our heads down again. Wherever we are, we’re going to make sure that we put ourselves in the best position as possible to be a better rugby player, to be a better human and we’ll get there in four years’ time.”
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