Julia Schell: 'You could see the smiles on our faces across the board'

Last Saturday Canada thumped Jo Yapp’s Wallaroos 46-5 to book a 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with six-time champions New Zealand.

World Rugby’s second-ranked side showcased their dominance with a seven-try performance. Alysha Corrigan crossed the line twice in a clinical display of first-half finishing, and Sophie de Goede combined relentless work at the breakdown with sharp decision-making, earning her the Mastercard Player of the Match honours.

It was a complete team effort that underlined Canada’s strength on either side of the ball and their growing momentum going into the semi-finals.

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Canucks and Trailfinders Women full-back, Julia Schell, had a try ruled out in the clash, was a key contributor in Canada’s commanding performance and brought both energy and precision to the backline.

“The win was great”, Schell began. “I think the first half really emulated what we’ve been trying to put out, not only for this competition but for the past few years. It was so much fun. You could see the smiles on our faces across the board.

“When the rain came, things changed a little bit but I think we were in such a stride up until that point. There was no stopping us. Even though we didn’t score as many points in the second half, I think we just genuinely went out there and enjoyed it that day.”

This Friday evening Canada will face the Black Ferns in a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final, setting the stage for a clash between two of the sport’s top teams, as Schell and her teammates look to embrace the occasion.

“We’ve obviously had a good couple of matches against them the last two years, our first win against them being two years ago and then we drew against them in May this year in the Pacific Four Series,” she said.

“They’re the world champions for a reason. We know that they can play some really fun rugby and they’re very clinical in what they do but we are lucky to have the chance to play them now every year so I think it sets us up for success knowing more trends of theirs. We’re looking forward to it.”

Schell has been a standout performer during Canada’s World Cup campaign which has delivered electrifying displays to help propel her team to the last four. In their opening match against Fiji, Schell scored six tries in just 22 minutes, a feat which included a remarkable four-minute hat-trick as Canada registered a commanding 65–7 victory.

Her efforts tied the record for the second-most tries in a World Cup match and showcased her team’s ability to devastate their opposition when they cut loose in attack.

“It’s been a great tournament for me,” Schell said. “So many of the Canadians live in England. It kind of feels like a home tournament in a way. I’ve been able to see so many friends at the weekend.

“A lot of our parents have been able to come over. That side of it has been really great too. Being able to have that balance of the off-field fun along with the on-field, has set us up for success. I’m really enjoying it so far”.

When Schell hasn’t been tearing it up on the rugby field she has found plenty of activities to enthral herself with alongside her teammates.

“We like to play a lot of Spikeball!” Schell said. “It also trickles into the days we do train because we like to use that to warm up. There’s always a coffee shop too and card games to play. We’ve done a couple of team performances, some dancing, movie nights.

“Each group must do a fun element, act of service element and an entertainment element. After a really muddy session, one of the groups acts of service was to clean all of our boots, stuff like that is a laugh! One of the coaches who’s Scottish, did Ceilidh dancing, that was fun. We’re currently in the middle of Bristol city centre and it’s great.”

Team chemistry has been one of the driving forces behind Canada’s success at the World Cup. Part of that bond comes from the laughter shared off the pitch. Schell spills the tea on who’s the funniest in camp and highlights just how much camaraderie fuels this tight knit Canadian squad.

“That’s a debate that’s been going on for a long time,” she smiled. “Everyone has their moments. The beauty of being in a team that’s so close, is that you get to see everyone’s sense of humour. Even if they’re not outwardly funny, they still make us laugh.

“Paige Farries is always a top contender for funniest. Claire Gallagher is hilarious and (Emily) Tuttosi has good one liners. She always times them perfectly, particularly when we’re in a meeting as well! The list goes on and on!”

For many Schell represents more than just athletic excellence. She is a symbol of what Canadian women’s rugby can achieve when talent, dedication and opportunity all come together, and support have travelled in their numbers to support Schell and her teammates.

The squad paint a picture of excitement, pride, and hope. People across the North Atlantic Ocean see Schell, not just scoring tries, but change perception, energise the crowd, and strengthen belief that Canada can go all the way.

“It already has done so much, it’s been unbelievable seeing the support,” Schell said. “People will base their family trips around coming to England to see us. They don’t know anyone, they’re literally just fans.

“It’s such a surreal thing. Obviously, rugby in Canada isn’t our number one sport by any means.

“It’s already been so amazing and hopefully, the more the tournament goes on, we gain more support for it and more young girls and boys want to pick up a rugby ball.”