'We take full accountability': Kévin Rouet laments Canada performance in La Rochelle

Canada head coach Kévin Rouet cut a frustrated figure at full-time of his team’s 21-5 loss to France in La Rochelle.

The 39-year-old watched his team struggle to make an impact against François Ratier’s team on the French west coast, as the hosts controlled the fixture from start to finish. Simply put, Canada were outclassed.

An Émilie Boulard brace, a try from Alexandra Chambon and conversions from Carla Arbez and Lina Queyroi cancelled out Lizzie Gibson’s 35th-minute try.

While Gibson has seen her stock rise with four tries in three WXV Global Series fixtures this autumn, the overall performance was a stark contrast to the 26-all draw with England a week prior and their 10-try win against Scotland a fortnight prior.

“We have been focusing on chasing the number one, and I think today we did not present ourselves to the best of our ability,” Rouet said.

“That does not define us, but, consistency is the key to being number one. Today, we were not able to be accurate or consistent in our performance.

“We take full accountability for that, and I will give credit to France on their performance today.”

Canada will now begin preparations for back-to-back Test matches against the Red Roses in October on home soil. Fixtures in Toronto and Ottawa will give the North Americans another chance to avenge their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final loss against England.

It is clear that beating John Mitchell’s side – who beat the Black Ferns with the last play of the game at Allianz Stadium – tops Canada’s agenda. And this latest outing was far from ideal preparation.

“I am also proud of the girls for their work these past four weeks,” he said.

“It was a hard battle with a lot of travelling. We are still angry, and we know our dream is not over, because we want to get that win against England, and that will be the key focus.”