Interview
International
Canada 
Japan 
Fiji 
{{item.n}}
Canada
The Canada national rugby union team competes in the Pacific Nations Cup and the newly formed World Rugby Nations Cup. They’ve appeared at nine Rugby World Cups.
Canada News
Watch Rugby's Greatest Rivalry LIVE
Two rugby giants collide. Stream live, replays and highlights free on RugbyPass TV.
Watch on RPTV
Starts 8th August 2026 - USA only.
Latest
Fukofuka ends eight-month tenure as Scotland head coach and interim appointment made
26 days ago
World Ranking
Canada are currently 24th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 11th in September 2011.
Ranking Over Time
Date {{date}}
Rank # {{rank}}
Points {{points}}
2003
2015
2026
Canada Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
Fri 4 Sep, 2026
Sat 12 Sep, 2026
Canada Rugby Team Players
Canada Forwards
Name
Position
Canada Backs
Name
Position
Canada National Rugby Union Team
The Canada national rugby union team, also known by their French title of Équipe du Canada de rugby à XV, represent the country of Canada in international competitions such as the Pacific Nations Cup, the World Rugby Nations Cup and the Rugby World Cup.
Although the sport of rugby union is not normally associated with the Americas, the Canada Rugby team are widely considered to be a successful tier two side. They've appeared in every edition of the Rugby World Cup since the tournament was founded in 1987 (with the exception of the 2023 tournament) and they reached the quarter-final stage of the competition in 1991. The team have also achieved victories over established international sides such as France, Wales, Italy and Scotland.
Read on to discover even more about the Canada Rugby team. On this page, you can read the latest news about the side and see the team's upcoming fixtures and recent results.
The history of the Canada Rugby team dates all the way back to 1932 when the side made their debut against Japan. Following this, the team only played intermittently. However, the British and Irish Lions did make a stop in Canada on their way home from New Zealand in 1966. The Lions won the match 19-8, but Canada were highly competitive and the team soon established themselves as the best in the Americas, even if they did struggle against elite sides from Europe and the Southern Hemisphere.In the 1980s and 90s, the Canada Rugby team built on this success. They appeared in the first ever Rugby World Cup in 1987 and they reached the quarter-finals of the competition in the next edition. Following this, they began to establish themselves against top-class opposition. They beat Wales in 1993 and France in 1994. Then, they drew with Ireland in 2000 and beat Scotland in 2002.
However, this period was a golden era for the Canada Rugby team. Since, although they've featured in almost every edition of the Rugby World Cup, they've never qualified from their pool. Similarly, although they're still considered to be a strong side, they've fallen behind Uruguay and Argentina and can no longer claim to be the best team in the Americas.
Throughout history, the Canada Rugby team has contained several top players who have proudly represented their country. For example, record point scorer James Pritchard scored more than 600 points for Canada between 2003 and 2015, while Aaron Carpenter was capped 80 times.
FAQs
When was the Canada rugby team founded?
The Canada rugby team played in its first international fixture in 1932. They were defeated 9-8 by Japan in Osaka.
What is the Canada rugby team’s biggest win?
Canada’s biggest win came in 2006. The team defeated Barbados 3-69 in Bridgetown.
What is the Canada rugby team’s biggest defeat?
Canada suffered their biggest defeat in 2004. They were beaten 70-0 by England in London.
Have Canada ever appeared at the Rugby World Cup?
Yes, Canada have appeared at nine Rugby World Cups. Their best finish at the competition came in 1991, when they reached the quarter-final stage.
Who is Canada's record appearance maker?
Canada’s record appearance maker is Aaron Carpenter. He played for his country 80 times between 2005 and 2017.
Who has scored the most tries for Canada?
Canada’s top try scorer is D. T. H. van der Merwe. He scored 38 tries for Canada between 2006 and 2019.
Who has scored the most points for Canada?
James Pritchard has scored the most points for Canada. He scored 607 points between 2003 and 2015.
