Three Chiefs Women in Canada’s Rugby World Cup squad

Canada have selected three Exeter Chiefs Women for their 32-player Rugby World Cup squad.

With Alex Tessier retaining the captain’s armband, Rugby Canada have also named DaLeaka Menin and Emily Tuttosi. Former Chiefs Mikiela Nelson and Taylor Perry have also been selected.

Going into her third Rugby World Cup, Tessier said: “I’m beyond excited and proud to be part of this Canadian team heading to the World Cup in England. We’ve got a big job to do as a team, and we are ready for the challenge. There’s a lot of excitement and good vibes across the group which is an amazing feeling!”

This will be Tuttosi’s second Rugby World Cup having made her Canada debut in 2018. She said: “Nothing short of an honour and a privilege to be representing Canada at another World Cup.

“It’s been a unique journey this last cycle to get our squad to where it is and I am hopeful we will keep growing and playing the exciting brand of rugby we are starting to be known for. I’m looking forward to packed stadiums, broken records, and the memorable rugby that kicks off so soon.”

Head coach Kevin Rouet said: "We believe in the group we have selected and we believe in the process we have taken to get to this point, but the work isn’t done yet. It all starts next month in England when we enter the next stage of our World Cup journey and officially get on the field in that first match against Fiji.” 

"Selecting the World Cup squad forced the coaching staff to make some very difficult decisions,” added Rouet. “Since the last World Cup, our focus has been on building depth in the squad, so we had more than just 32 players who could step on the field and perform at any moment. We achieved our goal but as a result it meant needing to make some very challenging decisions.” 

Currently number two in the World Rugby rankings, Canada will bring an experienced side to England this summer following two warm-up tests against USA and Ireland.

Chiefs fans will then look forward to welcoming all four of them to Sandy Park when Canada plays Scotland on Saturday, September 6 (KO 12:00).

Canada will be playing in pool B along with Wales and Fiji, who will also go head-to-head on the same day as the second half of a Sandy Park double-header (KO 14:45).

Tickets for the double header can be purchased here.

Canada's Rugby World Cup squad