Having featured in the first nine Men’s Rugby World Cups, Canada return with renewed purpose after missing out on France 2023.

Canada return to Men’s Rugby World Cup with renewed purpose after missing France 2023, bringing an end to a run of nine consecutive appearances dating back to 1987.

Their best performance came in 1991 when they reached the quarter-finals and there is a growing sense that this group can begin to regain a foothold among the global elite.

Drawn in Pool C alongside Argentina, Fiji and Spain, Canada will target every fixture as an opportunity, with genuine belief they can challenge and disrupt higher-ranked opposition.

With a game plan built on physicality and forward play, their focus will be on turning that platform into sustained pressure and taking chances when they come.

Players to watch

Lucas Rumball

A standout back-row forward, Rumball has become one of the defining figures of the modern Canadian side with his leadership, toughness and relentless work-rate.

Racked up more than 60 caps since his Canada debut in 2016, played at RWC 2019 and has set a national record for most matches as captain with 36, underlining his importance as they build towards RWC 2027.

Andrew Quattrin

One of Canada’s most complete forwards, the hooker combines physicality with precision at the set-piece and a high work-rate around the field.

Featured at RWC 2019 after making his debut earlier that year, Quattrin helped the New England Free Jacks to three successive Major League Rugby titles before joining France Pro D2 side Valence Romans.

Matthew Oworu

A strapping back-row who was born in Calgary but raised in Zimbabwe, where he played for their U18s and U20s before returning to Canada and making his mark in sevens.

Brings a different dimension to Canada with an explosive and dynamic style, making him a consistent threat in both attack and defence.

RWC icon

World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Gareth Rees is widely regarded as Canada’s most influential Rugby World Cup player. The fly-half featured in four tournaments between 1987 and 1999 and remains their leading RWC points-scorer with 120.

A composed game manager and reliable goal-kicker, the former Newport, Wasps and Harlequins pivot played a central role in Canada’s run to the quarter-finals in 1991, when they beat Fiji and Romania in their pool and ran France close before giving New Zealand a tough encounter in the last eight.

RWC cult hero

DTH van der Merwe became one of Canada’s most recognisable Rugby World Cup figures through his elite finishing ability and consistency across four tournaments.

The winger scored six tries at Rugby World Cups, the most by any Canadian player, part of a national record 38 tries in his 61 caps from 2006-19. Provided a lethal attacking threat and regularly delivered moments of magic for his side.

Head coach

Steve Meehan was appointed head coach of Canada in 2024. The experienced Australian has coached across Europe, Japan and North America, bringing a strong background in professional rugby environments.

Meehan took charge during a period of transition following Canada’s failure to qualify for RWC 2023, with his focus on rebuilding performance levels and preparing the squad for the challenges of the 2027 tournament.

Most memorable match

Beating Romania 19-11 at Toulouse’s Stade Ernest-Wallon in 1991, following an earlier 13-3 win over Fiji, ensured Canada progressed from the pool stage for the first and only time.

Although they were eliminated by New Zealand in the quarter-finals, that campaign remains the benchmark for Canadian rugby on the global stage.

Pool journey

4 October, 2027 v Argentina (Brisbane│Meeanjin) 
10 October v Fiji (Adelaide│Tarntanya)
16 October v Spain (Townsville│Gurambilbarra)

Did you know…?

Before it became the showpiece event of Canadian football, the Grey Cup was rooted in rugby. Donated in 1909 by Earl Grey, the trophy was originally intended for the national rugby football championship at a time when the two sports were still closely aligned.

As Canadian football evolved into its own code, the Grey Cup grew with it, but its origins remain a reminder of rugby’s early influence on the country’s sporting identity.

RWC history

Quarter-finalists (1) – 1991
Pool stage (8) – 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
Did not qualify (1) - 2023

How they qualified

Canada secured qualification for RWC 2027 via the Pacific Nations Cup 2025, finishing second in Pool B to book a place in the semi-finals and confirm their spot in Australia.

A 34-20 win over USA in Calgary laid the foundation and despite defeat by Japan in Sendai, their overall performance ensured progression, with finalists Fiji and Japan having already qualified for RWC 2027.

Key stat

Canada are the only nation to have had two players sent off in a Men's Rugby World Cup match. Gareth Rees and Rod Snow were both shown a red card against South Africa in 1995, with the Springboks also having a man sent off in their 20-0 victory.

RWC Fast facts

• RWC debut: 1987
• Best RWC finish: Quarter-finals (1991)
• Most RWC appearances: DTH van der Merwe (15)
• Top RWC try scorer: DTH van der Merwe (6)
• Top RWC points scorer: Gareth Rees (120)