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Rugby Canada has announced that its ambitious “Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025” fundraising campaign has exceeded expectations, raising over $1.06 million to support the women’s national team’s World Cup preparations.
Rugby Canada confirmed that its “Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025” campaign not only met but surpassed its $1 million fundraising target, securing a total of $1.06 million in proceeds and pledges. The campaign’s success, supported by more than 1,500 donors including community rugby clubs, the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s Monty Heald Fund, and individual benefactors, provided crucial funding for the Canadian women’s team’s World Cup journey.
The raised funds, combined with $2.6 million from Rugby Canada, filled the remaining financial gap in head coach Kevin Rouet’s preparation plan. These contributions allowed the team to organize two additional pre-tournament training camps — one in Chula Vista, California, and another in Perth, Ontario — before heading to South Africa for test matches. The funds also covered travel, accommodation, nutrition resources, and additional medical and conditioning support during the tournament.
“This support made a real difference on and off the field,” Rouet said, expressing gratitude for the nationwide effort. “We set out to not just play in the Rugby World Cup, but to win it — and this campaign gave us the tools we needed.”
The second-ranked Canadian women’s team reached the World Cup final on September 27, where they were defeated 33–13 by top-ranked England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Rugby Canada’s CEO, Nathan Bombrys, described the campaign as a testament to national unity and belief in women’s rugby. “To see the nation come together and exceed our $1-million goal is both remarkable and humbling,” he said.
Despite the success, Rouet acknowledged that budget challenges remain. He anticipates a smaller budget in 2026, following the Women’s World Cup, with upcoming priorities including the 2027 Men’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. “It’s normal. It’s life,” he noted. “But every year is better than the one before since I’ve been here.”
