Episode 271: The Top Dogs

There has been a LOT of rugby news and action going on, starting with Canada facing Japan, to celebrate 100 years of the JRFU...a predictable result, but a worthwhile occasion for the men's XVs team.Opportunities a-plenty, as Rugby Canada announce a new partnership with Champ Rugby in England, World Rugby announces the qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Sevens, and Canadian Women competed in the FISU World Championship Rugby Sevens in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

From the men's XV last week, we now have the touring squad for the Women's XV to Europe, as Canada's finest get set to face Scotland, England, and France, in their first fixtures of the 2026 WXV Global Series.In other headlines, FISU World University Championship Rugby 7s get underway with Canada competing in the Women's tournament, the Men's XVs games are confirmed (including a surprise trip to France,) and more action from Canadians in competitions overseas.

The international scene is picking up again for Canada, with the announcement of the men's travelling squad to Japan, for their match to mark the centenary of the Japanese Rugby Football Union, as well as the matches of the truncated 2026 Pacific Nations Cup.The lads go over who's included, who's missing, and who'd they have in the starting XV for the match against the Brave Blossoms.

The first leg of the Nations Cup concluded this past weekend, as Canada Men's team returned to Winnipeg for the first time in over 30 years , to take on Zimbabwe for the first time in their history.After a slow start (and a lightning delay,) Canada was able to get the lead, capitalize on penalties, and be far enough ahead, that even a second half resurgence from the Sables wasn't enough, as Canada got their first win of both the tournament, and the year.

The second round of the Nations Cup took place, this time with Portugal facing off against Canada, and...look, there's no 2 ways around this; it was a bad performance from Canada. After the last few games between the team having been decided by less than a score, the Portugese were able to fire on all cylinders, as the inexperience & lack of confidence from Canada was exploited clinically. The lads try to find some positives, but it was a bad performance.

The Nations Cup began for Canada in Edmonton, as they hosted the first of three opposition. Up first, Spain, where the visitors won in this venue last year. Looking to avenge last year's loss (and sets themselves up for their confrontation at the Men's Rugby World Cup next year,) Canada came out with a full attack, only to be met with a Spanish response. Truly, a dance of rugby under the Edmonton skies...In other news, we have the fixtures for the Pacific Nations Cup, new signings around the world, and Canadian Women becoming champions in the PWR in England, and Elite 1 in France.

With the inaugural Nations Cup in under 2 weeks time, Canada finally announce their squad for the home games they'll have in Edmonton and Winnipeg, as Stu, Jeff, and Ed give their choices for the starting XV.And MLR 2026 concludes at SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago, as the Hounds complete their perfect season with a home win in the final, to lift the MLR Shield for the first time.

The 2026 SVNS World Championsip concludes in Bordeaux, and with Canada's women already confirmed for SVNS 1 next season, can they set out to get a medal in thsi tournament, and end the year on a high note?Elsewhere, the Canada Men's team have their 2026 schedule (somewhat) confirmed, and the Major League Rugby regular season concludes with the Chicago Hounds getting a perfect result.

After a month's wait, we had the second round of the 2026 SVNS World Championship, with Canada's incredible form continuing in Valladolid, Spain. Would Canada be able to secure a medal, and confirm their place in SVNS 1 for next season?Back home, some disappointing news regarding USPORTS, and the BC Bears host games between Ontario Blues Men, and Alberta Wolfpack Women.

We sit down with 2014 Women's World Cup finalist, and key member of Rugby Canada and Rugby Alberta, Maria Samson, to discuss her rugby journey so far.Maria divulges playing rugby for the McGill Marlets, relocating to Alberta, getting her first cap in Oakville, tours to Europe and New Zealand, playing in the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup, and calling time on her Test career in 2016.Maria also talks about finishing 3rd in Canada's Smartest Person, the ongoing behind-the-scenes work for both Rugby Canada and Alberta rugby, as well as her hopes for the Rugby Rematch Tour later this year.