Episode 279: Red Letter Day

Canada fall to France in their 3rd WXV Global Series match, the new docuseries All heart has a release date, USports records are out, the U20 Men fly to Chile for the World Rugby U20 Cup, and the Men's 7's team get their new coach.

It was a great day in Canadian rugby, as both the men's and women's XVs teams faced old rivals, each an ocean away.In Japan, Canada faced the USA for the Bronze Final of the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup. Despite keeping the USA in the game with kickable penalties, Canada were able to provide a sterling defence, and claim consecutive victories against the Eagles for the first time since 2013.In England, nearly a year on from the 20025 Women's Rugby World Cup Finall, Canada faced England again, this time at Sandy Park. Aagainst the champions, Canada offered the Red Roses their stongest Test, as neither team could break the deadlock. After 20 minutes of nail-biting defence, Canada secured the draw, and ended England's winning streak at 39 games.

It was a morning of action for Canada's XVs teams. Across the Atlantic ocean, Canada Women began their first match of the WXV Global Series, against Scotland. A blistering start gave Canada the edge throughout the game, and despite some discipline issues in the second half, Canada were able to secure an outright win against the hosts.Across the Pacific, Canada's Men faced Fiji in the semi-finals of the Pacific Nations Cup. And while they did not enjoy the same success as the women's team, they were able to produce their highest score against the Fijians ever!

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.