Episode 235: Technical Difficulties

As Canada close out their pool game matches, the talismanic Tyson Beukeboom becomes the most capped player in Canadian rugby history, earning her 81st cap against Scotland. A resolute performance by the scots, but it was the Canadians who came out on top, as they secured a clean sweep of their pool, winning 40-19.Also, how do you qualify for a Rugby World Cup, without even playing this weekend? We're not sure, but the Canadian men did it! Following Japan's win over the USA in the PNC, Canada will now return to the Men's Rugby World Cup in 2027, when they'll head to Australia.

Canada's men flew out to Japan to take on the Brave Blossoms as part of the PNC, and while the first half was a close affair, Japan put their foot on the gas in the second, as they were runaway winners, 57-15.At the Women's Rugby World Cup, Canada had their 2nd pool stage match against Wales, and while the Welsh were able to stem the tide for the first 15 minutes, it soon became an all-Canadian affair, as the Maple Leaves secured the bonus point in the first half, including a mighty run in from debutant Asia Hogan-Rochester. The 42-0 victory ensured Canada will advance to the quarter-finals, and one step closer to lifting the trophy.

It has been a very good weekend for Canadian rugby!Firstly, the highly contested Pacific Nations Cup match between Canada and the USA in Calgary, doubling as a qualification match for the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup. After 4 years in the wilderness, Tyler Ardron returned for the performance of his Canadian career, serving up 4 tries over his 80 minutes, as Canada defied the odds, to win 34-20!Then, over in England, the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup got underway, as Canada faced Fiji in their opening pool game. Already firmly in the driver's seat, Julia Schell pulled off not only the fastest hat-trick in any Rugby World Cup, but followed it up with another hat-trick, as Canada threw down the gauntlet as contenders for the golden trophy.Was this the best weekend in Candian rugby history? We shall see...

In their final warm-up match before the Women's Rugby World Cup, Canada took on Ireland in Belfast, leading off strongly in the first half, yet taking their foot off the gas in the second, as they won 47-26.Back home, the men's team is having a training camp in Calgary before the Pacific Nations Cup, confusing fans as other nations have already announced their squads. And in St Johns, youth teams representing provinces and territories took to the field for the men's and women's sevens in the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

Well...in the space of about 8 days, Major League Rugby has gone from having 11 teams, to only 8! The withdrawal of NOLA Gold and Miami Sharks, as well as the merger of San Diego Legion and RFC Los Angeles, into the California Legion, has left fans scratching their heads, as Stu & Ed ask what this means for the future of the league.Meanwhile, in much more positive news, Canada's women hosted their only home game this year, as they took on the United States in front of a record crowd, as they prepare for their biggest Women's Rugby World Cup, with eyes on lifting the brand new trophy.

2 Canada matches on the same day?2 matches held in Edmonton? Players scoring 2 tries in a match?...if Canadians love anything, it's a double-double!We begin with a review of Canada's victory over South Africa, how the WRWC squad is building up, and what we should expect against the USA & Ireland.moving to Edmonton, as the alds go over the games against Belgium and Spain, including what worked, what didn't, and what to expect when the Pacific Nations Cup begins in August.

Down in Pretoria, the Canadian women had a bruising encounter with the Springbok Women. While there were a few knocks and injury concerns, it was Canada that emerged victorious in the first Test match of the series, leaving the pitch with a 50-20 victory.Back home, preparations are nearing the end for the men's summer series in Edmonton. With some notable absences and additions to the final series squad, Stephen Meehan has announced his first matchday 23 as Canada Men's Head Coach, as they face Belgium in Edmonton.

Down in Rhode Island, the New England Free Jacks faced off against the Houston Sabercats. Backed by a strong Canadian contingent, the Free Jacks were able to emerge victorious, lifting the MLR Shield for the 3rd time in as many years.Attention then turns to international duty, as Canada's women have announced their touring side to South Africa, as well as the squad for the first test.

With the Conference Finals for MLR 2025 done, Stu & Jeff go over the performances of each team that were playing to make it to the Championship Final in Rhode Island...well, almost every performance.Attention then turns back to Canada for the 2025 edition of the coast to Coast Cup, and Head Coach Stepohen Meehan announces his training squad for the July test series in Edmonton.

The Conference Semi-Finals for MLR 2025 took place, as home advantage paid dividends to the four teams that advance to the Conference Finals. Stu & Ed go over the action, including some cracking tries, and some dubious calls from the TMO.Attention then turns towards Rugby Canada, who released their longlists for both the men's and women's senior XV training squads. For the men, we have the return of Evan Olmstead and Shane O'Leary, while the women have the returning Sophie de Goede looking to make an impact. The question now is who will Stephan Meehan and Kevin Rouet have in their upcoming matches, respectively?