Episode 259: A Fresh Breath, feat. Justine Pelletier

It was all eyes on BC, as SVNS returned to Vancouver, with the men's 7s team taking part in the Tek Tri-Nations Challenge. A mix of fortunes for the teams, as there were losses to be avoided, and wins that were well earned, on an action-packed weekend, though the crowd turnout was disappointing.In other news, players are getting picked up to play overseas, and Major League Rugby has decided to ditch TMO for the Referee Review System...which sounds very similar to TMO. Or VAR.

Canada's men took a reality check on the first leg of the SVNS 2 series, the dates for the 2026 edition of the Pacific Four Series were released, 6 new names were added to the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame, and all eyes turn to Vancouver, for both the Tri-Nations Challenge, and the latest edition of the VAN SVNS.

The lads had the opportunity to sit down with Canada Women's player (and Squidge Rugby's 2025 Scrum-Half of the Year,) Justine Pelletier!Justine regails us with her transition from Quarterback, to Centre, to Scrum-Half, getting into rugby at Laval, making her debut at Twickenham, playing & winning with Stade Bourdelais, playing in 2 Women's Rugby World Cups, that match with the Black Ferns, and what is next for her career.

The SVNS Series continues, as Canada's Women head to Perth. Faced with a tough pool (as they do at every tournament,) could they extend their title abmitions, before SVNS heads to Vancouver?And Rugby Canada makes a pitch to Dragons Den (recorded in May 2025,) as they looked to secure further investment to spread the good name of Canadian rugby. Will any of the Dragons take them up on their offer?

We return to the SVNS 1 circuit, as Canada gets some reinforcements for the Singapore tournament. A tough group required strong performances, as Canada was able to get their best result of the series so far.The lads also discuss the Tri-Nations Challenge set for Vancouver, the new T1 non-contact format, the upcoming U21 women's tour to Ireland & the UK, as well as Canada's schedule for the Men's Rugby World Cup in 2027.

This week, the lads sit down with Canadian hooker, and 3x Major League Rugby champion, Andrew Quattrin!Andrew discusses his time at Wilfred Laurier, going straight into professional rugby with the Toronto Arrows, making the move to New England via Utah, a brief stint in Manawatu, and his recent move to Valence, all the while wearing the Canadian jersey, as he talks about the success and sacrifices of his rugby journey.

It’s January, and we already have some Canadian rugby action,as the Men’s Sevens team flew out to Dubai, to take part in the SVNS Division 3.Placed in a tough group including Italy, Belgium, and Madagascar, the Canadians needed to finish in the top 2 of their group to make the semi-finals. After that, they needed to win their semi-final, to ensure they qualified for SVNS 2, and the opportunity to return to the SVNS World Championship.The lads go over the games, as well as look ahead to the Women’s upcoming tournaments in SVNS 1. 

To close out 2025, the lads sit down for an interview with Canada National Senior Women XVs Head Coach (and Saracens assistant coach,) Kevin Rouet!Kevin tells us about his rugby childhood in France, making the decision to move to Quebec, putting aside his "real job" to become a full-time rugby coach, joining the national team set-up, and taking Canada to 2 Women's Rugby World Cups with fewer than 4 years preparation!

The second round of SVNS in Cape Town concludes, with Canada's Women unable to get a win in the pool, condemning them to another 5th-place playoff. To add further complications, star player Asia Hogan-Rochester has been signed to Sale Sharks Women, limiting her availability for the rest of the SVNS series...and who knows what the promoption/relegation structure will be like, or if World Rugby changes it at the last minute?As the international calendar has effectively ended for Canada in 2025, the lads take a look back on the year, and select their best moment, as well as what they hope for Canadian rugby in 2026.

With the Pool draw for the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup now complete, Canada is scheduled to face Spain, Fiji, and Argentina when they return to rugby's biggest stage. With the tournament now less than 2 years away, Canada will have to focus on the players and playing style they will need to compete in Australia.The lads also discuss Canadian signings in Portugal, the 2026 MLR season structure, the betrayal of Jack Hanratty, and the Women 7s team results from the first round of SVNS in Dubai.