Rugby Canada has announced that its fundraising initiative, “Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025,” has surpassed its target by raising over $1 million. The additional funds, combined with $2.6 million from the governing body, covered the financial gap in Canada head coach Kevin Rouet’s preparation strategy. Despite the second-ranked Canadian women’s team reaching the final on September 27 and ultimately losing 33-13 to top-ranked England at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, the campaign achieved a total of $1.06 million through donations and commitments from more than 1,500 supporters, including community rugby clubs, the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s Monty Heald Fund, and significant contributions from individuals.
Kevin Rouet expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the impact it had on the team’s performance both on and off the field. The campaign provided essential resources that enabled the team to participate in two additional pre-tournament training camps, travel to various locations, cover accommodation expenses outside of the World Cup, and invest in nutrition, medical, and strength and conditioning services during the tournament.
Rugby Canada’s CEO, Nathan Bombrys, emphasized the significance of the community’s belief in the team and its journey, commending the collective effort that surpassed the fundraising goal. However, Rouet acknowledged ongoing budget constraints for the Canadian team, noting the continuous challenge of maximizing resources every year. Despite the success of the recent campaign and the team’s achievements, he anticipates tighter budgets in the coming years, particularly with major events like the Men’s World Cup in 2027 and the Olympics in 2028 on the horizon.
While Rouet remains optimistic that the team’s accomplishments will create new opportunities, he recognizes the evolving financial landscape within the federation. He anticipates a need for adaptability and efficiency moving forward, emphasizing the progressive growth the team has experienced over the years under his leadership.