April 11, 2026 (Sacramento, California) – Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team opened its 2026 Pacific Four Series campaign later than expected, as a weather delay pushed kickoff more than an hour past the scheduled start time against Australia. 

Both teams battled through wet conditions, but Canada adapted best, securing a 24–0 victory over the Wallaroos at Heart Health Park on Saturday night in Sacramento, California. 

First Half  

The two sides struggled early, frequently exchanging possession on a waterlogged field. Canada opened the scoring in the 19th minute after earning a penalty on the Australian goal line. Opting for a lineout, they set up a maul before Julia Omokhuale crossed two phases later for a 5–0 lead. 

Late in the first half, Canada added a second try following sustained pressure inside the Australian 22-metre. Captain Justine Pelletier made a break after finding a gap around the ruck and was stopped just short of the line, but Pamphinette Buisa collected the ball at the breakdown and powered over. Claire Gallagher converted to give Canada a 12–0 halftime advantage. 

Second Half 

Canada created several scoring chances in the second half but were hindered by handling errors caused by the heavy rain near the try line, including a knock-on in the 56th minute. After multiple attempts, they extended their lead in the 67th minute. With a penalty advantage, Pelletier moved the ball wide through Taylor Perry to Asia Hogan-Rochester, who finished for a third Canadian try. 

Debutant Kiki Idowu added Canada’s final score, the first of her international career, crossing in the 74th minute shortly after entering the match to bring the final score to 24–0. 

Scoring Summary: Julia Omokhuale (1T), Pamphinette Buisa (1T), Asia Hogan-Rochester (1T), Kiki Idowu (1T), Claire Gallagher (2C) 

ON DEBUT 

Six players earned their first caps for Canada’s women’s 15s team on Saturday against Australia. Chloe Daniels, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist with Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team, and Aurora Bowie, a Stouffville, Ontario native and University of Ottawa alumna, started in the back three. 

Named to the matchday roster as reserves, Sierra Gillis, Brooke Rempel, Corinne Fréchette, and Idowu all took the field in the second half, each earning their first cap for the Canadian senior women’s team. 

A WORD FROM CAPTAIN JUSTINE PELLETIER  

“We did our best with the weather,” said Pelletier. “We knew it wasn’t going to be a fancy rugby game and the style of rugby we like to play. Today was all about keeping the ball and getting into the fight. I am pretty proud of the team that we could come up with that win and a lot of new caps for us today, so I am very proud of them.”  
 
“We talked before the game about changing our plan to go more into a kick battle and play more direct. It took us a little time to adjust but the second half was way better, and I think that is where we showed a bit more dominance.”  
 
UP NEXT FOR CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM 

Canada vs New Zealand 
CPKC Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri 
Friday April 17 at 3:15 p.m. PT / 6:15 p.m. ET  
Watch live on TSN and TSN+ 
 
Canada vs USA 
Seat Geek Stadium – Chicago, Illinois 
Friday April 24 at 5:30 p.m. PT / 8:30 p.m. ET 
Watch live on TSN and TSN+ 
 
CANADA’S WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER VS AUSTRALIA 
1. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats / Ontario West (53 caps) 
2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs (41 caps) 
3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs (69 caps) 
4. Julia Omokhuale (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Irish Rugby Club / Saracens (6 caps) 
5. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia University / Saracens (21 caps) 
6. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish / Bristol Bears (18 caps) 
7. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens (39 caps) 
8. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais (40 caps) 
9. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais (42 caps) 
10. Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders (22 caps) 
11. Aurora Bowie (Stouffville, ON) – University of Ottawa / Markham Irish / FC Grenoble Amazones (Uncapped) 
12. Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders (19 caps)  
13. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau (24 caps) 
14. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC / Sharks (7 caps) 
15. Chloe Daniels (Sutton, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Queen’s University / Bristol Bears (Uncapped) 

FINISHERS 
16. Kiki Idowu (Toronto, ON) – University of British Columbia / Toronto Scottish – (Uncapped 
17. Sierra Gillis (Victoria, BC) – University of Victoria (Uncapped) 
18. Brooke Rempel (Ariss, ON) – Brock University / Brantford Harlequins / Ontario West (Uncapped)  
19. Ashlynn Smith (Abbotsford, BC) – University of Calgary / Rugby Club Toulon (2 caps) 
20. Sophie de Goede (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens (40 caps) 
21. Rachel Smith (South Surrey, BC) – University of British Columbia (4 caps) 
22. Corinne Frechette (Saint-Zéphirin-de-Courval, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Université Laval / Québec East (Uncapped)  
23. Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Westshore RFC / Saracens (41 caps) 
 
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