This week marks a significant milestone in women’s rugby with the final qualifying tournament for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup taking place in the Americas. Teams from Canada, the USA, and Jamaica will compete for a coveted spot in the inaugural 2025 World Series, alongside Ireland, Nigeria, and Fiji.
The tournament will unfold at the University of North Florida Rugby Fields in Jacksonville, Florida. The host nation, USA, will kick off the competition against Jamaica, with the match scheduled for 7 PM local time. The winner of this matchup will face Canada on Saturday, November 9, at 4 PM local time.
As Canada prepares for this important tournament, they will also play a warm-up match against a USA Pioneers development team. The Canadian squad is heavily comprised of players from the Ontario Ospreys and is eager to showcase their skills as they aim for their third World Cup appearance. Captain Dani Franada expressed the excitement and privilege of representing Canada, emphasizing the hard work the team has invested leading up to this tournament.
On the other hand, Jamaica’s Women’s Reggae Warriors feature four players from the UK leagues and are vying for their first World Cup spot. Romeo Monteith, the director of rugby for Jamaica, views this as a historic moment that could inspire the growth of women’s rugby in Jamaica and encourage more players from the diaspora to join the team.
The USA Hawks, under the guidance of head coach Sean Rutgerson, are also ready to make their mark. This tournament is particularly special as it represents the USA’s first women’s international match on domestic soil. With a squad featuring new debuts and experienced players, the team is focused on seizing this opportunity to shine in front of a home crowd.
All matches will be live streamed, allowing fans to follow this exciting tournament as it unfolds.
This tournament not only highlights the increasing popularity and competitiveness of women’s rugby in the Americas but also sets the stage for a promising future. With dedication and growing support, the women’s game is making strides, and this weekend’s matches could be pivotal in further elevating the sport on a global scale.