Published by Le Rouge Rugby
Welcome to Le Rouge Rugby Podcast, where we study all things Rugby Canada and beyond!
Listen on Apple Podcasts34 min
The first leg of the Nations Cup concluded this past weekend, as Canada Men's team returned to Winnipeg for the first time in over 30 years , to take on Zimbabwe for the first time in their history. After a slow start (and a lightning delay,) Canada was able to get the lead, capitalize on penalties, and be far enough ahead, that even a second half resurgence from the Sables wasn't enough, as Canada got their first win of both the tournament, and the year.
29 min
The second round of the Nations Cup took place, this time with Portugal facing off against Canada, and...look, there's no 2 ways around this; it was a bad performance from Canada. After the last few games between the team having been decided by less than a score, the Portugese were able to fire on all cylinders, as the inexperience & lack of confidence from Canada was exploited clinically. The lads try to find some positives, but it was a bad performance.
38 min
The Nations Cup began for Canada in Edmonton, as they hosted the first of three opposition. Up first, Spain, where the visitors won in this venue last year. Looking to avenge last year's loss (and sets themselves up for their confrontation at the Men's Rugby World Cup next year,) Canada came out with a full attack, only to be met with a Spanish response. Truly, a dance of rugby under the Edmonton skies... In other news, we have the fixtures for the Pacific Nations Cup, new signings around the world, and Canadian Women becoming champions in the PWR in England, and Elite 1 in France.
45 min
With the inaugural Nations Cup in under 2 weeks time, Canada finally announce their squad for the home games they'll have in Edmonton and Winnipeg, as Stu, Jeff, and Ed give their choices for the starting XV. And MLR 2026 concludes at SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago, as the Hounds complete their perfect season with a home win in the final, to lift the MLR Shield for the first time.
46 min
The 2026 SVNS World Championsip concludes in Bordeaux, and with Canada's women already confirmed for SVNS 1 next season, can they set out to get a medal in thsi tournament, and end the year on a high note? Elsewhere, the Canada Men's team have their 2026 schedule (somewhat) confirmed, and the Major League Rugby regular season concludes with the Chicago Hounds getting a perfect result.
29 min
After a month's wait, we had the second round of the 2026 SVNS World Championship, with Canada's incredible form continuing in Valladolid, Spain. Would Canada be able to secure a medal, and confirm their place in SVNS 1 for next season? Back home, some disappointing news regarding USPORTS, and the BC Bears host games between Ontario Blues Men, and Alberta Wolfpack Women.
1 hr 11 min
We sit down with 2014 Women's World Cup finalist, and key member of Rugby Canada and Rugby Alberta, Maria Samson, to discuss her rugby journey so far. Maria divulges playing rugby for the McGill Marlets, relocating to Alberta, getting her first cap in Oakville, tours to Europe and New Zealand, playing in the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup, and calling time on her Test career in 2016. Maria also talks about finishing 3rd in Canada's Smartest Person, the ongoing behind-the-scenes work for both Rugby Canada and Alberta rugby, as well as her hopes for the Rugby Rematch Tour later this year.
1 hr 11 min
Canadian rugby playing dyanmo, and 2025 World Rugby Women's Player of the Year, Sophie de Goede , sits down with us to discuss her rugby journey so far. We discuss following in the footsteps of both Sophie's parents, winning gold for Queen's Gaels, signing for Saracens during lockdown, returning to London, wearing the Maple Leaf, getting the captaincy for 2022, attending 2 Women's Rugby World Cups, and preparing for the Rugby Rematch Tour in Toronto & Ottawa.
19 min
Canada's final round of the 2026 Pacific Four Series took place against tournament hosts, and old rivals, the USA. At SeatGeek Stadium in Chicago, the two teams contested a blitzing encounter, to determine who would finish second in this year's edition of the tournament. With the next women's XV matches not until September, a hug announcement came from Rugby Canada - The Rugby Rematch Tour , with Canada hosting England in a replay of the 2025 Women's World Cup Final, both in Toronto and Ottawa in October 2026!
31 min
The second round of the 2026 Pacific Four Series featured the match we had all been waiting for - a repeat of the Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final, Canada vs New Zealand. After another delay due to stormy weather, the match got underway in Kansas City, MI.In Hong Kong, the women's Sevens team began the first round of the new SVNS World Championship. With a position in SVNS 1 for next season on the line, the women looked to secure the gold in Hong Kong's 50th SVNS tournament.
30 min
Canada kicked off their 2026 Pacific Four Series campaign in absolutely miserable weather in Sacramento, as they faced Australia in a waterlogged match-up, strewn with handling errors, and splash downs. In other news, Rugby Canada had their AGM, as the breakdown of expenses show the real position & capabilities of the national union.
30 min
It's been a mixed couple of weeks, as the Canadian Men's Sevens team put themselves in a Sysiphian position in SVNS 2, while the Under-21 Women's team went on the charge in the final 2 matches of there tour of Ireland and England. We also got the squad announcement for the Pacific Four Series, the U-20s Men's camp, and the locations for Canada's first 3 games of the new Nations Cup!
20 min
The SVNS 1 regular season concluded with the newest stage in New York, as they aimed to improve their ranking overall, even if the top 2 spaces were firmly occupied by Australia and New Zealand. In other news, the U21 Women began their tour of Ireland and England, more Canadians sign for Penarol in Super Rugby America, and the Men's Sevens team prepare for Round 2 of SVNS 2, as they aim to make one of the 4 spots available for the SVNS World Championship.
27 min
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.
32 min
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.
1 hr 27 min
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.
24 min
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?
53 min
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.
1 hr 20 min
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.
22 min
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 .