Canada’s journey to the Women’s Rugby World Cup final has not taken Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys by surprise. The team’s impressive performance has grabbed international attention with headlines such as BBC’s “Fairytale Canada delivers seismic win over New Zealand,” CNN’s “Crowdfunded Canadian team stuns reigning champion New Zealand to reach Women’s Rugby World Cup final,” and ESPN’s “Canada crowdfunded their way to Women’s Rugby World Cup. Now they’re in the final.”
Bombrys expressed his confidence in Canada’s second-ranked women’s team to win over more fans during the final against top-ranked England. Despite acknowledging the strength of England’s Red Roses, who have enjoyed a 32-game winning streak, Bombrys firmly believes in his players’ capabilities to secure victory.
Contrary to misconceptions, Bombrys clarified that the Canadian women did not solely rely on crowdfunding to participate in the tournament. Rugby Canada allocated $2.6 million to support the team’s preparation, with an additional fundraising campaign to bridge a million-dollar gap. The team’s priorities were centered on training camp funding and preparation, all of which were diligently supported by the organization.
The Canadian public’s generous backing, in addition to Rugby Canada’s financial support, played a crucial role in the team’s journey to the final. While the players’ earnings remain modest compared to their English counterparts, the hope is that their success will attract more sponsors to support the growth of the sport in Canada.
As the Canadian women’s team continues to excel, plans for future competitions and engagements are already in motion. The introduction of the WXV Global Series will provide the team with more high-profile matches and opportunities to showcase their talent. With upcoming tours and potential games in Canada, the aim is to foster sustainable support and enthusiasm for women’s rugby in the country.
Notable figures like actor Russell Crowe have also shown their support for the Canadian women’s team on social media, emphasizing the growing recognition and admiration for their achievements in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
