Latest news with #AlexTessier
Toronto Star
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Basketball's loss is rugby's gain as Alex Tessier leads Canada at Rugby World Cup
France's Marine Menager grabs Canada's Alex Tessier's leg as she runs the ball during WXV 1 women's rugby union action, in Vancouver, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. Canadian Tessier is a finalist for World Rugby's Women's 15s Player of the Year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns EC flag wire: true flag sponsored: false article_type: : sWebsitePrimaryPublication : publications/toronto_star bHasMigratedAvatar : false :
CBC
2 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Canadian prop DaLeaka Menin expected to play an important role at Rugby World Cup
Canada coach Kevin Rouet has plenty of options when it comes to choosing his front row at the Rugby World Cup. But DaLeaka Menin is usually one of the first names on the Canadian team sheet. "For me, she's the best tighthead (prop) in the world," said Rouet. "There is no question." Menin is an important part of the Canadian team, a powerful ball-carrier who can break tackles as well as make life miserable in the scrum for opposing props. "She's an incredible player," said Canadian captain Alex Tessier. "And often overlooked, I think. She's not only a good scrummager, but she does so much more in the open field. She understands the game super-well." "Probably the only skills that she's missing right now are her kicking skills, but you don't expect a prop to kick, so that's all right," she added with a laugh. Menin and second-ranked Canada open Group B play Saturday against No. 14 Fiji in York, England, at the expanded 16-team tournament. It's a third World Cup for the 30-year-old from Vulcan, Alta., who plays her club rugby in England, joining the Exeter Chiefs ahead of the 2021-22 season after three seasons with the Loughborough Lightning. WATCH l Shift in mindset in Canadian women's rugby 15s: One month out from Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 27 days ago There's been a shift in mindset in Canadian women's rugby 15s, Tyson Beukeboom explains ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 which begins in just one month in England. Canada's first game is August 23rd vs. let's just say, they are ready! One of a half-dozen Canadians on Exeter's roster, Menin enjoys living in the southwest tip of England. "Being an Alberta girl, living near the coast is very exciting, so I do love that," she said. She also savours the chance to play at a high level with talent from around the world, as well as England. Rouet was able to bring on the Exeter front row trio of Menin, Emily Tuttosi and Mikiela Nelson off the bench in the Pacific Four Series opener against the U.S. on May 2 in Kansas City, a game that saw Rouet rotate his roster. "Me and Emily, we've known each other since university" said Menin, referencing the University of Calgary. "It's fun to have someone that you know so well to go to, whether it's a bad day or a good day," she added. 'For the love of it' Playing in England does not come with a big paycheque, however. Only some of the players get paid "Generally, room and board is a really common one to give us because rent is the most expensive thing that you're going to face," said Menin. "I would say it comes down to almost breaking even with a little bit on top, depending on the athlete you are." On the plus side, the compensation is getting better "Like from my first year getting paid to being paid this last season, the amount of money has increased for sure but by no means is it comparable to what I think people assume a professional athlete is experiencing. I am doing this more for the love of it than I'm doing it for the money I'm putting in my pocket." Menin is not complaining, however. "I'm so grateful to be in this growth process for the women's game. Do I sort of wish I was 10 years in the future where you miss all of these bumpy growth steps? It's increasing. It's maybe not as glamorous as it sounds to be a professional women's player right now as it will be in five to 10 years." Menin started rugby at 12, rising the age group ranks with the Calgary Hornets. She represented Canada at the under-20 level before making her senior debut against New Zealand in 2015. Menin's cap count now stands at 63, with 11 tries scored, ahead of her third World Cup. "I look back at my first World Cup (in 2017) and I was 21 years old and didn't even think I was supposed to be there and was very scared most of the time," she recalled with a laugh. The pandemic-delayed 2021 tournament, in November 2022, saw the Canadians give England a scare before falling 26-19 in the semifinal. Canada then suffered a disappointing 36-0 loss to France in the third-place game. Away from rugby, Menin has a degree in law and society/sociology. "My parents, bless them, have really pushed us to go to university, and I really thank them for that," she said. "Do I have a degree that I'm unsure exactly where it will lead me in life? Maybe. "When I took it, I sort of thought that maybe I wanted to work somewhere within the legal system and I thought this was a good degree for it. And then I had an opportunity to go overseas and that degree has been maybe left unused a little bit. But I'm happy to have it. I hope someday that I will maybe put it into full force, but it gave me a lot of critical thinking skills. So I take that for what it is. Hopefully, it will help me in the future."
Hamilton Spectator
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada names starting lineup for opening rugby test against Springboks women
Centre Alex Tessier, one of three Canadians named to World Rugby Women's 15s Dream Team of the Year in 2024, will captain Canada in Saturday's opening rugby test against South Africa. Second-ranked Canada faces the 12th-ranked Springbok women at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, playing ahead of the men's match between the top-ranked Springboks and No. 10 Italy. Laetitia Royer, another member of the 2024 Dream Team, starts in the second row. But there is no place yet for star backrower and captain Sophie de Goede, the other Dream Team member who is back in the squad after knee surgery. De Goede has not played since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament on June 21, 2024, in a non-contact scrimmage against the United States on the last day of a Canada sevens camp in Chula Vista, Calif. Canada and South Africa meet again July 12 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. 'These next two matches in South Africa will be a fantastic opportunity to build depth and confidence amongst the squad and for the players to showcase themselves with the World Cup coming up quickly,' Canada coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement. 'Saturday will be about focusing on the style of the game we want to play going forward and all the small details that come with that.' Frontrower Holly Phillips, who plays in England for the Bristol Bears, could make her debut for Canada off the bench. Starting hooker Gillian Boag and prop McKinley Hunt will both earn their 30th cap. After the South Africa tour, Canada plays the ninth-ranked United States on Aug. 1 in Ottawa and No. 5 Ireland on Aug. 9 in Dublin. The Canadian women open the World Cup in England against No. 15 Fiji on Aug. 23 in York, then face No. 10 Wales on Aug. 30 in Manchester and No. 7 Scotland on Sept. 6 in Exeter. Canada is 12-5-1 since the last World Cup. Four of the losses were to top-ranked England, with the other to New Zealand. Canada Roster McKinley Hunt, King City, Ont., Saracens (England); Gillian Boag, Calgary, Gloucester-Hartpury (England); DaLeaka Menin, Vulcan, Alta., Exeter Chiefs (England); Caroline Crossley, Victoria, Castaway Wanderers; Courtney O'Donnell, Rimbey, Alta., Red Deer Titans Rugby; Laetitia Royer, Loretteville, Que., ASM Romagnat (France); Fabiola Forteza, Quebec City, Stade Bordelais (France); Gabrielle Senft, Regina, Saracens (England); Olivia Apps, Lindsay, Ont., Lindsay RFC; Taylor Perry, Oakville, Ont., Exeter Chiefs (England): Fancy Bermudez, Edmonton, Alta., Saracens (England); Alex Tessier, Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Que., Exeter Chiefs (England); Florence Symonds, Vancouver, UBC; Alysha Corrigan, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Saracens (England); Julia Schell, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England). Replacements Mikiela Nelson, North Vancouver, Exeter Chiefs (England); Holly Phillips, Canmore, Alta., Bristol Bears (England); Rori Wood, Sooke, B.C., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Rachel Smith, South Surrey, UBC; Tyson Beukeboom, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Pamphinette Buisa, Gatineau, Que., Ottawa Irish; Justine Pelletier, Rivière-du-Loup, Que., Stade Bordelais (France); Shoshanah Seumanutafa, White Rock, B.C., Counties Manukau (New Zealand). —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2025 Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada names starting lineup for opening rugby test against Springboks women
Centre Alex Tessier, one of three Canadians named to World Rugby Women's 15s Dream Team of the Year in 2024, will captain Canada in Saturday's opening rugby test against South Africa. Second-ranked Canada faces the 12th-ranked Springbok women at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, playing ahead of the men's match between the top-ranked Springboks and No. 10 Italy. Laetitia Royer, another member of the 2024 Dream Team, starts in the second row. But there is no place yet for star backrower and captain Sophie de Goede, the other Dream Team member who is back in the squad after knee surgery. De Goede has not played since tearing her anterior cruciate ligament on June 21, 2024, in a non-contact scrimmage against the United States on the last day of a Canada sevens camp in Chula Vista, Calif. Canada and South Africa meet again July 12 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. 'These next two matches in South Africa will be a fantastic opportunity to build depth and confidence amongst the squad and for the players to showcase themselves with the World Cup coming up quickly,' Canada coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement. 'Saturday will be about focusing on the style of the game we want to play going forward and all the small details that come with that.' Frontrower Holly Phillips, who plays in England for the Bristol Bears, could make her debut for Canada off the bench. Starting hooker Gillian Boag and prop McKinley Hunt will both earn their 30th cap. After the South Africa tour, Canada plays the ninth-ranked United States on Aug. 1 in Ottawa and No. 5 Ireland on Aug. 9 in Dublin. The Canadian women open the World Cup in England against No. 15 Fiji on Aug. 23 in York, then face No. 10 Wales on Aug. 30 in Manchester and No. 7 Scotland on Sept. 6 in Exeter. Canada is 12-5-1 since the last World Cup. Four of the losses were to top-ranked England, with the other to New Zealand. Canada Roster McKinley Hunt, King City, Ont., Saracens (England); Gillian Boag, Calgary, Gloucester-Hartpury (England); DaLeaka Menin, Vulcan, Alta., Exeter Chiefs (England); Caroline Crossley, Victoria, Castaway Wanderers; Courtney O'Donnell, Rimbey, Alta., Red Deer Titans Rugby; Laetitia Royer, Loretteville, Que., ASM Romagnat (France); Fabiola Forteza, Quebec City, Stade Bordelais (France); Gabrielle Senft, Regina, Saracens (England); Olivia Apps, Lindsay, Ont., Lindsay RFC; Taylor Perry, Oakville, Ont., Exeter Chiefs (England): Fancy Bermudez, Edmonton, Alta., Saracens (England); Alex Tessier, Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Que., Exeter Chiefs (England); Florence Symonds, Vancouver, UBC; Alysha Corrigan, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Saracens (England); Julia Schell, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England). Replacements Mikiela Nelson, North Vancouver, Exeter Chiefs (England); Holly Phillips, Canmore, Alta., Bristol Bears (England); Rori Wood, Sooke, B.C., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Rachel Smith, South Surrey, UBC; Tyson Beukeboom, Uxbridge, Ont., Ealing Trailfinders (England); Pamphinette Buisa, Gatineau, Que., Ottawa Irish; Justine Pelletier, Rivière-du-Loup, Que., Stade Bordelais (France); Shoshanah Seumanutafa, White Rock, B.C., Counties Manukau (New Zealand). — This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2025
ABC News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Canada bully Wallaroos in World Cup reality check
The Canadian juggernaut have offered the new-look Wallaroos a harsh pre-World Cup reminder of their standing with a 45-7 Test win in Brisbane. World number two Canada dominated every aspect of Friday afternoon's clash, only the second time Australia's women have graced Suncorp Stadium. Down 21-0 after 20 minutes, the hosts were lucky not to concede more than one extra try before the break, although there was a response to begin the second stanza. A strong tackle-busting effort from winger Desiree Miller to score was brief respite though in a dominant Canadian performance. Australia, ranked sixth in the world, beat world number eight USA last weekend after a comprehensive loss to number three New Zealand to begin the Pacific Four Series. Canada drew with New Zealand last week and will enter August's World Cup in England, where the hosts top the rankings, confident of bringing the trophy back with them. In seven World Cups, Australia have a sole third-placed finish and otherwise finished no higher than fifth. "Would have loved the win last weekend but had to move on quickly," Canadian captain Alex Tessier said. "Very proud; a decent win and put a lot of points on the board. "The Pac Four plays a huge role (for the World Cup) … which is coming up quite quickly." The visitor's forward pack was rampaging in the first half, Australia unable to plug the gaps in defence and hesitant with ball in hand while their line-out struggled to function. Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick had her moments in her first Test at inside centre, making a strong covering tackle to save a try and darting through the line whenever the opportunity presented. The Wallaroos' replacement forwards also made an impact, reserve hooker Adiana Talakai unlucky to have a try disallowed after her injection after half-time. Australia captain and back-rower Siokapesi Palu was another bright spot for the side but admitted her team had work to do with three Tests left before their World Cup opener. "Canada were really physical, and set piece again was challenging," she said. "We know they're a quality side and we really need to step up moving forward." AAP
