Apps: Canada expect to beat England in Toronto rematch
Olivia Apps says Canada will be "really, really disappointed" if they do not beat England in Toronto on Friday.
The starting scrum-half — the No. 9 who fires the ball away from tackles and rucks to launch attacks — spoke to BBC Sport before the first of two home Tests against the Red Roses, England's women's team. Canada have branded the double-header the Rugby Rematch Tour. It comes a year after England beat them in the Rugby World Cup final.
Canada have reason to believe. They drew 26-26 with England at Sandy Park in Exeter in their last meeting, becoming the first team to avoid defeat against England in nearly four years, according to BBC Sport.
That result has shifted the mood. Apps said Canada now carry more belief and more expectation into games against England. Winning is the target, not pushing them close.
Friday's game at BMO Field is set for 19:00 local time in Toronto, which is 00:00 on Saturday in Britain, according to England Rugby. England describe it as the opening match of their WXV Global Series trip. The teams meet again in Ottawa seven days later.
More than 15,000 fans are expected to pack BMO Field. These are Canada's first home matches since a World Cup warm-up in August 2025. For a side coached by Kevin Rouet, it is a rare chance to play a heavyweight series in front of their own supporters.
Apps knows the opposition unusually well. She initially joined Saracens as short-term injury cover last October, then played a key part as the London club won their first PWR title in four years. PWR is Premiership Women's Rugby, the top English league.
That season in England changed how she sees the Red Roses. Playing alongside and against England internationals every week took the mystique away from names on a teamsheet, she said. They are still excellent players. They are no longer unknowns.
What makes this stand out is how fast Canada's story has moved off the pitch too. Before the last World Cup they launched a crowdfunding campaign to pay for training camps. A behind-the-scenes documentary on that campaign, called All Heart, has now been released.
For fans, this means a proper grudge series with something for everyone. England bring depth and a long winning habit. Canada bring momentum, fatigue-resistant defence and a home crowd that has waited more than a year for this. If Toronto lives up to Exeter, Ottawa will be loud.
