Exclusive: Scrumhalf Olivia Apps Steering Canada Toward Rugby World Cup Final

Canada’s women’s rugby team is turning heads around the world and they’re not done yet. 

Once considered outsiders in the traditional rugby landscape, Canada has risen through the ranks with determination, skill, and unity. Now ranked second in the world, the Canadian women are eyeing a place in the Rugby World Cup final later this year, and they’re backing themselves to go all the way.

Leading from the front is Olivia Apps, captain of the national 7s side and a core member of the 15s squad at scrumhalf. A key figure in the country’s rugby evolution, Apps has seen firsthand the transformation of Canada’s women’s program from a fringe contender to a genuine world power.

South Africa Tour: Final Preparations Underway

As part of their World Cup preparations, the Canadian squad is currently touring South Africa in a two-match series aimed at testing depth and combinations. The first game, played in Pretoria, saw Canada dominate with a 50–20 victory, but Apps emphasized that the focus was more internal than result-driven.

"The objective for South Africa was still to work on combinations, build confidence in the group. We are just focusing on our growth as a team rather than the opponent [South Africa]. We looking to give everyone a run, more gametime for the young players in the group and players who still want to put their hand up for the World Cup," Apps told SportsBoom.com. 

"We still refining a few things in the squad, we are a settled squad just that there are players coming back from injury." 

"The first game was really interesting, it was difficult for us to get continuity on attack and we struggled during the set piece a lot. We had to deal with a few injuries in the 2nd half and lacking in certain areas but we are confident we will bring the learnings from the first game to the second game this weekend. It was kind of like a game of two halves."

Managing Injuries & Building Depth

With the World Cup fast approaching, squad health is a priority. Star forward Sophie de Goede is back from a knee injury, offering a massive boost to the forward pack. However, the altitude and physical toll of the Pretoria fixture led to several knocks, a concern the team is managing cautiously.

“There aren’t really injury concerns,” Apps clarified. 

“It was more about the altitude and giving players game time. We’ll rotate the squad again this weekend to provide more opportunities.”

Aiming Higher: Canada’s World Cup Ambitions

Having finished fourth at the last Rugby World Cup, Canada has gone from hopeful to favorite in just a few years. A draw against New Zealand in their own backyard earlier this year was a watershed moment.

“We’re definitely targeting the final and winning the World Cup,” Apps said. 

“We’ve come a long way since the last tournament and we’re in a good place. The momentum is with us.”

Sevens Speed Meets 15s Power

One of Canada’s strategic advantages lies in its seamless integration of 7s players into the 15s squad. Players like Apps have leveraged their 7s background to bring speed, decision-making, and spatial awareness to the longer format.

"7s was seen as a sport that doesn't require as much rugby IQ. In Canada, the best players play 7s and 15s. What we [7s players] have added to the 15s game is definitely some speed, athletic ability and also some great rugby abilities." 

"7s players are able to identify space, create 2v1 or 3v2 situations. The blend with both codes has helped a lot. In Canada especially, we have seen success from the blend of both codes."

A Champion for Inclusion

Apps has also become a voice for inclusivity in sport, particularly in a rugby environment that has embraced diversity. As a queer woman with alopecia, she’s used her platform to show that rugby is a space where all identities are welcomed.

“Rugby has been really positive and inclusive, especially for the queer community,” she said. 

“With the Canadian team, we promote inclusion and want players to be themselves.”

Apps hopes rugby’s example will inspire other sports to follow suit.

“Rugby is a trailblazer for acceptance in sport. It empowers players to be who they are and we’re taking real steps forward.”

The Maher Effect: Redefining Representation

Apps also credits Ilona Maher, the American 7s star and social media icon, for her work in pushing forward body positivity and gender norms in rugby.

“Ilona has done incredible things for the sport,” she said. 

“She’s shown that women can be strong, muscular, feminine, and powerful all at once. Rugby allows you to be exactly who you are.”