Exclusive: Canada Women’s Rugby Dominates South Africa, Tyson Beukeboom Calls for Greater Investment Inspired by Siya Kolisi

Canada’s women’s rugby team continued its impressive form with a dominant 2-0 series win over South Africa, but it wasn’t just the results that stood out—it was the call for greater advocacy and investment in the women’s game, echoed by the team’s captain and inspired by one of rugby’s biggest icons: Siya Kolisi.

Canada Flexes Depth Ahead of RWC

Head coach Kevin Rouet’s approach to the series was clear: test depth, build combinations, and sharpen readiness for the upcoming Rugby World Cup. With all 32 players seeing game time across the two tests, Canada executed their plan efficiently, even if fatigue occasionally crept in.

“We came here with 32 players and wanted to use all 32. The mindset was to come back with two wins,” Rouet explained. “It wasn’t easy. South Africa played well.”

"We will announce the team [for the Rugby World Cup] when we get back home. After that we will play USA and Ireland, just before the World Cup. We don't have a lot of time together so playing a lot of games is very important for us. We need more games to be ready, as you can see on the field sometimes [laughs]."

Despite Canada’s whitewash of the 10th-ranked Springbok Women, Rouet was quick to highlight areas for improvement and readiness. The team’s final pre-World Cup preparations include matches against the USA and Ireland which are crucial opportunities for sharpening performance and building synergy.

Beukeboom, Kolisi & the State of the Women’s Game

Captain Tyson Beukeboom offered a broader reflection beyond the pitch, praising Springbok captain Siya Kolisi for his support of women’s rugby, a rare and powerful ally in the fight for parity.

"More can be done for women's sport in general. As far as rugby goes, South Africa has set a standard. The men [Springboks] have pushed the women [Springbok Women] forward. I am really supportive of the women's program here [South Africa] and it's awesome to see. I wish every country was like that, unfortunate truth, it's not," Beukeboom told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"To have Siya Kolisi come in [changeroom] and say hello to pretty much everyone in our team and be so involved, tagging us online and promoting the game it's awesome to see that. Himself and his team [Springboks] are setting a standard of what it looks like to promote women's rugby."

The message is clear: advocacy from top male players isn’t just symbolic rather it’s catalytic. Kolisi’s presence and public support underline how influential allies can elevate the women’s game both in visibility and resources.

Injuries & Returns: The Road to the RWC Isn't Smooth

The physical toll of the tour wasn’t ignored. Olivia DeMerchant’s injury in the second match cast a shadow, with her availability for the World Cup now uncertain. But the series also brought joy most notably, the return of Sophie de Goede after 13 months out with a knee injury.

"It was awesome having her back. She is a world class player, the more world class players we can get [on the field] the better. Was great seeing her out on the pitch, to get that monkey off her back. She had a good game," said Beukeboom. 

Rouet ehcoed the sentiment, "I spoke to her after the game, she was so excited and she wanted more! And I said to her, the process is slow, you just got back and you must relax. She is happy to be back and the team is happy to have her back also."

"In the 2nd game [Gqeberha], there were strong injuries from my tighthead [Olivia Dermerchant] . We will see what will happen [with her] but other than that we will be fine."

Confidence: Canada’s Secret Weapon

With a solid core, deep roster, and recent draw over global heavyweights the Black Ferns, and victory over France, Canada enters the Rugby World Cup ranked second in the world. More importantly, they carry belief.

"For us it's all about confidence, when we played England, France or New Zealand for example before the last World Cup, there was always that little bit of doubt," admitted Beukeboom.

"Now we are challenging and beating those top teams. We have the confidence and we know we can do it now. So it's less of can we do it but more of how are we going to do it. We are looking to get into that final and win the final [RWC]. That's our goal."