The four nations competing in the inaugural IRL World Series have completed their captain’s runs at the Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, Ontario in rainy and windy weather ahead of the semi finals that start tomorrow (Tuesday).
Ireland will take on Nigeria followed by hosts Canada facing Fiji, with the winners meeting on Sunday to determine the final berth in the 2026 Women’s RL World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The squads then travelled to Brampton Rugby Club for the official opening ceremony which included a recognition of the land, songs and storytelling from Pam Levi and a municipal address from Councillor Santos.
The matches will be streamed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on the following links – Ireland v Nigeria https://bit.ly/48JDIwF (kick off 3pm, local time) and Canada v Fiji bit.ly/4osUepi (6pm).
The head coaches of all four nations confirmed that they are prepared and ready to go.
Ravens’ Matt Barron said: “We’re feeling really positive, everyone’s come in with the right attitude, the players have really bought in. Irrespective of weather being wild and windy at the moment, we’ve got to focus on that not being a possible advantage and more on what we’ve planned. We have a big movement in Canada at the moment called “elbows up” and I’d hope anyone coming will really get behind us, our team needs it, and we won’t let them down.”
His opposite number, Joe Dakuitoga, said: “The preparation has brought the girls together and gelling under Cronulla head coach Tony Hammond, who is helping us out with our preparation. Up to 14 could be making their debut which shows the interest in representing us. We have our own process to follow and we have to worry about ourselves rather than the other nations, we are confident we can get there and training so hard to get to the World Cup. We are looking forward to this challenge.”
Nigeria’s Bolu Fagborun commented: “It’s been good getting our squad from four different continents together and getting used to the conditions. We’ve got some great athletes and seeing them go through their moves and plays, we’re really excited. We’re going to respect the competition, we’re the lowest ranked so a bit of an underdog and we’ll go in with that spirit to see where it gets us. The two games against Ghana were brilliant for us to correct stuff and try things out and combinations. Ireland have a great calibre of player and a strong heritage and we come with full respect for what they can bring.”
SQUADS
Canada
Maddy Aberg, Grace Campbell, Alanna Fittes, Danielle Franada, Rebecca Kochuk, Sarah Maguire (Alberta Broncos), Gabrielle Hindley, Ada Okonkwo, Alayna Scramstad (BC Storm), Megan Pakulis (Gold Coast Titans), Lauren Mueller (London Broncos), Eleta Mitton, Natasha Naismith, Candace Scholten, Beth Hoffstetter, Petra Woods (Ontario Osprey), Rachel Choboter (Otahuhu Leopards), Chantelle Crowl (St Helens RL), Caitlin Sears (Sydneham Rugby League)
Fiji
Tahila Marshall (Brisbane Tigers), Teaghan Hartigan, Ebony Laing, Sienna Laing (Burleigh Bears), Sereana Naitokatoka, Isabella Waterman (Canberra Raiders), Latisha Smythe (Canterbury Bulldogs), Cassie Staples (Cronulla Sharks), Elizabeth Naleba, Tanika Newton (Ipswich Jets), Leilani Asham (Newcastle Knights), Rory Muller (Paramatta Eels), Josiliva Vere Moceinacagi (Police Sharks), Kelilani Manu, Luisa Yaranamu (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Maria Paseka (St George Illawarra Dragons), Naomi Tegu, Kinisalote Vusawa (USP Raiders), Joy Levy, (Wests Tigers)
Ireland
Tricia Doyle, Martha Dwyer (Aspley Devils), Jemma Gallagher (Corrimal Cougars), Aimee Clarke, Niamh Griffin, Emma Kelly, Cliodhna O’Sullivan, Anna Potterton (Dublin City Exiles), Stacy Hanley, Aifric Ní Ghibne (Galway Tribes), Storm Cobain, Mollie Young (Leigh Leopards), Iona McCusker, Polly Roberts, Jade Walker (London Broncos), Steph Carroll, Sarah Scambary (Mounties), Lily Rogan (Wests Tigers)
Nigeria
Chinaza Abbah, Faustina Akeje (Canterbury Bulldogs), Rachel Iliya, Endurance Ukwuoma, Blessing Umude (Eko Trinity), Rukayat Akinade, Blessing Aladeyelu, Lauretta Bayere, Adaeze Innocent (Lagos Bulls), Danyelle Shobanjo (London Broncos), Fedelia Omoghan (Ontario Ospreys), Catherine Akeje (Oran Park Gregory Hills Chargers), Adeola King (Ottawa Tigers RL), Vera Akhihiero, Success Iyoha, Abiola Obazuaye, Becky Okitikpe (R2 Finesse Academy), Shondell Akhabue (Wentworthville Magpies), Siobhan Sheerin (Unattached)
IRL Women's World Series 2025
Venue: Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, Ontario
Tuesday, October 21
Semi-final: Ireland v Nigeria (kick off 3.30pm)
Semi-final: Canada v Fiji (6pm)
Sunday, October 26
Third-place play-off: Semi-final losers (1pm)
Final: Semi-final winners (3.30pm)
Tickets
Semi-finals (Tuesday, Oct 21): https://www.eventbrite.com/.../irl-world-series...
Final (Sunday, Oct 26): https://www.eventbrite.com/.../irl-world-series-finals...