Versatile Star at the Heart of Canada’s Rugby World Cup Bid
Sophie de Goede epitomizes the ideal rugby player—adaptable, relentless, and central to Canada’s quest to overcome England in the Rugby World Cup final. More than a decade ago, she watched from the stands at Stade Jean-Bouin as Canada fell to England. Back then, 20,000 spectators were present; now, 82,000 await to see if De Goede and her team can overturn that 2014 defeat.
A skillful kicker, try-scorer, and dominant presence in breakdowns, the 26-year-old is a driving force for Canada. While the squad boasts other key players—such as captain Alex Tessier and scrum-half Justine Pelletier, whose performance against defending champions New Zealand in the semi-final was outstanding—De Goede remains the linchpin. England knows containing her is crucial to their hopes of claiming victory at Twickenham.
Throughout this tournament, De Goede has made a significant impact, scoring three tries, a penalty, and 20 conversions to reach 58 points. She has secured five turnovers, completed 65 of 70 tackles, and leads the tournament with 11 offloads.
Her talent comes naturally—both her parents captained Canada: her mother, Stephanie, led the team in the first two Women’s Rugby World Cups, and her father, Hans, did so in the 1987 men’s tournament. Yet her individual drive and meticulous preparation have also played a defining role. These qualities earned her a nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year, alongside England’s Meg Jones and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller. No one in the sport was surprised, least of all her Saracens teammate Poppy Cleall.
“It was completely expected,” Cleall said. “Sophie will win the award, whether this year or next. If she keeps performing as she does, she’ll win it multiple times. Her commitment is unmatched. She’s a special player because of her discipline and professionalism. I’ve never seen anyone bring their own gym equipment everywhere they go. Her intensity elevates everyone around her.”
Her resilience adds to her brilliance. Returning from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, De Goede has been among the tournament’s standout performers.
Sophie Bridger, another Saracens teammate, admires her comeback. “She’s relentless—you always want to play alongside her because she fights for every moment. The way she recovered and delivered when it mattered most proves she’s an extraordinary athlete. I look forward to sharing the pitch with her again in north London—she’s at her best.”
Sustaining the injury just a week after being named to Canada’s 2024 Olympics squad was a setback, but De Goede remained a vocal supporter as the team achieved a historic victory.
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