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‘A pinch-me year’: Lizzie Gibson reflects on her rapid rise with Canada

Lizzie Gibson remembers exactly where she was when Canada played in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final. In a Kingston, Ontario, pub with her Queen’s University teammates and their families.

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 1:00 PM
‘A pinch-me year’: Lizzie Gibson reflects on her rapid rise with Canada
Key Things to Know
  • Lizzie Gibson described 2026 as a pinch-me year after quickly establishing herself as a regular starter for Canada.
  • Gibson has scored four tries this autumn and featured in Canada's victory ending England's 41-match winning streak.
  • Head coach Kévin Rouet named Gibson to start her fifth consecutive WXV game against England in Ottawa.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Canadian forward Lizzie Gibson reflected on her rapid rise to the national team in 2026, describing her progression from university rugby to becoming an international starter as a pinch-me experience. After making her Test debut earlier in the year during the Pacific Four Series, Gibson earned a starting spot for the WXV Global Series and contributed to Canada's victory that snapped England's 41-match winning streak in Toronto.

Gibson has been selected to start her fifth consecutive match in the back row alongside Gabrielle Senft and Julia Omokhuale as Canada prepares to host England at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa. The Queen's University graduate, who set U Sports records with 571 points and 179 conversions, previously played club rugby with the Alhambra Broncos in New Zealand before her call-up by head coach Kévin Rouet.

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