Canada has been rewarded for achieving World Cup Qualification at the earliest possible opportunity with some new fixtures. Three away tests against European opposition have been arranged for the November test window. As first reported by Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press, Canada are set to play Romania, Georgia, and Portugal on their home turf this fall.
Romania and Portugal each had existing availability in their three-game allotment, but Georgia had been set to play Samoa, the USA, and Japan in November. One of those tests will now go to Canada. Samoa and the USA are set to square off this weekend with in the Pacific Nations Cup with a spot in Australia 2027 up for grabs. The loser of that match will immediately face Chile in a two-match play-off.
While the exact order of the first two matches remains uncertain, Portugal should fall on the third week of the test window for Canada with Romania booked to play Uruguay and Georgia hosting Japan. Portugal’s other commitment is November 8 test against Los Teros, leaving the November 15/16 weekend open to play one of Chile, Samoa, or the USA.
Each of Canada’s November opponents qualified for the World Cup during the Rugby Europe Championship earlier this year. Georgia are the highest ranked at No11 on World Rugby’s ladder, with Portugal at No18, and Romania at No21. The Maple Leafs currently sit at No24.
