A World Cup Dream Reignited: Canada's Ravens Deliver a Thrashing to Ireland, Sealing Their Place

Well, for a moment there, things looked a little dicey, didn't they? Especially after that unexpected stumble against the USA in the semi-final – a real surprise, given their strong showing in 2022. But, oh, how swiftly fortunes can turn in sport! Canada's formidable Ravens, our women's rugby league team, roared back with a vengeance this past Sunday, utterly dominating Ireland in a thrilling 36-10 victory. And what did that decisive win mean, you ask? A prized ticket, in truth, to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. A redemption story, you could say, playing out vividly in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

From the very first whistle, there was an unmistakable intensity about the Canadian side. They seemed to channel any lingering disappointment from that semi-final into raw, unstoppable energy. Indeed, by halftime, the scoreboard told a rather emphatic story: Canada 20, Ireland 0. A shutout, no less! Tries came thick and fast, a testament to their coordinated attack and sheer individual brilliance. Sarah Maguire, for instance, proved a true force, crossing the whitewash not once, but twice. Then there was Ada Okomian, Brittany Kassil, Alanna Fittes – our captain, mind you – MacKenzie Johnson, and Petra O'Connor-Harris, all adding their names to the score sheet. Christina Dery, bless her precision, converted four of those tries, adding crucial points and keeping the momentum firmly with the Ravens.

Ireland, to their credit, certainly didn't just roll over. They found a glimmer of hope in the second half, with Sibh Miller managing to break through Canada's robust defence twice, and Francessca Goldthorpe adding a conversion. But frankly, the gap was simply too wide; the Ravens were just too clinical, too determined. This wasn't just any game, after all. It was the third-place decider in the Americas North World Cup Qualifier, a tournament that, let's be honest, had thrown a few curveballs.

So, yes, while the USA Eagles ultimately triumphed over Jamaica to claim the second World Cup spot – congratulations to them, by the way – it's Canada's Ravens who, for once, secured their place the hard way. They dug deep. They fought. And they won. This qualification isn't merely about this one match; it’s a culmination of tireless training, unwavering dedication, and perhaps a dash of that grit that truly defines Canadian athletes. Head coach Mike Castle must be beaming, seeing his team rally like this. And honestly, who could blame him? Captain Alanna Fittes, Christina Dery, Ada Okomian – these are just a few of the names that shone brightly, embodying the spirit of this remarkable squad.

The journey to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has officially begun for Canada's women. It’s a testament to resilience, a story of bouncing back, and a promise of thrilling rugby to come. We've seen their fight, and frankly, we can't wait to see what they do on the global stage. Go, Ravens, go!