Canada Women’s Rugby Union – Number 8 / Lock
Few players have emerged as quickly on the world stage as Canada’s powerful forward Sophie de Goede. Known for her leadership, physicality, and athletic skill set, she has become a central figure for the Canadian national team and one of the most influential forwards in modern women’s rugby.
Early Career and Development
Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Sophie de Goede grew up in a rugby family. Her parents were both elite players for Canada women’s national rugby union team, which meant the sport was part of her life from an early age.
She began playing youth rugby in her hometown with Castaway Wanderers Rugby Club, one of Canada’s most respected rugby clubs. There she developed the strong fundamentals and physical style that would later define her international career.
De Goede later played university rugby for Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario), where she quickly established herself as one of the country’s most promising young forwards. Her performances at university level brought her into the Canadian national pathway while she was still a teenager.
International Breakthrough
De Goede made her international debut in 2018 for Canada women’s national rugby union team, immediately standing out for her athleticism and ability to influence the game both in the tight exchanges and open play.
Her versatility allows her to play both Number 8 and lock, giving Canada crucial flexibility in their forward pack. She soon became a regular starter and a driving force behind the team’s set-piece dominance.
By her early twenties, she had already taken on leadership responsibilities and was named captain of Canada’s national team.
Career Honours and Achievements
Sophie de Goede has already built an impressive résumé at both club and international level.
Major Achievements
- Captain of Canada women’s national rugby union team
- Women’s Rugby World Cup silver medal – 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup (played in 2022)
- Named in the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year
- One of the key forwards in Canada’s rise back into the top tier of international rugby
Her performances during the 2022 World Cup helped Canada reach the final against the dominant New Zealand women’s national rugby union team.
International Career Statistics
De Goede has rapidly become one of the most experienced players in the Canadian squad despite still being in the early stages of her career.
International Overview
- International debut: 2018
- Position: Number 8 / Lock
- International caps: 40+
- Major tournaments played:
- Women’s Rugby World Cup
- Pacific Four Series
- Captaincy: Has captained Canada in multiple international competitions.
Wrap Up
The rise of players like Sophie de Goede reflects the growing strength of Canadian women’s rugby on the international stage. Canada’s run to the final of the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup confirmed the nation’s status as one of the world’s elite teams alongside the Black Ferns and England’s Red Roses.
As women’s rugby continues to expand professionally, Sophie de Goede is widely seen as one of the players who will shape the next decade of the sport.