Olympic Underdogs to Rugby World Cup Heartache: Canada’s 12-Month Roller Coaster With Alysha Corrigan

This week Jess is joined by friend of the pod Emma Swords, who steps into the cohost saddle, and a very special guest all the way from Canada—Saracens and Canada international Alysha Corrigan.

Alysha opens up about her journey from growing up in Canada—where women’s rugby often flies under the radar—to taking a leap of faith and moving across the world to chase the professional game in England. She talks about the sacrifices behind that decision, the toughest off-field adjustments to life in the U.K., and the moment she realised rugby could take her to the very top of the sport.

The conversation dives into Canada’s incredible run at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, including what it felt like to play in the record-breaking final at Allianz Twickenham, how the squad reflects on finishing second now that the dust has settled, and the unforgettable memories from the tournament.

Alysha also reflects on a wild 12 months of rugby, going from an Olympic silver medal in Paris 2024 to challenging for World Cup gold, and the mental and emotional roller coaster that comes with competing on the biggest stages in sport.

YEEEEHAW.