Canada's Charity Williams (6) runs the ball to score a try against Fiji during Vancouver Sevens women's rugby action, in Vancouver, on Sunday, March 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

By The Canadian Press

Canadian women top U.S. to earn bronze in final tournament of rugby 7s worlds

Jun 7, 2026 | 3:40 PM

BORDEAUX — Canada’s women’s rugby team defeated the United States 21-19 in a third-place playoff to earn bronze on Sunday at HSBC SVNS Bordeaux, the third and final tournament of the HSBC SVNS world championship.

The victory moved the Canadians ahead of both France and the United States in the overall world championship standings to secure third place and claim the bronze medal. Canada finished fourth at each of the first two tournaments of the HSBC SVNS world championship to be within reach of a medal on Sunday.

“We’re really proud,” said head coach Jocelyn Barrieau. “This is a group that chose to bounce back on day three, something we haven’t been able to do this year.

“It took hard work and a lot of detail. Credit goes to all the players who took on the last part of our framing year to put us in a place to grow and look forward to what we are calling our ‘finishing’ year next season.”

Canada landed in the playoff after a 19-17 loss to finalist New Zealand earlier in the day.

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Canada, which was led by Charity Williams’ two tries, held 10-0 and 17-12 leads before New Zealand took advantage of a penalty and scored on the match’s final play to win it.

“The team got together when we came off the field and our captain, Florence (Symonds), gathered everyone and said, ‘We’re going to get through this because we have each other’s backs and we’re going to move forward together,’” Barrieau said. “It was just an amazing display of leadership from her.”

Against the Americans, Williams scored her second try of the game and 10th of the weekend to help the Canadians to a 21-14 lead in the second half.

The U.S. answered with a late try but missed the conversion, leaving Canada ahead 21-19. Canada then controlled possession in the closing moments to secure the victory.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Canadian women top U.S. to earn bronze in final tournament of rugby 7s worlds

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