Kevin Ruett: Canada coach on his doubt-raising Saracens stunt

Very popular, very strong and a deep domestic league is a problem Ruett would love to have in Canada.

“Part of the fun of the (Canadian) girls being at PWR is the quality of the game,” she added.

“If you look at PWR’s top eight, even Bristol, who are last, have six wins.

“There’s no easy game, and that’s definitely worth it for the players.

“But off the field, (Canada’s) girls have to live as students. They’re not paid well, Rugby Canada doesn’t pay them enough and their visas don’t allow them to work on the side.

“So, PWR is very helpful, but it’s not sustainable for them to do it for 10 years.

“Also the only reason this PWR league is the best is because players from six, seven, eight countries play in England.

“Young English players who are not centrally contracted have to grind to get playing time. It’s not bad for them. It’s the same for senior Canadian players when they come to PWR clubs.”

These Canadian players and their teammates will have three shots at England and avenge their World Cup finals loss this fall. They meet the Red Roses in Exeter on September 19 before home fixtures in Toronto and Ottawa on October 17 and 24.

There will be huge crowds in Canada, but, with players scattered across the continent and Rugby Canada’s focus moving to the men and Australia 2027, there is little preparation time for those Games.

“That’s the reality of our program – we just have to be confident, but if we don’t beat England, that’s OK too,” Ruett said.

For Saracens, expectations are high. They finished PWR’s regular season strong.

Three-time defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury did not.

Ealing Trailfinders and Bristol Bears are in danger of falling flat after defeats in their last two games.

Saracens face Exeter in the semi-finals this Sunday and Ruett and his team are determined to prove themselves.

“It’s our duty to try to promote the women’s game and part of that is playing fast rugby that’s exciting, fun and beautiful to watch,” he added.

“At Saracens we have great players, players who like to take the initiative, take an option, read the game and respect the structure. They like to do that, maybe I try to empower them to do that.”

He can build bridges, but hope to destroy the Rouet dynasty.