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Firing of ex-lacrosse association official was fair: court filing

Free Press staff 2 minute read Monday, May. 25, 2026

THE Manitoba Lacrosse Association has denied its former executive director’s allegations he was wrongfully terminated amid ongoing harassment and discrimination over his mental health.

The organization’s former director, Matthew Mason, filed his lawsuit in March, claiming he was dismissed on Aug. 11, 2025 without proper notice or compensation.

The association denies wrongdoing and asks the court to dismiss his claim, in a recently filed statement of defence.

“The MLA denies that the termination was unfair, harsh, reprehensible, malicious, or done in bad faith and nor does it constitute an independent actionable wrong,” reads the organization’s court filing.

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Jeff Gustafson, of Kenora, Ont., shown in this handout photo, is keen to start the '26 Elite Series season, which begins next Thursday at Alabama's Lake Guntersville. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout-Bass Anglers Sportsman Society-Logan Crumley (Mandatory Credit)

Canadian Gustafson looking forward to fresh start to Elite Series fishing season

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Canadian Gustafson looking forward to fresh start to Elite Series fishing season

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

It's time for Jeff Gustafson to forge ahead.

Gustafson, of Kenora, Ont., is keen to start the 2026 Elite Series fishing season, which begins next Thursday at Alabama's Lake Guntersville. While there's always optimism about a new campaign, it's also a welcomed opportunity for Gustafson to move past the worst stint of his pro career.

Gustafson finished 84th overall last year, failing for the first time to qualify for the US$1-million Bassmaster Classic, pro bass fishing's most prestigious tournament. The '26 event goes in March on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn., where in '23 Gustafson went wire-to-wire to become the competition's first Canadian champion.

Gustafson also went wire-to-wire there for his first Elite Series win in 2021. Although Gustafson won't compete in March, he'll still attend the Classic.

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Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

Other Sports

Canada's head coach Head coach Kevin Rouet, centre wearing black, stands with his team as they look on while England celebrates their win in the Women's Rugby World Cup in the London suburb of Twickenham, U.K., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Rugby World Cup final still generates a mix of emotions for Canada coach, captain

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Rugby World Cup final still generates a mix of emotions for Canada coach, captain

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

It's been a little more than a month since the Women's Rugby World Cup final, and Canada captain Sophie de Goede is back playing for England's Saracens and coach Kevin Rouet is planning ahead.

But both have yet to get put their 33-13 loss to England's Red Roses in the championship game behind them.

"I certainly don't think I'm over it, especially being here in England," said de Goede, who plays her club rugby for Saracens. "There's a lot of reminders."

"I think it's a mix of two emotions, two really strong emotions, that I'm still feeling right now," she added. "Immense disappointment and you're gutted, because not only did we lose but we didn't have the performance that we would have wanted.

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Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

Other Sports

England's Zoe Aldcroft holds a trophy as she celebrates with her teammates after winning the Women's Rugby World Cup final match between England and Canada at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Rugby setting high expectations for 2029 Women’s World Cup in Australia

Foster Niumata, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Rugby setting high expectations for 2029 Women’s World Cup in Australia

Foster Niumata, The Associated Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 30, 2025

LONDON (AP) — Basking in the afterglow of the best Women's Rugby World Cup yet, World Rugby warned success may be gauged differently when Australia hosts the next tournament in 2029.

The England-hosted tournament, capped by the home team beating Canada 33-13 in the final at sold-out Twickenham on Saturday, smashed already-ambitious forecasts for revenue from tickets, brand and commercial partnerships, media rights and merchandise sales. Playing standards improved and social media engagement was phenomenal.

“A lot to live up to,” said Jilly Collins, Rugby Australia general manager women's rugby.

She and Australian government representatives shadowed World Cup organizers to learn what made the women's event tick ahead of hosting the men’s tournament in 2027 and the women's two years later.

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Tuesday, Sep. 30, 2025

Other Sports

England's Abby Dow tackles Canada's Asia Hogan-Rochester during the Women's Rugby World Cup final match between England and Canada at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. (Ben Whitley/PA via AP)

England outclasses Canada 33-13 to win Women’s Rugby World Cup

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

England outclasses Canada 33-13 to win Women’s Rugby World Cup

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

LONDON - England finally has a Women's Rugby World Cup title to confirm its world domination after outclassing Canada 33-13 in front of a record crowd at Twickenham on Saturday.

Victory by five tries to two capped an astonishing World Cup cycle in which England won every match, 33 in a row, the greatest streak in international rugby.

England had lost the last two finals, and five of the last six.

But this final, drawing 81,885 people, the largest crowd in women's rugby history, was a showcase of England’s power and pace and gave the tournament host its third World Cup title after triumphs in 1994 and 2014.

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Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

Music

The Tragically Hip band members, from left, Gord Sinclair, Rob Baker, Paul Langlois (light jacket) and Johnny Fay, far right, walk from the premiere of a documentary film about them,

New Orleans may be sinking but Tragically Hip high on the Canadian women’s rugby team

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

New Orleans may be sinking but Tragically Hip high on the Canadian women’s rugby team

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

The Tragically Hip guitarist Rob Baker has added his voice to those behind the Canadian women's rugby team with a message of support Friday on the eve of the Rugby World Cup final against host England.

The band has already done its bit to help by teaming up with Rugby Canada on a Tragically Hip T-shirts and rugby jersey.

In a minute-long social media video released by Rugby Canada, Baker playfully refers to the top-ranked England Red Roses as "our colonial overlords."

"England is ranked No. 1 in the world and Canada is ranked No. 2," Baker said in the video, with the Hip's "Fifty-Mission Cap" playing in the background.

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Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

Other Sports

Canada's Andrea Mitrovic, right, spikes the ball against United States' Madisen Skinner, front, during the FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship 2025 second round match between U.S. and Canada at Indoor stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Canada, United States to co-host 2027 women’s volleyball world championship

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada, United States to co-host 2027 women’s volleyball world championship

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

Canada and the United States will co-host the 2027 women's world volleyball championship.

The final rounds will be played in Anaheim, Calif., Volleyball Canada, USA Volleyball and the FIVB announced Friday.

Four more host cities to stage pool play and the Round of 16, as well as a tournament schedule, will be announced at a later date.

It will mark the first time hosting the tournament for both Canada and the U.S.

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Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

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England players celebrate after defeating France during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinal match between France and England in Bristol, England, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.(AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

England winning streak faces ultimate test from Canada in Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Foster Niumata, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

England winning streak faces ultimate test from Canada in Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Foster Niumata, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

LONDON (AP) — England win so routinely that one third of its Women's Rugby World Cup squad don't know what defeat feels like.

The Red Roses have won 32 games in a row, the greatest winning streak in international rugby. They broke their own record two weeks ago when they crushed Scotland in the quarterfinals. Another record they own is 48 consecutive wins at home dating to November 2016.

The winning habit, the comfort of home-field advantage, and the overwhelming support from what will be the largest ever crowd in women's rugby history are expected to help lift England past Canada and to a third World Cup success on Saturday at sold-out Twickenham.

“It is our time now, we really feel that,” England captain Zoe Aldcroft said.

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Saturday, Sep. 27, 2025

Other Sports

Canada's Alex Tessier kicks the ball during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinal match between New Zealand and Canada in Bristol, England, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Anthony Upton)

Rugby community hopes Canada’s World Cup run inspires future players

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Rugby community hopes Canada’s World Cup run inspires future players

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

VANCOUVER - Tears rolled down Charity Williams' cheeks as she watched Canada's women's rugby team secure its spot in the World Cup final.

After winning Olympic silver with Canada's rugby 7s squad in Paris, Williams knows all too well what the moment meant not only to the players, but to the sport in Canada.

“I just got so emotional thinking how amazing it is that Canadian rugby is where it's at today and how far we've come," she said. "We did something really amazing on the world stage at the Olympics, and now some of my team members are also doing something really amazing on the world stage at the World Cup. It’s just so cool to see."

Williams, who currently plays for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, will be watching with her teammates Saturday when No. 2 Canada takes on top-ranked England in the World Cup final.

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Friday, Sep. 26, 2025

Other Sports

Canada's team players celebrate as they won the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinal match between New Zealand and Canada in Bristol, England, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Anthony Upton)

Canada, England face off in heavyweight final at Women’s Rugby World Cup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Canada, England face off in heavyweight final at Women’s Rugby World Cup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025

Canada puts its fast-paced, physical brand of rugby up against a well-oiled winning machine in England's Red Roses on Saturday in the Women's Rugby World Cup final.

It should make for a grand spectacle at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium before a sellout crowd of 82,000, a record for a women's rugby test match.

"We're excited to play England," said 38-year-old Canada coach Kevin Rouet, a leading candidate for World Rugby's coach of the year award. "I think it was expected that if we wanted to win the World Cup, England would be on the way."

"They've been outstanding, played really great rugby. We respect them hugely," said England coach John Mitchell, a 61-year-old New Zealander who led the All Blacks to third place at the 2003 World Cup (thumping the Canadian men 68-6 on the way).

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Thursday, Sep. 25, 2025

Other Sports

Canada's Justine Pelletier scores a try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinal match between Canada and New Zealand at Ashton Gate, Bristol, England, Friday Sept. 19, 2025. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP)

Canadian scrum half Justine Pelletier a key to Canada’s success at Rugby World Cup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Canadian scrum half Justine Pelletier a key to Canada’s success at Rugby World Cup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025

While coach Kevin Rouet may chart Canada's course at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England, Justine Pelletier presses the accelerator.

Like a jockey urging her mount down the final stretch, the five-foot-two scrum half sets the pace for Canada's rapid-fire attack.

The 29-year-old from Riviere-du-Loup, Que., was named player of the match in second-ranked Canada's 34-19 win over No. 3 New Zealand in last Friday's semifinal in Bristol and she will play a key role in Saturday's final against top-ranked England at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

Pelletier is a pocket dynamo, constantly on the move and communicating with her teammates. Watch her during a game and her hands, like an orchestra conductor, are in constant motion.

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Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025

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Canada's team players celebrate after scoring their first try during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinal match between New Zealand and Canada in Bristol, England, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Anthony Upton)

No. 1 versus No. 2: A look at the Canada-England Rugby World Cup matchup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

No. 1 versus No. 2: A look at the Canada-England Rugby World Cup matchup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025

The two best women's rugby teams in the world, No. 1 England and No, 2 Canada, face off Saturday before a sellout crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium in England. A look at the matchup:

BY THE NUMBERS: A win Saturday and No. 2 Canada will take over top spot in the World Rugby rankings.

That is select company, given only England and New Zealand have reached No. 1 since the rankings were introduced in February 2016.

In the event England's 32-match win streak ends Saturday, the Red Roses would trade places with Canada and slip to second. Canada would remain No. 2 if it loses.

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Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025

Other Sports

Canada's Karen Paquin, left, and New Zealand's Kennedy Tukuafu challenge for the ball during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 semifinal match between New Zealand and Canada in Bristol, England, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.(AP Photo/Anthony Upton)

Canada knocks out New Zealand to reach Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Foster Niumata, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada knocks out New Zealand to reach Women’s Rugby World Cup final

Foster Niumata, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

The Women's Rugby World Cup will have a new queen.

New Zealand's eight-year reign as world champion was terminated by Canada in a stunning 34-19 semifinal victory in Bristol on Friday.

Canada flew to a shocking 24-7 lead by halftime, added a fifth try by captain Alex Tessier straight after the break then held on to reach only its second World Cup final.

“I said to the girls to stop crying because we have a job to do in eight days,” Canada coach Kevin Rouet said. “That's the mindset. We need to finish the job. I am excited for next weekend. I want it to be next weekend now."

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Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

Olympics

FILE - United States' Ryan Cochran Siegle crashes onto the safety net during an alpine ski, men's World Cup downhill in Kitzbühel, Austria, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati, File)

Italian skier’s death prompts early safety debate before the Milan-Cortina Olympic season starts

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Italian skier’s death prompts early safety debate before the Milan-Cortina Olympic season starts

Andrew Dampf, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

It’s usually not until December or January and after a series of tumbles, twisted knees, torn ACLs and worse that the debate over safety in World Cup skiing becomes an annual topic.

Not this season.

The death of Italian skier Matteo Franzoso this week following a crash in preseason training in Chile has resurfaced concerns over how to limit risks in the high-speed sport more than a month before the racing even starts.

The debate also comes less than five months before the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

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Friday, Sep. 19, 2025

Other Sports

Canada's Camryn Rogers reacts after an attempt in the women's hammer throw final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Rogers wins gold, sets Canadian record in hammer throw at world championships

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Rogers wins gold, sets Canadian record in hammer throw at world championships

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

TOKYO - Camryn Rogers set the tone early in the women's hammer throw at the world athletics championships Monday with an impressive opening toss of 78.09 metres.

Good enough for a world title. Not good enough for Rogers.

The 26-year-old from Richmond, B.C., put the competition out of reach with her second throw of 80.51 metres to claim her second straight world championship gold medal in dominant fashion.

Rogers's winning throw broke her own Canadian record and is the second longest ever behind the world record of 82.98 set by Poland's Anita Wlodarczyk in 2016. Rogers's previous personal best was 78.88 metres.

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Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

The undefeated Turks, who won Pool E, held a 49-35 edge in attack points and 10-5 in blocks.

They were led by Melissa Vargas, who had 16 points.

Canada, which finished second in the pool at 2-1, held a slight edge in ace serves (3-2).

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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025

June 13, 2026

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