Lizzie Gibson Earns Her First Cap for Canada

Congratulations to Crusader Lizzie Gibson, who earned her first cap for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team on Friday, April 17! Wearing No. 21, Lizzie came off the bench in the second half of Canada’s Pacific Four Series match against New Zealand’s Black Ferns at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

It was a night to remember in more ways than one: severe weather delayed kick-off by nearly three hours. Canada led 14–5 at half-time through a try from Asia Hogan-Rochester and a penalty try, but the Black Ferns came back strongly in the second half to win 36–14.

A Crusader through and through

Lizzie, a Caledon native who attended Mayfield School, came through our Junior girls program, playing U16 and U18 rugby at the Crusaders, and has represented the club as a senior player. She was selected for the Pacific Four Series squad in April after a remarkable university career at Queen’s, where she became the Gaels’ all-time leading scorer and was twice named OUA Player of the Year (2022 and 2025), as well as U SPORTS Player of the Year in 2022.

Everyone at the club is thrilled to see one of our own pull on the red jersey, and we can’t wait to watch what comes next.

Congratulations, Lizzie, from all your coaches, teammates and friends at the Crusaders!