Injury woes grow for Canadian women at Rugby World Cup in New Zealand

Canada scrum half Brianna Miller has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby World Cup after sustaining "significant internal injuries" against Italy.

Miller came off in the 64th minute last Saturday in what appeared to be a routine substitution in the game at Waitakere Stadium in Auckland. But Rugby Canada said Miller was taken to hospital after "developing symptoms" following the game.

Internal damage was revealed, ruling Miller out for the rest of the tournament. The 21-year-old from Pointe-Claire, Que., was Canada's starting scrum half and primary placekicker.

It's the second injury to a key position for Canada. Fly half Taylor Perry required knee surgery after suffering an injury in Canada's final training session in New Zealand before its opening game Oct. 8 against Japan.

Veteran forward Laura Russell was also ruled out on the eve of the tournament, due to an upper-body injury.

The 33-year-old front-rower was Canada's most experienced player at the competition. She has represented Canada 53 times, tied for third on the all-time Canadian women's list.

The third-ranked Canadians, who defeated No. 12 Japan 41-5 and No. 5 Italy 22-12, wrap up Pool B play Saturday against the sixth-ranked Americans.

Canada has already qualified for the quarterfinals.

“It's obviously incredibly disappointing to miss out on the rest of the tournament but right now, I'm just thankful to be healthy and to have received such great care here, and for the love and support from my teammates," Miller said in a statement released by Rugby Canada.

"I felt winded during the game, but it wasn't until later I felt something may be wrong and again, I'm just fortunate our medical staff were there for me and that both the tournament and hospital treated me so well. This team means everything to me, and although I won't be able to put on the jersey again at this tournament, my focus now is supporting them in any way I can."

While Julia Schell has started at fly half the last two games for Canada, Alex Tessier gets the nod against the U.S. Perry, a 22-year-old from Oakville, Ont., has been replaced in the squad by hooker Veronica Harrigan.

Justine Pelletier will start in place of Miller against the U.S. Captain Sophie de Goede takes over as placekicker.

"Losing Taylor and Brianna is of course difficult for the squad, but it's out of our control and we’re looking forward now," said Canada coach Kevin Rouet.

"We're exploring options to bring in additional cover, and it's great to already have Veronica here with the group, but we have full confidence in anyone who represents Canada and this team, and we are fully focused on what should be a good game against the U.S.A."

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2022