Canada has one of the best women's rugby teams in the world. Why they're asking for your money

The Canadian women's rugby team is used to pulling above its weight.

The amateur team is currently ranked second best in the world, despite having only a fraction of the budget of some of its professional competitors.

Now, the women are heading to the 2025 Rugby World Cup with the goal of unseating England to become the best team in the world. But in order to achieve that, they say they need the financial support of Canadians.

"We've been fighting against the odds, and in spite of a lot of financial challenges, to get to No. 2," Sophie de Goede, the team's captain, told As It Happens host Nil Köksal.

"For us to make a jump, that's where getting more financial aid and resources will really help."

On Friday, on the eve of International Women's Day, Rugby Canada launched a national fundraiser called: "Mission: Win Rugby World Cup 2025."

The sport's governing body is aiming to raise $1 million to provide the women's team with extra resources ahead of the 16-team tournament that runs Aug. 22 to Sept. 27 in England.

The funds, it says, will go to things like increased training time, additional players, coaching and room and board.

Thirty per cent of the fundraising goal has already been reached via private donors. And during March, all donations will be matched up to $50,000 by a private donor.

But even if the women get the financial boost they're seeking from the fundraiser, their funding will fall far behind that of other teams at their level. 

Rugby Canada reported revenue of $15.57 million in 2023 with expenses of $15.12 million. Some $4 million of that revenue came from World Rugby with another $3.35 million coming from Sport Canada.

By comparison, England's Rugby Football Union recorded revenue of 175.2 million pounds