\n<\/p>\n
Too popular, too strong and a deep domestic league is a problem Rouet would love Canada to have.<\/p>\n
“The fun part with the [Canada] girls being in PWR is the quality of games,” he added.<\/p>\n
“If you look at the top eight in the PWR, even Bristol, who are last, have six wins.<\/p>\n
“There are no easy games, and this is the value for the players definitely.<\/p>\n
“But off the pitch, the [Canada] girls have to live as students. They are not well paid, Rugby Canada doesn’t provide them enough money and their visas don’t allow them to work on the side.<\/p>\n
“So, PWR is very helpful, but it’s also not sustainable for them to do that for 10 years.<\/p>\n
“Also the only reason this PWR is the best of the leagues is because there are players from six, seven, eight countries that play in England.<\/p>\n
“Those young English players who aren’t centrally contracted, have to grind to get game time. That is not bad for them. It’s the same for the senior Canada players when they come to a PWR club.”<\/p>\n
Those Canada players and their colleagues will get three shots at England, and revenge for their World Cup final defeat, this autumn. They meet the Red Roses in Exeter on 19 September, before home fixtures in Toronto and Ottawa on 17 and 24 October.<\/p>\n
Canada will have big crowds, but, with players scattered across continents and Rugby Canada’s focus switching to the men’s side and Australia 2027, short preparation time for those games.<\/p>\n
“That’s the reality of our programme – we have to just be confident, but also be mindful if we don’t beat England, that’s OK,” said Rouet.<\/p>\n
For Saracens, expectations are higher. They finished the PWR’s regular season strongly.<\/p>\n
Gloucester-Hartpury, the three-time defending champions, didn’t.<\/p>\n
The ‘Circus’ is in danger of falling flat after defeats by Ealing Trailfinders and Bristol Bears in their final two games.<\/p>\n
Saracens take on Exeter this Sunday in the semi-finals and Rouet and his team are determined to put on a show of their own.<\/p>\n
“We have a duty to try to promote the women’s game and part of that is playing fast rugby that is exciting, fun and beautiful to watch,” he added.<\/p>\n
“We have great players at Saracens, players who love to take initiative, take an option, read the game as well as respect the structure. They love to do that, maybe I just try to empower them to do so.”<\/p>\n
He can build bridges, but Rouet also hopes to destroy dynasties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n