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Canada have suffered a double-blow with the loss of first choice halfbacks Brianna Miller and Taylor Perry for the remainder of the World Cup. A direct replacement has not been called for either, with hooker Veronica Harrigan instead joining the team in New Zealand. One roster spot remains open should the team choose to summon another player.
Miller was in impressive form to start the tournament, scoring two tries against Japan in the opener. She suffered what have been described as significant internal injuries in last weekend’s game against Italy. Justine Pelletier is the only remaining specialist scrumhalf in the squad. Fullback Elissa Alarie notably filled in at the position during the finals of the 2014 World Cup.
Perry suffered a knee injury in training ahead of the Japan game and has now undergone surgery. Julia Schell stepped in at No10 and is set to continue in the lead role. There are alternatives already within the squad with Anaïs Holly and Alex Tessier both experienced at the flyhalf position.
Harrigan effectively arrives as a late replacement for Laura Russell, who was ruled out through injury before the tournament began. Loose forward Pamphinette Buisa was called up to take Russell’s place, leaving the squad with only two specialist hookers.
Earlier this year Harrigan received a two-month suspension from World Rugby after testing positive for the banned substance spironolactone. The drug had been administered by her family physician without obtaining a therapeutic use exemption (TUE), and the violation was determined to be unintentional. She was cleared to play again on October 4.
