Alysha Corrigan balancing sevens and 15s in Paris 2024; aims for LA28 gold

Exclusive: Alysha Corrigan’s rugby silver linings - “I want to change them for gold”

The Canadian rugby star tells Olympics.com about two very different silver medals, the pain of losing the Rugby World Cup final, and her ambitions for LA28.

Two silver medals. Two very different feelings.

That was the reality for Alysha Corrigan in the space of a year.

The first came with elation.

In July 2024, she was dancing and celebrating alongside her Canada rugby sevens teammates on the Olympic podium at Paris 2024.

The Maple Leafs had surpassed all expectations in knocking over Fiji, hosts France, and former champions Australia en route to the final, where they eventually lost to New Zealand by seven points.

“The world didn’t know what we were capable of and we were clear underdogs in that tournament,” Corrigan told Olympics.com with a nostalgic smile.

“So, although we didn’t get the full outcome that we wanted, the process we went through, rebuilding the rugby sevens programme to get it back to where we wanted it to be, gave us so much pride in that medal. It was so special.”

FRA v CAN - Women’s Quarterfinal | Rugby Sevens | Olympic Games Paris 2024

The Women’s Rugby Sevens Quarterfinal between France and Canada was held on 29

Canada crashed the host nation party by clinching a 19:14 last minute win and a move to the Semifinals.

From Olympic joy to World Cup heartbreak

Riding that high, Corrigan and several of her sevens teammates switched their attention to the 15-a-side form of the game, with a clear goal of helping Canada win its first Rugby World Cup.

But there was a key difference this time.

Canada’s 15s team had been in astonishing form for several seasons, and were the favourites to win.

The Canadians were beaten by hosts England in the final, leaving Corrigan and her teammates to wrestle with the feeling that they had fallen short of their potential when it mattered most.

“Getting to the final of the Rugby World Cup was our goal for years,” Corrigan revealed.

“If we had gone out and played the absolute best game we could have put on, and we still lost, we would have felt different about losing.” - Alysha Corrigan to Olympics.com

“With 15, you’re world champions, or you’re not. Nobody cares about if you came third, nobody cares about coming second. It’s just sad, really.”

Alysha Corrigan, Julia Schell, Taylor Perry, Taylor Perry and Olivia Apps of Canada look dejected after defeat to England during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England.

Alyssa Corrigan on the challenge of being a dual-sport international

Fortunately for Corrigan, as a dual-sport professional, another challenge is never far away.

After the Rugby World Cup, the Charlottetown native returned to her day job playing for Saracens in London to prepare for another Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign.

With no major tournament with Canada in 2026, she has been able to enjoy playing rugby outside the intense international spotlight and focus on enjoying the sport with her club.

But switching between sevens and 15s remains anything but straightforward.

“Sevens definitely asks a lot more of you physically,” she said.

“We have a great S&C [strength and conditioning coach] at Saracens who helps us do our top-ups and ensures we’re sevens ready into those tournaments.”

Corrigan and her sevens teammates have had only a couple of seasons to master the balancing act of playing 80 minutes of 15s every weekend while simultaneously developing the additional skills and fitness required for sevens.

“The body can do it, but it is often the mental battle that is most challenging.”

New Zealand v Canada - Women’s Gold Medal Match | Rugby Sevens | Olympic Games Paris 2024

The Women’s Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Match between New Zealand and Canada was held on 30

2024 at the Stade de France, Paris. New Zealand claimed the Gold with a 19:12 victoy.

Fortunately, she does not have to face that battle alone.

Saracens and Canada teammate Olivia Apps is going through the same process, making those “awful sevens conditioning” sessions a little more bearable.

“It’s been great having her here this year as we’re on the same schedule this year. It’s been fun to have a training buddy to do it with.”

And the work required for sevens is having a positive impact on her 15s game, too.

“Sevens really gave me confidence with one-on-ones with ball in hand, taking people on, and my decision-making.

“Obviously there’s like a lot more space, but I think that that has translated into my fifteens game quite well, not being like afraid to just take people on the edge.”

Alysha Corrigan of Saracens (R) is tackled by Rosie Inman of Ealing Trailfinders during the Premiership Women’s Rugby Final match between Saracens Women and Ealing Trailfinders at Twickenham Stoop on June 28, 2026 in London, England.

Seeking England redemption this autumn

These cross-over talents have helped propel the women’s game to new heights in Canada.

The national team is now a flagship rugby product in the North American nation, and their success on the international stage is inspiring more girls to take up the sport.

“At the end of the day, no matter what colour of medal, we are so proud to represent Canada and be the team that so many people are getting behind,” Corrigan said.

“In airports, so many people stop us and are like, ‘Oh my gosh, I watched your World Cup game’, or ‘Oh, I’ve followed you guys since the Olympics’, or ‘I’m so excited, I was there actually at this event’.

“So just like that alone just speaks to the volume of how much we’ve impacted Canadians and how many more Canadians want to get out and support us.”

These fans are in for a treat in the coming weeks, too.

Canada will have a shot at redemption with a three-match series against world champions England, beginning on 19 September away in Exeter, before the home fixtures in Toronto and Ottawa in October.

Unsurprisingly, ticket sales have been strong.

“There is so much hype and excitement around these games in Canada this fall,” Corrigan said.

“I think we had 10,000 people signed up for the presale within the first 24 hours. I’m definitely excited to have another crack at England for sure.”

Alysha Corrigan #3 of Team Canada celebrates with Asia Hogan-Rochester #4 of Team Canada following victory during the Women’s Rugby Sevens Semifinal match between Team Canada and Team Australia on day four of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France.

Turning silver into gold at LA28 and beyond

The memories of the 2025 World Cup final linger.

Corrigan still hasn’t watched the match back.

This autumn series cannot change what happened in England, but it offers Canada an opportunity to move on and turn that pain into something positive.

And with LA28 on the horizon, Corrigan’s competitive fire burns as brightly as ever.

“The silver is definitely motivating. I’ve had a lot of silvers in the last year, and I want to change them for a few golds.

“I know how hard it is to get to the Olympics, but I also know how rewarding and how awesome the outcome is.

“There are a lot more steps to get there, but this is such an exciting time for Canadian women’s rugby, and I can’t wait to try and do it all again.”

14 - 30 July 2028

LA 2028 | Olympic Games | USA