Brooke Rempel is emerging as one of the nation's top up-and-coming rugby talents.
For the first time in program history, a current Brock student-athlete has been named to the Canada women's rugby team. Rempel earned a roster spot for the 2026 Pacific Four Series in an announcement made on Friday, March 27.
"I still can't believe I'm on the team," Rempel said. "It's surreal, and I'm super excited because they're all such amazing players, and I get to learn from the best."
The third-year prop is the youngest player on the 30-person roster and is one of nine athletes who played university rugby this past season.
"We can't truly express how excited we are for the exceptional opportunity Brooke is receiving with the national team as she will be able to continue her development and make an impact on the biggest stage of the sport," said Brock women's rugby head coach Adrian Brown. "For a young athlete to achieve this is outstanding and really speaks to the effort and commitment Brooke has put into her development and growth both on and off the field."
A training camp in Sacramento, Calif., is set to begin this week as the squad prepares for three matches in April.
The first game of the Pacific Four Series takes place on April 11 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time against Australia at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, Calif., followed by a second match April 17 at 6:15 p.m. Eastern Time against New Zealand at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Both matches will be broadcast live on TSN.
The series wraps up on April 24 as Canada is set for a highly anticipated matchup with the host United States at Seat Geek Stadium in Chicago, Ill at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Broadcast details have yet to be announced.
Rempel will have a quick turnaround after her third stint with the U21 national team (formerly U20) took place over the last few weeks.
The Ariss, Ont., product started in two of three matches as Canada defeated the Irish national team 48-24 in Dublin on March 15 and earned a 59-21 victory over England in London on March 25. She was also rostered for Canada's 58-10 win over the British Army on March 20, which also took place in London.
"I learned a lot of new rugby techniques and got to train with more experienced players," Rempel said. "To see members of the senior national team come to watch our games was super cool and made for a great experience."
This past university season, Rempel was named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian and an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) First Team All-Star, helping guide the Badgers to their sixth consecutive provincial semifinal appearance.
"Brooke has earned every opportunity that has come her way, and we couldn't be prouder of her achievements to date, and those yet to come," Brown said. "She is leading the charge for other young Badgers to make their mark as this is such a huge step for herself and the Brock program. The whole team is excited and behind Brooke as she steps out to represent her nation."
