Canada Men’s and Women’s teams have been rewarded for successful European tours with both the Wolverines and Ravens making significant climbs in the latest IRL World Rankings announced ahead of IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Wolverines rose 12 places from 29th to 17th after beating Norway and Netherlands, while suffering a 22-10 loss to Scotland, who have also moved up seven places to 20th in the World Rankings as of July 31.

The Ravens, who failed to qualify for RLWC26 after losing to Fiji at the inaugural Women’s World Series in Toronto last November, were the biggest movers in the updated Women’s World Rankings.

Canada are now ranked seventh – up from 13th after beating Wales and Scotland – both of whom were ranked higher before their meeting.

Wales, who will play at the World Cup, effectively lost their seventh place ranking to the Ravens after the 14-0 loss in Neath on July 19, and will head into RLWC26 ranked ninth among Women’s teams in the IRL World Rankings.

Canada Rugby League Association President John Cameron said the rise of the Ravens and Wolverines was the result of work to grow the game in Canada and develop pathways for players under the coaching of Matt Barron and Aaron Zimmerle.

“Though the rankings may show a quick, dramatic rise, it is rather the result of a series of steps our organisation has taken over the last few years that is now showing in the rankings,” Cameron said.

“Developing our base through our pathways – especially our U19s, have provided the Head Coach Zimmerle and the Wolverines a steady stream of new debutants that has led to new blood coming into the system.

“This influx of new talent has also led to growth in our domestic leagues – including additional levels in BC, and teams in Ontario – all contributing to more playing time.”

Ravens co-captain Megan Pakulis is enjoying her second stint in England’s Women’s Super League after last year becoming the first North American to play in the NRLW for Gold Coast Titans, and she has been joined at York by fullback Petra Woods.  

“Our women have continued to build off the base established by Mike Castle, now led by Matt Barron, but what has changed is both the increase in domestic games – leading to more playing time – and a couple of our Ravens joining international professional leagues,” Cameron said.

“Combined, a stronger foundation – through more ages, an expanded domestic scene – and more games internationally- have all combined to provide momentum to the CRLA.

“The support from the IRL in helping identify international opportunities for our teams to compete has provided that final ingredient to make these tours so fruitful.

“The most sustainable approach to grow from here is to double down on what we’re doing – build the pathways, provide opportunities to play at home and abroad; while continuing to professionalize our organizational and financial structure to support its growth.”