Veteran Canadian forward Laura Russell to miss Rugby World Cup through injury

Veteran forward Laura Russell has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup through injury on the eve of the tournament.

The 33-year-old front-rower was Canada’s most experienced player at the tournament. She has represented Canada 53 times, tied for third on the all-time Canadian women’s list.

Rugby Canada did not specify the injury, saying only it was an upper-body issue.

Pamphinette Buisa has been added to Canada’s 32-woman World Cup squad. The third-ranked Canadians open tournament play Saturday night against No. 13 Japan in Whangarei, New Zealand.

Rugby Canada says Russell, a former Canadian captain originally from Bolton, Ont., will remain in New Zealand as a technical adviser during the tournament.

Her experience as both a leader and player “will be valuable to both the team and the staff,” Canada coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2022