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
The Canadian Press
