Olivia DeMerchant

Olivia DeMerchant is one of Canada's most-capped rugby players. She currently plays as a prop for the Canada women's rugby union team and Halifax Tars RFC. Her international career began with the U20s team and she made her senior debut in 2013.

Born on 16 February 1991, Olivia DeMerchant started playing rugby in grade seven. After one unsuccessful attempt, she joined the Canada U20s team in 2011. She was subsequently selected for two tours: one to The Bahamas and another in California. Two years later, in 2013, she joined the senior 15s team.

After an impressive first year, DeMerchant was named in the Canada squad for the 2014 Rugby World Cup. She contested her second World Cup in 2017, was named Rugby Canada Player of the Year in 2019 and made her third World Cup appearance at the delayed 2021 tournament. It was at the 2021 Rugby World Cup where DeMerchant earned her 50th cap. 

Since then, DeMerchant has become a key figure at the Pacific Four Series. She scored a brace during Canada’s 36-5 victory over the United States (2022) and crossed the line in their 52-21 loss against New Zealand (2023).

While rugby is her passion, DeMerchant has also represented Canada as a football player. This includes playing for the Capital Area Lady Gladiators at the 2015 Maritime Women's Football League. Her performances here earned her two awards: Maritime Women's Football League Offensive All-Star and Player of the Year. 

With an impressive career that boasts more than 50 caps, we can't wait to see what else Olivia DeMerchant can achieve.