The Canadian women's program began to develop in the 1980s with the first match being played in 1987 in Victoria, British Columbia against another international rugby start-up, the United States.

[3] In 1991, Canada competed in the inaugural Women's Rugby World Cup in Wales.

The team finished in fifth place after defeating Spain 19–4 in the Plate final.

They had a 13 all draw during the pool stage before meeting in the final, Canada lost 21–9 and were runners-up.

[4][5][6][7] In 2022, Canada finished fourth after losing to France in the third place final at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup.