TORONTO — Tyson Beukeboom announced her retirement on October 16, closing a Canadian rugby career unmatched in international appearances across the women’s and men’s national teams.

Rugby Canada confirmed that the second-row forward from Uxbridge, Ontario finishes with 84 caps over 13 years. Her first international was against England in July 2013.

Beukeboom said she wanted to leave while her affection for rugby remained intact: “I didn’t want rugby to push me out; I wanted to choose when my time was up.”

Four World Cups, two finals

Her national-team record includes four Rugby World Cups, silver medals in 2014 and 2025, and Canada’s 2024 Pacific Four Series title, according to the governing body.

The Canadian Press reports that the 35-year-old’s final appearance was the September 2025 World Cup final, a 33–13 loss to England. Friday’s announcement therefore marks her retirement, not a farewell appearance in Toronto.

Her club career took her from the Aurora Barbarians in Ontario and Cowichan RFC in British Columbia to England’s Ealing Trailfinders. Rugby Canada’s tribute also highlighted her leadership and coach Kevin Rouet’s appreciation of her physical play and tactical understanding.

Beukeboom is the daughter of former NHL defenceman Jeff Beukeboom, a four-time Stanley Cup winner, CP reports.

A separate milestone for the national team

Canada’s current squad beat England 24–21 at BMO Field on October 16. That match result is covered separately; this article concerns Beukeboom’s career and retirement.

Sources: Rugby Canada’s October 16 retirement announcement; The Canadian Press’ full retirement report, via Sportsnet.

Lead image: BMO Field, March 9, 2023, by Fabian Roudra Baroi, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Existing resized file image, retained under the same licence. It shows the venue of Canada’s October 16 match, not Beukeboom, a farewell appearance or the retirement announcement.