Tyson Beukeboom retires after 84 caps as Canada's most-capped rugby player in history

Tyson Beukeboom, Canada’s most-capped rugby player in history, has retired from the sport at 35 following a 13-year international career that yielded 84 caps and two Women’s Rugby World Cup runners-up finishes. The lock forward made the announcement immediately after the conclusion of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, where Canada lost the final 33-13 to England in front of a record crowd at Allianz Stadium.

Beukeboom’s place in Canadian rugby history was cemented during that same tournament when her 81st appearance took her past former men’s hooker Aaron Carpenter to become the most-capped player — male or female — in the nation’s history.

“I kept playing because I still loved it, and I still do,” Beukeboom said. “I wanted to continue loving the game after I was done playing. I didn’t want rugby to push me out; I wanted to choose when my time was up.”

The achievement caps a career defined as much by collective progress as individual milestones. In 2024, Beukeboom was part of the Canada side that claimed the Pacific Four Series title and recorded the team’s first-ever victory over the Black Ferns. She also spent two seasons with Trailfinders Women in Premiership Women’s Rugby during her club career.

“I think I always left everything on the field and did the best I could for my team,” she said. “Through that tournament alone, we made a massive, massive statement and made a name for ourselves around the world. The Canadian women’s team has been building toward that point for a long time, and it’s an honour to now be part of that legacy.”

Beukeboom, the daughter of four-time Stanley Cup winner Jeff Beukeboom, was characteristically selfless in her parting words, deflecting attention from her own record onto the squad she leaves behind.

“People will forget my story, specifically, but I don’t think anyone’s going to forget our team,” she said. “As much as I don’t really miss playing, I do miss playing with them.”