Women's sport in Canada has been enjoying a similar rise to that experienced in Australia. But the achievement of their rugby league team beating Papua New Guinea 22-8 in the World Cup in Sydney on Sunday is massive.
It was their first ever win in a World Cup match.
For a nation with no history of the sport, the team has been scrambled together from the country's rich rugby union talent pool and has had to learn quickly.
Despite losing to powerhouses New Zealand (50-4) and Australia (88-0), their win against PNG ensured Canada's Ravens will meet the Jillaroos again in the semi-finals.
Colombian-born Maira Acevedo was 10 years old when her family moved to Canada and had never even heard of rugby. Eleven years later she's representing her country at a World Cup.
The 21-year-old is the youngest member of the team.
"This is very new for us and we have a lot of fun and learn a lot every game we play," she told SBS World News.
Five-eighth Stevi Schnoor also adds some US Gridiron (North American football) experience to the team having played for the Seattle Mist in the Legends Football League.
She says the Women's Rugby League World Cup has given women's sport yet more momentum.
"I think this is another thing that will add to that buzz" she said.
Canada isn't expected to win the tournament, but each match they play is giving the team confidence for their next one.
Whatever the result against Australia in the semi-finals on Sunday 26 November, Acevedo says women's rugby's goes beyond sport.
"It's so empowering, the culture itself, it's a way of life," she said.
