Sale Sharks Women have added to their squad with the signing of Canada’s Women’s World Cup winger Asia Hogan-Rochester.
The exciting 26-year-old winger, who scored five tries as Canada reached the 2025 World Cup final, will join up with Tom Hudson’s squad from January 1st.
Originally from Toronto, Asia was part of Canada’s Seven’s programme, picking up a gold medal in the 2019 Pan American Games and a silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
They made their World Cup debut in Canada’s opening game of the tournament, against Wales at the CorpAcq Stadium.
Asia made an instant impression, holding off tackles as they tore down the left wing to score one of the tries of the tournament.
That form continued and they played a huge part in their country reaching the final, where they lost to an England team featuring new Sharks teammates Holly Aitchison, Amy Cokayne and Morwenna Talling.
In the final Asia opened the scoring in the 5th minute in front of a full house at the Allianz Stadium, before adding to her tally in the second half.
Asia said: “Manchester was my favourite place to visit during the World Cup and I really loved the buzz in the city.
“I respect the grit of the club and I love everything the club is trying to accomplish. You have to earn every step you take in the PWR and that aligns really well with Canadian values.
“The club is growing and building and that matches where I am with my game and my career. I’ve loved playing 15s for the past year and I’m loving experiencing new parts of the game and developing myself as a player.
“I’ve loved watching Holly Aitchison play with the rest of the backs in the team this season and I really want to be a part of that and contribute to where the team wants to go.”
Sharks Head Coach Tom Hudson said: “Asia has proved their dominance and try scoring prowess on the international stage in both Sevens and 15s for Canada.
“After a brilliant World Cup, including scoring two excellent tries in the final, we are delighted they have chosen to continue their rugby development here at Sale.
“We can’t wait to see them at Morson Stadium in the new year.”
Tickets are on sale now for Sharks Women’s home fixtures – click here to make sure you’re there to watch Asia in blue!
