Bryan Kelly, the Communications Manager for Rugby Canada, has certainly been busy this Spring; sharing a lot of exciting news regarding both the Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens teams in Canada. Personally, I’ve been really excited to get these press releases lately, and love seeing what others have to say as well, such as the Canadian Minister of Sport, Bal Gosal, who is a big proponent of all rugby in Canada.
While the women have already handily qualified for the 2016 Olympic games in Rio, there is an exciting prospect here on home soil this summer: The PanAm Games in Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Women will get to test themselves in a Summer Games environment for the first time ever in July, and, as the host nation, look well set do exceptionally well. Canada is growing increasingly excited about rugby and the Canadian Rugby scene is growing equally as excited about the fact that more and more previously uninterested fans are engaging with the sport. Rugby is definitely on the rise here in Canada, and the pleasant surprise in it all is that women’s rugby in particular has turned a lot of heads. These women are talented, and are expected to do well. Please read on for the press release, and get on the #RedNation bandwagon with those of us already firmly entrenched!
Canadian Women’s Rugby On The Rise
12 athletes chosen to represent Canada in first-ever appearance of women’s Rugby Sevens at the Pan American Games
TORONTO, ON – On Wednesday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Rugby Canada announced the 12 Women’s Rugby Sevens athletes who have been selected to represent Canada at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games from July 10 to 26 in Toronto, Ontario.
The 2015 Pan Am Games will be a historic event for women’s rugby as it marks the sport’s debut on the official program. The tournament will feature six teams and will be played at Exhibition Stadium.
Since the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series began ahead of the 2012-13 season, Canada has achieved unprecedented success. The team finished third overall in its first two seasons before achieving its highest ever finish of second place during the 2014-15 season in which Canada won its first ever Cup Final at the Amsterdam Sevens, the final leg of the series. Canada has also appeared in 14 straight Cup quarterfinals stretching back to the 2012-13 season and finished second in the 2013 Sevens World Cup.
By finishing second overall during the 2014-15 season, Canada clinched its spot at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, becoming Canada’s first team sport to be confirmed for the Games.
In April 2015, Canada hosted the fourth leg of the Women’s Sevens Series in Langford, British Columbia, the home of Rugby Canada. Ghislaine Landry led the 2014-15 series in points scored as she amassed 301 points in six events. She was also second in tries scored with 39.
Canada will field the largest team in its Pan American Games history with more than 700 athletes expected to be named to the Team at the Games in Toronto. With TORONTO 2015 providing a “home Games” experience, as well as a number of qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, these Games will offer a tremendous experience for Canada’s high performance athletes.
“TORONTO 2015 is an exciting time for our Rugby players as this will be the sports debut in the Pan Am Games program. Our women’s rugby sevens team has enjoyed great success over the recent seasons and I am confident they can continue this trend here in Toronto this summer. Congratulations to the team nominees.”
Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee“For the first time ever in Pan Am Games history, we are able to field a women’s rugby sevens team and I can’t be more proud of the athletes nominated today. I am confident this team is driven for success and will make Canada proud. Congratulations on being named to the team and again for making history.”
Curt Harnett, TORONTO 2015 Team Canada Chef de Mission“I’m excited about the team we’ve assembled for the Pan Am Games as we take part in this historic event for the first time. We’re looking forward to building off our recent success, playing in front of our home fans and making our country proud.”
John Tait, Head Coach“The whole team is excited to suit up in Toronto and play in front of the passionate Canadian crowd. Their support for us around the world has been unbelievable and we can’t wait to see them in Toronto!”
Jen Kish, Team Captain, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games athlete“My sincere congratulations to the athletes named today to Canada’s women’s rugby sevens team for the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games. These athletes are some of the toughest in the world. They are an enormous source of pride for Canadians, and we look forward to cheering them on while they vie for the gold on home soil as this sport makes its Pan Am Games debut during the Year of Sport in Canada.”
The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)The 12 women selected for coach John Tait’s team are:
Britt Benn (Napanee, ON), Hannah Darling (Lakefield, ON), Bianca Farella (Montreal, QC), Magali Harvey (Quebec City, QC), Sara Kaljuvee (Ajax, ON), CAPTAIN Jen Kish (Edmonton, AB), Ghislaine Landry (Toronto, ON), Kayla Moleschi (Williams Lake, BC), Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QC), Kelly Russell (Bolton, ON), Ashley Steacy (Lethbridge, AB) Natasha Watcham-Roy (Gatineau, QC).
“Main Photo”
