Canada unveils it’s Rugby Sevens Olympics squad as teams continue to submit their final team lists before the deadline next weekend for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Canadian Women side is one of the favorites, and with their Men’s team missing out, they have the blessings of the country behind them.
The Women’s competition will run from the 6-9 of August at the Deodoro Stadium with two games each day. The Canadian Maple Leaf’s are the top contenders in their Pool. They compete against Great Britain, Japan and the hosts Brazil in Pool C.
Canada Unveils Rugby Sevens Olympics Squad
The John Tait coached Maple Leafs side is one of the favorites for the tournament after winning the Clermont-Ferrand Sevens title. That will be virtually the same team they are taking to Rio led by the inspirational Jen Kish. One of the VIP players of the Women’s Sevens Series, she will be well supported by one of the best exponents of the women’s game Ghislaine Landry.
Beside them will be playmakers Karen Paquin, Megan Lukan and Kelly Rusell. The strong line-up will have been prepared to ‘hit the ground running’. Expect them to be a top side in August.
On a day of firsts, ?? was introduced to its inaugural women’s Olympic rugby squad: https://t.co/d600zNLJi6 pic.twitter.com/QC6gPQUgMB
— Team Canada (@TeamCanada) July 8, 2016
Canada Top Bet in Rio
The Canadian side is one of the top bets in Rio and will try to overcome the Great Britain side first. That team are expected to be led by Emily Scarratt (to be announced). After that opening game, they will face Asian champions Japan and then hosts Brazil in Pool C. The Canadians are blessed to have retained their core squad from the past few seasons. They will need them all to ‘be on song’ for the pinnacle of sports.
”I’m excited by the team we’ve assembled for the Rio Olympics as we take part in the historic debut of rugby sevens, We are looking to build off our recent success, playing on the world’s biggest stage making our country proud.” John Tait told worldrugby.org.
Jen Kish added, ”The whole team is excited to represent Canada in this historic event. We cannot wait to take the field and represent our country with the entire world watching.”
Wuuuzzz good! Who’s excited about us going to #rio cause we r!!! @charity_7s @jen_kish & Natasha ???? pic.twitter.com/nTbuKziD6Z
— Team Canada (@TeamCanada) July 8, 2016
The depth that Kish, Rusell, Landry and Paquin have will be complimented by the fighting spirits of Kayla Moleschi, Bianca Farella, Natasha Watcham-Roy. Add to that the enthusiastic Ashley Steacy, Hannah Darling and Charity Williams.
Road to Rio
With depth across the field, and Kish and Paquin leading from the front, Landry and her backline will have quality ball to carry over that advantage line. Also, their defensive system is one of the best in the game, which makes them a very formidable side.
Your @Rio2016_en @TeamCanada rugby sevens nominated athletes and staff! #REDNATION #RISEAsOne pic.twitter.com/ixkdNSLKpH
— RugbyCanada (@RugbyCanada) July 8, 2016
Canadian Women’s Squad: Pool C
Britt Benn, Hannah Darling, Bianca Farella, Jen Kish, Ghislaine Landry, Megan Lukan, Kayla Moleschi, Karen Paquin, Kelly Rusell, Ashley Steacy, Natasha Watcham-Roy, Charity Williams.
Main Photo
