Canada name touring squad

Canada’s head coach Francois Ratier has announced his 27-player roster for the upcoming November tour to France and England.Departing in late October, Canada will play two matches against France, on November 2nd in Pontarlier and on November 5th in Amneville. The third and final match of the tour is on November 13 England at The Twickenham Stoop.Ratier’s first tournament as head coach proved successful, with Canada winning three of their four games, to capture their first ever Nations Cup title in Denver, Colorado in August."This tour is an opportunity for our staff to watch the players under pressure, to continue our selection and to keep building our team culture,” explained Ratier."The strength of this group is its unity. The players know that when they are a part of this squad they have to work as one and support each other.  Only the players with the right spirit and attitude will be a part of the final selection for the World Cup in August 2014; we want energetic individuals and positive attitudes.”

Canada are also hoping to finalise a further three tests next year ahead of the World Cup with games potentially against New Zealand, Australia and the USA.The squad will be captained by the experienced back row Kelly Russell, who was in great form over the summer. Also included are Sevens regulars Magali Harvey, Ghislaine Landry and Bianca Farella.

2013 has been a good year for women's rugby in Canda with the Senior team and Under-20’s both winning their first ever Nations Cup titles and the Women’s Sevens team finishing second at the Rugby World Cup Sevens.Canada Squad:Elissa Alarie – (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Rugby Club) Trois-Rivieres, QCBrittany Benn – (Guelph Redcoats) – Napanee, ONStephanie Bernier – (Club de Rugby Quebec) QuebecTyson Beukeboom – (Aurora Barbarians) Uxbridge, OntarioLatoya Blackwood – (St. Anne de Bellevue) Montreal, QCAndrea Burk – (Capilano RFC) North Vancouver, BCSammy Crandell – (Hornets RFC) Calgary, ABOlivia DeMerchant – (Woodstock Wildmen) Mapledale, NBKim Donaldson – (Burnaby Lake Rugby Club) Toronto, ONJessica Dovanne – (Velox RFC) Victoria, BCBianca Farella – (Town of Mount Royal RFC) Montreal, QCMegan Gibbs – (Markham Irish RFC) Barrie, ONMagali Harvey – (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QCMary Jane Kirby – (Highland RFC) Brampton, ONGhislaine Landry – (Toronto Scottish RFC) Toronto, ONHilary Leith – (Saracens/Capilano RFC) British ColumbiaKayla Mack – (Wild Oats RFC) Saskatoon, SKKayla Moleschi – (Williams Lake Rustlers) Williams Lake, BCJacey Murphy – (Aurora Barbarians) Alliston, ONKaren Paquin – (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QCMarie-Pier Pinault-Ried – (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QCKelly Russell – (Capt) (Toronto Nomads) Bolton, ONLaura Russell – (Toronto Nomads) Bolton, ONMaria Samson – (Calgary Hornets) Calgary, ABAmanda Thornborough - (Brandon Barbarians RFC) Brandon, MBJackie Titley – Montreal, QCBrittany Waters – (Meraloma Athletic Club) Vancouver, BCTour Schedule:Canada vs. FranceNovember 2Pontarlier, FranceKO TBCCanada vs. FranceNovember 5Amnéville, FranceKO TBCCanada vs. EnglandNovember 13Twickenham, EnglandThe Twickenham Stoop7pm