Tait chooses ten for Hong Kong
Fresh from their success at the USA Women's International Invitational 7s tournament in Las Vegas, the Canada squad to take part in the Hong Kong 7s at the end of the month has been selected.
Published by Scrum Queens, March 2nd, 2011
3 minute read
Canada will travel to the tournament high in confidence following their recent success and they will compete with sides including the USA and China in Hong Kong.
Two new faces were added into the international rugby mix as Lethbridge's 20-year-old Kelsey Willoughby, and 19-year-old Arielle Dubissette-Borrice (Ontario) make their first Canadian selections. They join the champoins from Las Vegas Jen Kish, Ghislaine Landry, Mandy Marchak, Barbara Mervin, Ashley Patzer, Kelly Russell, Brittany Waters and Magali Harvey.
Las Vegas was 20 year old Harveys first appearance for Canada.
"Selection was very difficult, there were a lot of good performances throughout the Vegas tournament from a variety of players," said Head Coach John Tait.
"The limit of ten per squad for the Women's division in Hong Kong made it that much more tough. However, the positive is there is already a lot of competition within the country to represent Canada."
In selecting two uncapped players, Tait says it is a reward for the display these players put on last month, but also part of keeping an eye to the future.
"This squad has the components to be an exciting team with good versatility, size and speed," said Tait. "There is a good mix of experience and youth in this group, and some of the younger players showed in Vegas that you're old enough if youre good enough.
"Having the entire tournament take place over a one day format means we will need to manage the players and their time very carefully, added Tait.
The women's team coaching staff will be bolstered by Toronto Scottish coach Sandro Fiorino* assisting John Tait.
Two of Tait's players have been selected from their bases in the UK with Ghislaine Landry playing with Bath and Mandy Marchak playing with Saracens this season.
The team assembles in Victoria, BC for a training camp March 18-21 before departing for Hong Kong on March 22nd.
Full selection.Arielle Dubissette-Borrice (Toronto Nomads, ON/ Western University)Magali Harvey ( Club de Rugby de Quebec/St. Francis-Xavier University)Jen Kish ( Edmonton Lep Tigers, AB)Ghislaine Landry (Toronto Scottish RFC, ON & Bath Rugby, UK)Mandy Marchak (Capilano RFC & Saracens, UK)Barbra Mervin Velox (Valkyries, BC)Ashley Patzer (Lethbridge RC, AB)Kelly Russell (Toronto Nomads, ON)Brittany Waters (Meraloma Athletic Club, BC)Kelsey Willoughby ( Lethbridge RC, AB/ University of Lethbridge)