Canada’s national women’s head coach, John Tait, has announced his roster for the second event of the IRB Women’s Sevens World Series. The second-stop on the series will be held in Houston, Texas on February 1st & 2nd, 2013 and will once again pit Canada’s top female athletes against 11 of the best sevens nations in the world.
Canada finished a disappointing 6th in the first event of the Women’s Sevens World Series in Dubai, and is looking to rebound with a solid performance in the second leg of the WSWS in Houston.
Canada's Roster includes Sarnia Saints player and former St. Clair Secondary School student Julia Greenshields.
Canadian player Ghislaine Landry is recovering from a knock she took in Dubai, which gave Julia Greenshields the opportunity to compete.
"Greenshileds is a versatile player who competed extremely well in the trials and also had a strong performance in Dubai's invitational tourney." said Canada's head coach John Tait
Canada will once again be lead by captain Jen Kish, along with other returning veterans Mandy Marchak, Brittany Waters, Kelly Russell and Ashley Steacy. With the Rugby Sevens World Cup approaching in June, Tait understands the importance of a solid performance in Houston.
“Our goal is to finish top of our pool on day one and put ourselves in the best position for a favourable quarter-final draw,” said Tait. “With World Cup pool placements at stake, it is important that we perform to our full potential.”
Many of Canada’s top female sevens athletes are now centralized in Langford, BC and are taking advantage of the training facilities at the Centre of Excellence. Having a growing women’s program is a welcomed addition for Tait, but it makes roster selections more difficult.
The team, determined to reach their full potential, and exceed expectations will train at the COE until departing for Houston on Tuesday, January 29 before the start of the competition on Friday, February 1st.
On day one of the Houston series, Canada will face the host team, USA, as well as Argentina and South Africa. Day Two competition is to be determined.
Canada’s Roster for Houston –(Club) Hometown
Jessica Dovanne, (Velox RFC) Victoria, BC
Bianca Farella, (Town of Mount Royal RFC) Montreal, QC
Julia Greenshields, (Sarnia Saints) Sarnia, ON
Magali Harvey, (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QC
Jennifer Kish, Captain (Edmonton Rockers RFC) Edmonton, AB
Mandy Marchak, (Capilano RFC) Winnipeg, MB
Kayla Moleschi, (Williams Lake Rustlers) Williams Lake, BC
Karen Paquin, (Club de Rugby Quebec) Quebec City, QC
Kelly Russell, (Toronto Nomads) Bolton, ON
Ashley Steacy, (Lethbridge Rugby Club) Lethbridge, AB
Brittany Waters, (Meraloma Athletic Club) Vancouver, BC
Julianne Zussman, (Town of Mount Royal RFC) Ottawa, ON
Head Coach: John Tait
Assistant Coach: Sandro Fiorino
Manager: Meaghan Howat
Strength and Conditioning: Tyler Goodale
Athletic Therapist: Sandheep Nandhra
