Historic first Canadian women selected for Olympic rugby at Rio 2016

Twelve women were nominated to the first ever Canadian Olympic women’s rugby sevens team, set to compete in the inaugural event at Rio 2016.

This summer will mark the return of rugby to the Olympic Games, which was last under the rings in 1924 in the more traditional 15-aside version of the sport.

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Jen Kish breaks away during Canada's cup quarterfinal match at Canada Sevens in Langford, BC on April 17 (Photo: Lorne Collicutt).

Jen Kish breaks away during Canada’s cup quarterfinal match at Canada Sevens in Langford, BC on April 17 (Photo: Lorne Collicutt).

The women’s sevens team will be led by its captain Jen Kish, who is proud to participate in such a momentous event.

“The whole team is so excited to represent Canada in this historic event. We cannot wait to hit the field in Rio and represent our country with the entire world watching.”

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Bianca Farella, Ghislaine LandryKayla Moleschi, Karen Paquin, Kelly Russell, and Ashley Steacy join the Olympic roster as the most experienced players, having been with the squad for several years.

Ashley Steacy on the run for Canada against Russia at London Sevens on May 15, 2015 (Photo: World Rugby/Martin Seras Lima).

Ashley Steacy on the run for Canada against Russia at London Sevens on May 15, 2015 (Photo: World Rugby/Martin Seras Lima).

The squad has a mix of experience and youth with the additions of Britt Benn, Hannah Darling, Megan Lukan, Natasha Watcham-Roy, and Charity Williams to the team. Their range allows them to bring out the best in each other, ultimately making them that much stronger as a team, as expressed by head coach John Tait.

“I’m excited about the team we’ve assembled for the Rio Olympic Games as we take part in the historic debut of rugby sevens. We’re looking forward to building off of our recent success, playing on the world’s biggest stage and making our country proud.”

The Canadian Women's Rugby Sevens squad reflect post match at Canada 7s in Langford, BC on April 17 (Photo: Lorne Collicutt).

The Canadian Women’s Rugby Sevens squad reflect post match at Canada 7s in Langford, BC on April 17 (Photo: Lorne Collicutt).

The team has had much success on the international stage in recent years, earning top three finishes in the past four World Rugby Sevens Series seasons.

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The Canadian squad was quick to qualify for the Games in Rio by finishing second in the 2014-15 season. Continuing this momentum, they executed a gold medal performance at last summer’s Pan Am Games in Toronto. Most recently, the team finished third in the 2015-16 season, ending it all off with a first place cup win in Clermont-Ferrand.