Rugby sevens action returns

November 30, 2016

By Beth MacDonnell

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With the debut of rugby sevens at Rio 2016 in the books, Canada’s teams are now back together for the 2016-17 World Rugby Sevens Series.

The first tournament of the series kicks off in Dubai, December 1-3, 2016. The Canadian women’s squad for Dubai features nine returning Rio 2016 bronze medallists including Britt Benn, Hannah Darling, Bianca Farella, Ghislaine Landry, Megan Lukan, Kayla Moleschi, Ashley Steacy, Natasha Watcham-Roy, and Charity Williams, with Jen Kish sitting out this tournament due to injury. The nine Olympians are joined by Julia Greenshields, Sara Kaljuvee, and Breanne Nicholas.

Canada’s Charity Williams, right, jumps into the arms of Hannah Darling as they win bronze defeating Great Britain’s in women’s rugby sevens at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday, Aug. 8, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Bianca Farella in Olympic rugby action against Brazil on August 6, 2016.

The Rio 2016 Canadian women’s rugby team celebrates their bronze medal on August 8, 2016.

Related: Women’s rugby win historic Olympic bronze

The only Olympians not returning to the World Rugby Sevens circuit this season are Karen Paquin and Kelly Russell, who’ve decided to represent Canada in fifteens.

With planning for the next Olympic cycle already underway, this new core team brings a great deal of experience but also a youthful contingent providing depth to reach Tokyo 2020 and beyond.

The Canadian women’s rugby sevens squad thank the crowd following their last match at Canada 7s in Langford, BC (Photo: World Rugby).

Canada takes to the field for their cup quarterfinal match against France at Canada 7s April 17 in Langford, BC (Photo: Lorne Collicutt).

Charity Williams fends off a tackle in a win over Russia in the plate semifinal April 17 at Canada 7s in Langford, BC (Photo: Lorne Collicutt).

The Canadian women are coming off one of their most successful seasons in history, finishing third in the series last season, and capping off their performance with a memorable Rio 2016 bronze medal. In Dubai, their pool C matches will be against Brazil, England, and Spain.

2016-17 Women’s Sevens Schedule:

Canada’s Nathan Hirayama kicks a conversion to defeat Australia during World Rugby Sevens Series’ Canada Sevens tournament action, in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday, March 12, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

John Moonlight makes a pass to his team in a match against Samoa at London Sevens 2016 (Photo: Rugby Canada).

Canada and France sprint out to the pitch ahead of their bowl final match, which the Canadians won 19-17 to earn ninth place in the debut of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Canada on March 13, 2016 (Photo: Derek Stevens via Rugby Canada).

The men’s squad selected for Dubai features 11 experienced returnees, including Phil Berna, Justin Douglas, Mike Fuailefau, Nathan Hirayama, Harry Jones, Pat Kay, John Moonlight, Luke McCloskey, Matt Mullins, Liam Underwood and Adam Zaruba. They are joined by newcomers Karsten Leitner and Caleb Jordan.

Canada’s men finished 13th in the series last season, and failed to qualify for Rio 2016. However, this revamped group is focused on their ultimate goal of qualifying for Tokyo 2020. Olympic champions, Fiji, will be Canada’s first opponent of the season. They are also joined in pool A by Argentina and Wales.

2016-17 Men’s Sevens Schedule:

Follow the action live at worldrugby.org.