Canada’s U18 Women’s squad named for December tour

“We’re excited to see the athletes get the opportunity to put on the Canadian Jersey and for some it will be the first time,” said head coach Ricky Coombe. “These fixtures are important as it gives the players experience in an international environment. Having an opportunity for this at a U18 level will support them in their transition into U20 and National Senior Women’s programs.”

After a series of regional identification camps and competition throughout 2019, this will be the only international tour for the U18 team this year.

“We are currently in an identification phase for 2020,” said Coombe. “We have held regional sessions across the country where our key themes have been introduced and we have conducted some Strength and Conditioning testing. In the Spring in 2020 we will be holding an East and West camp for selected athletes and from these camps we will select squads for a East versus West camp in the summer.”

The U18 program works in line with the Under-20s, USport, and senior women’s programs as part of an athlete pathway into Canada's XVs and Sevens senior teams-- with an eye on growing the player pool ahead of the 2021 Rugby World Cup.

“In consultation with Women’s XV head coach Sandro Fiorino and U20 head coach Jack Hanratty, we identified some key themes early on that we wanted to improve on. Our goal is to identify and support the athletes in their development. Whenever we come together, we discuss short and long term goals and how the U18 program is just one stepping stone one their journey to representing the Canadian National XV's or Sevens teams at a World Cup or Olympics.”

The team arrives in California on December 26th, with daily training sessions until their two matches against the USA on December 28th and 30th, both at 6pm ET/ 3pm PT.

As of now there will be no live streaming options available, but half time and full time scores updated on Rugby Canada’s social media channels with live updates on USA Rugby's twitter feed. 

Canada’s U18 Roster:

Natalie Armatage, Waterloo County/University of Guelph (Waterloo, Ontario)  

Regan Casey, Ottawa Irish/University of Victoria (Ottawa, Ontario)

Kendra Cousineau, Niagara Wasps/University of Guelph (Port Colborne, Ontario)

Chloe Daniels, Aurora Barbarians/Sutton District HS (Sutton, Ontario)

Jessica Dean, Barrie RFC/University of Guelph (Innisfil, Ontario)

Elizabeth Gibson, Oakville Crusaders/Queens University (Brampton, Ontario)

Laura Guay, Rugby Quebec/ Cégep Lévis-Lauzon (Quebec)

Chloe Hill-Huse, Castaway Wanderers/St Michaels University School (Victoria, British Columbia)

Olivia Hooper, Barrie RFC/Innisdale Secondary School (Barrie, Ontario)

Mariam Ibrahim, Calgary Irish Athletic Club /University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta)

Laurie Izard, Club Rugby Quebec/ Cégep Garneau (Quebec)

Lara  Jorgensen, Aurora Barbarians/ St Maximillian Kolbe CHS (Aurora, Ontario)

Cassie Jorgenson, Norwester's Athletic Association/University of Calgary (Drayton Valley, Alberta)

Madison Jumeau, Castaway Wanderers/University of Victoria (Duncan, British Columbia)

Eden Kilgour, Barrie RFC/Eastview Secondary School (Oro-Medonte, Ontario)

Emma MacDougall, Halifax Tars/St Francis Xavier University (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Madison MacInnis, Caledonia RFC/ Riverview Rural Highschool, (Sydney, Nova Scotia)

Katie McLeod, Aurora Barbarians/McMaster University (Richmond Hill, Ontario)

Brogan Mior, Foothill Lions/Harvard University (Okotoks, Alberta)

Julia Omokhuale, Irish Rugby Club/University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta)

 Katie Salverda, Calgary Canadian Irish Athletic Club/University of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta)

Rachel Smith, Vancouver Thunderbirds/ University of British Columbia (Surrey, British Columbia)

Zoe Williams, Rugby Canada /University of Victoria (British Columbia)

Canada’s U18 Schedule:

Game 1

Canada vs USA

December 28th, 2019- 6pm ET/ 3pm PT

Game 2

Canada vs USA

December 30th - 6pm ET/ 3pm PT