Alysha Corrigan pays tribute to her sister wearing number 16 on the World Rugby Sevens Series

February 27, 2023 (Vancouver, BC) – Back on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for the first time since 2021, Alysha Corrigan made a quick transition back to rugby sevens after playing with Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team at the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last October.

Corrigan, who plays center in 15s rugby, was a key piece of the Canadian team that finished fourth at the most recent Rugby World Cup, pushing England, the best team in the world at the time, to the brink in a narrow 26-19 loss.

Corrigan’s rugby journey only began in grade 11. She was introduced to the game by her sister Sidney, who was in grade 12 at the time, playing together in high school that season. Now, Alysha pays tribute to her sister and their relationship by wearing number 16 for Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team on the World Rugby Sevens Series, her sister’s favourite number.

“We are very close,” said Corrigan. “Growing up we did everything together. She's been the person that I dragged out to come to practice early to catch my kicks or pull out of the house on a Saturday morning and do extra passing. She's been there through it all and is a big reason why I am where I am. It just made sense to pick her number to have a little special part of her with me while I play.”

Growing up, Sidney played a variety of sports including ringette and soccer and always chose the number 16 when she could.

“Whenever she got to choose a number for that she would always pick 16,” said Corrigan. “In rugby you never get to pick your own number, but for soccer and ringette she always would pick 16.”

Corrigan made her first appearance on the sevens series this season in New Zealand on January 21-22, marking the first time she was presented with a Canadian jersey with her sister’s favourite number on the back.

“I just wanted to surprise my sister with it, I had to send her a photo from the jersey presentation in New Zealand and then she was kind of just like ‘Wait! You're number 16?’ Then she clued in and I explained to her how much she has impacted my rugby journey and that I just wanted to do a little something special for her.”

After playing together for just one year in high school, their relationship continued to grow on and off the field when the two sisters played together at the U SPORTS level for the University of Prince Edward Island from 2014 to 2018.

“The whole off season of my first year was spent in the gym and I just passed and passed and passed. Sidney was just always the one there helping me and even on the days that I didn't even want to go, she would help drag me out. Not only have I had my sister, but I have had my best friend be a part of my rugby journey. It was just super special to be able to have somebody that wants it for you just as much as you want for yourself.”

Alysha and Canada’s Women’s Seven Team are set to hit the field at BC Place in Vancouver for HSBC Canada Sevens on March 3-5, the first time that the top women’s sevens teams in the world will be part of the iconic event at BC Place.

“Anytime that you get to play in front of a home crowd is surreal. Hearing that there is a potential to have 20,000 or more people is incredible. I know a lot of the girls are very excited because a lot of family members are coming and to be able to play and have your family there is super special. It just doesn't happen often. I'm just super excited for all our hard work over the last two, three weeks and to put on a show.”

Unfortunately, Sidney won’t be amongst the crowd in Vancouver on the weekend, but Alysha knows she will still be watching all the games from afar.

“She watches every single game. She claims to be my number one fan, but I think my mom would fight her for that.”

HOW TO FOLLOW CANADA SEVENS

Watch for Alysha Corrigan's number 16 and cheer on Canada's Women's Sevens Team live this weekend at Canada Sevens!

Tickets for the HSBC Canada Sevens, taking place March 3-5 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC, can be purchased at canadasevens.com. Single day tickets are available for purchase in all sections, with General Admission tickets starting at $29.00 for Friday March 3 and $69.00 for Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5, plus service fees.

HSBC Canada Sevens is also introducing a new youth ticket option for fans aged 18 and under. Youth single day tickets can be purchased for Sunday March 5 at the low price of $35.00.

Tournament passes, the best value and way for fans to access the action on all three days of Canada Sevens, are also still available for purchase.