Laura Russell was named captain of Canada’s women’s national team by head coach Francois Ratier ahead of the Women’s Rugby Super Series in Alberta.
Russell, the younger sister of previous skipper Kelly Russell, has 12 caps to her name and was a member of the 2014 Women’s World Cup squad that earned Canada its best-ever silver medal.
“To be named as captain is a huge honour,” Russell said in a Rugby Canada press release. “To represent these ladies as we head into the Super Series is an amazing feeling.”
Russell is one of 13 players from last year’s World Cup squad and while head coach Ratier has a number of veterans on his team, he felt Russell fit the bill perfectly.
“We have strong leaders from the World Cup last year,” Ratier said. “It makes sense to pick Laura as she’s young and is the future of the team, if you think long term. She’s also a leader and fits well into the role.
“She leads by example, we can trust her. That’s wonderful to have in a captain. She has a great relationship with the staff and we can talk about game plans."
Canada will take the field for the first time since last year’s World Cup when they square off against New Zealand, the U.S.A. and England over three game days in Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton.
The 26-year-old will captain a squad that includes 14 players who have never been capped by Canada, but she doesn’t see that as an issue as the team heads into its opening game.
“We have a number of vets on the team, plus a number of new faces, but we still have quite a lot of leaders that are coming back from the World Cup,” she said. “It’s a great mix. It’s great to have new players who are eager to learn and can jump in anywhere but have the vets lead the way and keep it calm and organized.”
The entire WRSS can be watched LIVE at www.livestream.com/rugbycanadaofficial
Tickets for all three games can be purchased at events.rugbycanada.ca
Canada’s roster for the 2015 Women’s Super Series:
Gillian Allen, (Kirin) Saskatoon
Tyson Beukeboom, (Aurora Barbarians) Uxbridge, Ont.
Layota Blackwood, (St. Anne de Bellevue) Montreal
Andrea Burk, (Capilano RFC) North Vancouver
Olivia DeMerchant, (Woodstock Wildmen) Mapledale, N.B.
Julia Folk, (Regina Rogues), Regina
Lisa Gauthier, (St-Anne de Bellevue), St-Bernardino, Ont.
Chelsea Guthrie, (Stratchona Druids) Edmonton
Lori Josephson, (Aurora Barbarians) Beaverton, Ont.
Mary-Jane Kirby, (Highland RFC) Brampton, Ont.
Carolyn McEwen (Burnaby Lake Rugby Club), Vancouver
Katie McNally (Velox Valkries) Guelph, Ont.
DaLeaka Menin, (Hornets) Vulcan, Alta.
Barbara Mervin, (Velox RFC) Peterborough, Ont.
Jacey Murphy, (Aurora Barbarians) Alliston, Ont.
Jess Neilson, (Meraloma) Vancouver
Cindy Nelles, (Oakville Crusaders / Belleville Bulldogs) Belleville, Ont.
Tiffany Picketts (UVIC VIKES/ Abbotsford Rugby Club), Abbotsford
Camile Provencal-Aube, (Abénakis et CRQ) Sherbrooke, Que.
Laura Russell, Captain (Toronto Nomads) Bolton, Ont.
Maria Samson, (Calgary Hornets) Calgary
Natasha Smith, (Barrhaven Scottish) Ottawa
Emma Taylor, (Halifax RFC) Halifax, N.S.
Alex Tessier, (Montreal Barbarians) Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Que.
Amanda Thornborough, (Brandon Barbarians RFC) Brandon, Man.
Brittany Waters, (Meraloma Athletic Club) Vancouver
Julianne Zussman, (Town of Mount Royal RFC) Montreal
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Francois Ratier
Forwards Coach: Shaun Allen
Backs Coach: Colette McAuley
Scrum Coach: Gary Dukelow (West) John Lavery (East)
Manager: Meaghan Howat
Women’s Rugby Super Series Schedule:
June 27 – Calgary
Calgary Rugby Park
Game 1: U.S.A. vs. England
Kick Off: 5 p.m. PT
Game 2: Canada vs. New Zealand
Kick Off: 7:30 p.m. PT
July 1 – Red Deer
Red Deer Rugby Club
Game 1: New Zealand vs. England
Kick Off: 4 p.m. PT
Game 2: Canada vs. U.S.A.
Kick Off: 6:30 p.m. PT
July 5 – Edmonton
Ellerslie Rugby Park
Game 1: New Zealand vs. U.S.A.
Kick Off: 4 p.m. PT
Game 2: Canada vs. England
Kick Off: 6:30 p.m. PT
