Canada women unveil squad for key tour

from RWCWomens.com:

Canada head coach Francois Ratier has unveiled his squad for a three-match tour of Europe in November, which kicks off with a two-Test series with Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 hosts France.

Ratier will hope to build on a first Women’s Nations Cup title when his charges face France in Pontarlier on 2 November and in Amneville three days later, before they head over the Channel to face England at the Twickenham Stoop on 13 November.

Canada beat England twice in the Nations Cup in Colorado in August, including a 27-13 success in the final, while their Under 20 team also enjoyed success in their equivalent of the competition which also featured USA and South Africa.

“This tour is an opportunity for our staff to watch the players under pressure, to continue our selection and to keep building our team culture,” explained Ratier.

“The strength of this group is its unity. The players know that when they are a part of this squad they have to work as one and support each other.”

“Only the players with the right spirit and attitude will be a part of the final selection for the World Cup in August 2014. We want energetic individuals and positive attitudes.”

Seven of the 27 players selected by Ratier were part of Canada’s squad which reached the final at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 in Moscow, including captain Kelly Russell and Ghislaine Landry, who scored seven tries in the showpiece event.

After this tour Canada will continue their preparations for Women’s Rugby World Cup – which takes places in Paris from 1-17 August – next year with expected matches against neighbours USA, Australia and four-time world champions New Zealand.

Canada squad for November tour

Elissa Alarie (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Rugby Club), Brittany Benn – (Guelph Redcoats), Stephanie Bernier (Club de Rugby Quebec), Tyson Beukeboom (Aurora Barbarians), Latoya Blackwood (St. Anne de Bellevue), Andrea Burk (Capilano RFC), Sammy Crandell – (Hornets RFC), Olivia DeMerchant (Woodstock Wildmen), Kim Donaldson (Burnaby Lake Rugby Club), Jessica Dovanne (Velox RFC), Bianca Farella (Town of Mount Royal RFC), Megan Gibbs – (Markham Irish RFC), Magali Harvey (Club de Rugby Quebec), Mary Jane Kirby (Highland RFC), Ghislaine Landry (Toronto Scottish RFC), Hilary Leith (Saracens/Capilano RFC), Kayla Mack (Wild Oats RFC), Kayla Moleschi (Williams Lake Rustlers), Jacey Murphy (Aurora Barbarians), Karen Paquin (Club de Rugby Quebec), Marie-Pier Pinault-Ried (Club de Rugby Quebec), Kelly Russell (Toronto Nomads, captain), Laura Russell (Toronto Nomads), Maria Samson (Calgary Hornets), Amanda Thornborough (Brandon Barbarians RFC), Jackie Titley, Brittany Waters (Meraloma Athletic Club).