Canada roster for Super Series

A squad of 26 players has been selected by Francois Ratier to compete in the Women’s Rugby Super Series, to be held in Salt Lake City from July 1-9. Canada will face off against England, France, and hosts USA over the course of the eight days as the begin to piece together their squad for the 2017 Women’s World Cup in Ireland.

Versatile forward Laura Russell captains an experienced side that includes overseas reps Olivia DeMerchant and Latoya Blackwood as well as nine other members of the 2014 Women’s World Cup finalists. Hooker Mary-Jane Kirby, second rows Tyson Beukeboom and Kayla Mack, and loose forwards Barb Mervin and Jacey Murphy all return up front.

In the backs there are places for halfback Emily Belchos, centre Andrea Burk, and utility duo Brittany Waters and Julianne Zussman. Belchos and Mack return to the squad for the first time since the 2014 tournament in France after spending more than a year with the national sevens program.

The group has been slowly narrowed down from 79 originally named, with Belchos, Mack, and bolter Anaïs Holly the only players added since. Joining Holly in the uncapped list are three forwards, front rows Demi Stamatakis and Kristy Sargent, and flanker Fabiola Forteza. New names in the backs are Brianna Miller, Frédérique Rajotte, Elysa Sandron, and Amanda Williams.

Canada will also send a Maple Leafs development side to play two exhibition matches against the All-Americans. Players currently involved in preparations for the Olympics were not considered for selection.

All matches will be broadcast live on The Rugby Channel, free for all viewers.

FORWARDS
Olivia DeMerchant (Woodstock / Saracens, UK), Carolyn McEwan (Burnaby Lake), DaLeaka Menin (UCalgary / Calgary Hornets), Laura Russell (capt., Toronto Nomads), Demi Stamatakis (Simon Fraser), Mary-Jane Kirby (Highland), Kristy Sargent (Lep-Tigers), Tyson Beukeboom (Aurora Barbarians), Kayla Mack (Wild Oats), Latoya Blackwood (SABRFC / Toulouse, FRA), Fabiola Forteza (Laval / CRQ), Barb Mervin (Westshore), Jacey Murphy (Aurora Barbarians), Katie Svoboda (McMaster / Belleville Bulldogs)

BACKS
Chelsea Guthrie (Strathcona Druids), Emily Belchos (Markham Irish), Anaïs Holly (UdeM / TMR), Alex Tessier (Concordia / Montreal Barbarians), Andrea Burk (Capilano), Brianna Miller (SABRFC), Amanda Williams (Calgary Hornets), Frédérique Rajotte (Concordia / SABRFC), Elysa Sandron (UCalgary / Winnipeg Saracens), Brittany Waters (Castaway Wanderers), Katie McNally (Castaway Wanderers), Julianne Zussman (Castaway Wanderers)

FIXTURES
Fri, July 1 – 14:00 PT, 17:00 ET – vs England
Tue, July 5 – 16:00 PT, 19:00 ET – vs USA
Sat, July 9 – 12:00 PT, 15:00 ET – vs France