Kish leads Canadian Olympic challenge

Jen Kish will lead Canada’s entry into the inaugural Olympic Sevens in Rio next month. The captain is one of 12 named by head coach John Tait to continue the dream in a team largely expected, though there is one particularly notable absentee who has already caught headlines.

World Cup finalist and 2014 IRB Women’s Player of the Year Magali Harvey has not been selected by Tait to attend the competition. While Harvey had struggled with injury at times and perhaps been short of top form, her exclusion remains unexpected and a bold decision by Tait.

Established HSBC Sevens standouts Britt Benn, Karen Paquin, and points machine Ghislaine Landry are all present. The return of 2014-15 HSBC Dream Team selection Ashley Steacy to the side after missing this past season with injury is a significant boost to the side that remains a hot favorite to capture a medal.

Canada will play Japan, Brazil, and Great Britain in the pool stages. The tournament kicks off on Saturday, August 6, with medal games played two days later.

CANADA WOMEN’s OLYMPIC 7s
Brittany Benn, Hannah Darling, Bianca Farella, Jen Kish, Ghislaine Landry, Megan Lukan, Kayla Moleschi, Karen Paquin, Kelly Russell, Ashley Steacy, Natasha Watcham-Roy, Charity Williams

Head Coach – John Tait
Assistant Coach – Sandro Fiorino
Manager – Meaghan Howat
Athletic Therapist – Sandeep Nandhra
Athletic Therapist – Matt Tyler
Strength & Conditioning – Tyler Goodale
Performance Analyst – Callum Morris
Mental Performance Coach – Kirsten Barnes