2017 ARN Women’s Super 7

An ARN Awards first this year. We have in the past only selected a Dream Team for the men’s side. While the women remain underfunded by World Rugby and limited to only half the tournaments that the men enjoy, we feel there is now sufficient competition to select a side that isn’t just Canada’s national team.

The USA improved significantly in 2017, reaching the Cup Final in Sydney and finishing in 6th overall, just four points shy of 4th place Fiji. Brazil had some moments and players like Paula Ishibashi, Raquel Kochhann, and Edna Santini are always fun to watch but in the end the team fell short and did not maintain core status for the new season.

Hopefully more of the Americas teams can raise their standards of play in 2018 with the Rugby World Cup Sevens offering the biggest stage to impress. For this past year it was the North Americans who led the way and comprise our select side for 2017.

2017 ARN WOMEN’S SUPER 7

1) Jen Kish (Canada) She might be approaching the end of her tremendous career but the 29-year-old remains one of the very best forwards in the shortened game. A primary ball winner in the air, tireless engine, and deceiving pace. No longer Canada’s captain but she’s our choice to lead from the front. Only one Dream Team selection for Kish in 2017, at the victorious Sydney tournament.

2) Britt Benn (Canada) An obvious choice, the only question was where. Spent much of her season in the midfield but we’ll take her up front where her hard-nosed approach fits right in. Took home Dream Team honors in Sydney, Las Vegas, Langford, and was then named in the overall 2016-17 HSBC Dream Team. No arguments from here.

3) Naya Tapper (USA) Another who had to get a place in the team somewhere. A powerhouse on the wing, she’ll have to scrum down in this team but can still attack from out wide. One of the top try scorers on the circuit, she was named to the Dream Team in Sydney and Las Vegas. Gets the nod over a similar player in Canada’s Bianca Farella.

4) Nicole Heavirland (USA) The new captain for the Women’s Eagles this season. Not bad for a player who was only a reserve for the Olympic side in 2016. She reminds us of her men’s team counterpart, Madison Hughes. Tremendously competitive as befits a former West Point standout, quick of foot and mind. Also a solid goal kicker.

5) Ghislaine Landry (Canada) A Dream Team selection in four of the six tournaments in 2016-17. Named to the overall HSBC Dream Team. Nominee for World Rugby Player of the Year and unlucky not to win it. Scored her 100th career try and continues to march towards 1,000 points. One of the all-time greats.

6) Alev Kelter (USA) Moves into a midfield spot, a better fit for her talents than playmaker. Another who was rubber-stamped early in the year. Picked for the Dream Team at Sydney and Las Vegas before earning overall season honors. Collected another Dream Team selection in Dubai to start the new season. The USA’s best player.

7) Julia Greenshields (Canada) Burst into contention with a terrific year in 2017. Has become a deadly finisher for Canada with her form pushing Farella and Charity Williams up into the forwards. Dream Team selections in Kitakyushu and most recently Dubai, expect big things from the Sarnia native in 2018.