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Sophie de Goede will play no part in the upcoming Paris Olympics after suffering a knee injury in training. The international superstar will also miss out on this year’s WXV competition. It’s a particularly cruel blow with the tournament set to be hosted in Canada.
de Goede had been in sparkling form this year, earning selection to the Women’s Premiership’s Team of the Season for her outstanding performances with Saracens. She led Canada to an historic first-ever win over World Cup champions New Zealand in May to claim the Pacific Four title, and was considered one of the leading contenders for World Rugby Player of the Year.
Canada will now look to others for inspiration with their captain and talisman ruled out. The 25-year-old will now devote time to recovery ahead of next year’s World Cup in England. de Goede confirmed the news on social media and posted a statement:
“Sad to share that I tore my ACL in training camp last week. Unfortunately, this means putting the Olympic dream on hold for now.
“It’s hard to really wrap my head around what the next while could look like. I’m sure there will be many ups & downs, progress isn’t linear, but I’ll strive to embrace and attack this challenge with as much determination as I know I can.
“I’ll be cheering the girls on at the Olympics, WXV, and Sarries, and I look forward to rejoining them as soon as I can with newfound strength & resilience.
“I have an incredible team around me and feel very luck to be surrounded by such amazing people. Thanks to all for your support.”
