North Americans are set to feature heavily in this weekend’s 6th round of the Premier 15s. Canada coach Sandro Fiorino will be pleased to see nine of his players named in starting lineups, with four Women’s Eagles in match day squads.
The round begins with Exeter hosting Wasps at Sandy Park. Olivia DeMerchant misses out with injury but there are three Canadians who start for the Chiefs in hooker Emily Tuttosi, lock McKinley Hunt, and flyhalf Taylor Black. In-form USA duo Kate Zackary and Gabby Cantorna are at openside flanker and inside center respectively, while winger Jennine Duncan takes up a spot on the bench after recovering from her own injury.
Three of the five games will be streamed this week, one of which will see Loughborough taking on the Durham Sharks. Half of the Lightning pack hails from Canada. DaLeaka Menin starts at tighthead prop and the second row features Courtney Holtkamp and Abby Duguid, the latter getting her first professional start. Sara Svoboda is named at openside flanker.
Kickoff is set for 2pm local time, 9am Eastern, 6am Pacific. There are live broadcasts available on YouTube and Facebook.
Two more Canadians start for separate sides. Sophie de Goede moves from No8 to lock for Saracens on the road at Bristol, and Paige Farries is on the right wing for Worcester Warriors at Sale. USA international Jess Wooden is named on the bench for the Sharks.
The Sale vs Worcester match will also be streamed. Kickoff is at 2:30pm local time, 9:30am Eastern, 6:30am Pacific, with broadcasts available on Sale’s YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook channels.