Former Olympic bobsledder Emily Azevedo has been called up by new head coach Richie Walker to take part in this weekend’s Langford stop on the HSBC Women’s Sevens Series. The 32-year-old finished 5th in the two-person event at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Azevedo was approached by former Women’s Eagles coach Ric Suggitt about a conversion to rugby and she joined the residency program at Chula Vista early last year.
Walker has made four further changes to the team that won the Plate in Atlanta, three enforced. Meya Bizar and Lauren Doyle miss out on the trip with injury, as will captain Jill Potter who is unavailable. Bui Baravilala will assume the leadership role for the tournament. Kate Zackary and Kirsten Thomas are the others to miss out on selection.
Returning to the team are dynamic forward Joanne Fa’avesi and star winger Victoria Folayan, both fully recovered from injury. Series veteran Christy Ringgenberg is back in the side for the first time since 2014, and Eagles XVs lock Carmen Farmer makes her full debut in the shortened version of the game.
The Eagles are currently in 7th spot on the overall standings after three events, four points back of Russia. All matches will be streamed live by World Rugby.
WOMEN’S EAGLES 7s
Emily Azevedo, Bui Baravilala (capt.), Megan Bonny, Ryan Carlyle, Joanne Fa’avesi, Carmen Farmer, Victoria Folayan, Nicole Heavirland, Jessica Javelet, Alev Kelter, Christy Ringgenberg, Richelle Stephens
POOL FIXTURES
Sat, Apr 16 – 12:50 PT, 15:50 ET – vs Spain
Sat, Apr 16 – 15:42 PT, 18:42 ET – vs Fiji
Sat, Apr 16 – 18:12 PT, 21:12 ET – vs New Zealand