Cowichan Rugby Football Club senior women’s player and Shawnigan Lake School rugby coach Laura Russell is leading the Canadian national women’s team at the Women’s Rugby Super Series in Alberta.
Russell was named team captain by head coach Francois Ratier last week as Canada prepared to face New Zealand in the series opener in Calgary, succeeding her sister, Kelly, in the coveted role.
"To be named as captain is a huge honour," Russell said. "To represent these ladies as we head into the Super Series is an amazing feeling."
Russell had 12 games with the national team under her belt prior to the Super Series, and was part of the squad that had Canada’s best-ever finish at a World Cup, winning a silver medal in France last summer.
"We have strong leaders from the World Cup last year," Ratier said. "It makes sense to pick Laura as she’s young and is the future of the team if you think long term. She’s
also a leader and fits well into the role.
"She leads by example, we can trust her. That’s wonderful to have in a captain. She has a great relationship with the staff and we can talk about game plans."
Canada fell to New Zealand 40-22 in the first game of the series in Calgary last Saturday. The team will face the U.S. in Red Deer on Wednesday, and England in Edmonton next Sunday.
