Partnership brings world class rugby to Acadia

HALIFAX, N.S. - Rugby Canada, in partnership with Sports & Entertainment Atlantic (S|E|A), Destination Acadia, Rugby Nova Scotia, and the Province of Nova Scotia, announced today the hosting of the U20 Women's Tri-Nations Cup in Nova Scotia.

Canada and England will now welcome USA Rugby to extend their previously announced three-test series and playoff for the Tri-Nations title in a four-game series.

The first three of four games will be played in Wolfville, N.S. at Acadia University on August 7^th, 10^th and 14^th, with the fourth and final game on August 18th at the Wanderers Grounds in downtown Halifax. The Wanderers Grounds previously hosted the Canada vs USA Senior Men's test match in June, which saw a sell out crowd of 6,000 take in the action.

In addition, Acadia will also be hosting the Eastern Canadian Championships from August 14th to August 19th, with over 30 teams expected to compete for their respective Eastern National title. These games will be free to view by the rugby community and the general public.

"With the addition of a third international women's team to go along with the teams competing in the Eastern Canadian Championships, this event demonstrates the significant sport tourism opportunities available when partners such as S|E|A, Destination Acadia, Rugby Nova Scotia and the Province of Nova Scotia all work together to create an experience that leverages the wonderful assets we have in Nova Scotia," said S|E|A President Derek Martin.

Former Olympic bronze medalist and National team captain Kelly Russell will join head coach Jack Hanratty and the U20 Canadian women's team coaching staff as a defensive coach. Also joining the staff will be skills coach Jocelyn Barrieau, and her Quebec counterpart John Lavery, taking on the role of scrum coach. Lavery most recently worked with the Canadian U19 Men's program. Jeremy Steinbach will join his first Rugby Canada program as strength and conditioning coach, having just served as lead for the 2018 Women's Olympic Hockey program.

"It's a really exciting time for this age group of players. Testing and challenging your abilities against two leading nations is exactly the preparation needed for players to be prepared for the next senior world cup. I am really excited about the staff that has been established, there is a real excitement about the challenge that lies ahead and I am excited about the environment that we can create for our players to lead and prosper," noted Hanratty

The official roster will be announced following the conclusion of the 2018 U20 Canadian Rugby Championships in Saskatoon.

Tri-Nations Cup Schedule:

August 7th -  Canada v. USA, Acadia University @ 6:30 p.m. 

August 10th - Canada v. England, Acadia University @ 6:30 p.m. 

August 14th - USA vs. England, Acadia University @ 6:30 p.m. 

August 18th – Canada v. England, Wanderers Grounds @ 4:00 p.m.

Tickets for the games taking place at Acadia will be available at the Dyke Field gate, cash only, for $10 for Adults and $5 for Youth (16 and under).

Tickets for August 18th at Wanderers Grounds can be purchased at Ticket Halifax starting at $10 plus HST.

U20 Team Canada Women's Rugby Coaching Staff:

Jack Hanratty, Head Coach

Kelly Russell, Assistant Coach

John Lavery, Assistant Coach

Jocelyn Barrieau, Assistant Coach

Jeremy Steinbach, Strength and Conditioning Coach

Tom Mcleod, Video analyst

Danielle McNally, Physiotherapist

Sarah MacNeil, Manager