Murrant named AUS MVP as seven Axewomen earn all-star honours

WOLFVILLE, N.S. — Acadia hooker Brielynn Murrant has been voted the Atlantic University Sport women’s rugby most valuable player for 2025, leading a group of seven Axewomen named conference all-stars.

A third-year community development student from Port Caledonia, N.S., Murrant guided Acadia to a 4-2-0 regular-season record and second place in the standings. She scored seven tries in five games (35 points), then added two more in last week’s 24–19 semifinal win over UPEI. As AUS MVP, she becomes the conference nominee for the U SPORTS national award.

Acadia’s all-star contingent spans the pack and backline: Lauren Deal (prop), Jenna Gallant (lock), Murrant (flanker), Sarah Gunn (fly half), Abbie Chisholm (centre), Juliette Matsukubo (wing) and Sarah Williston (fullback). The selections reflect a balanced side that combined set-piece control with pace out wide.

League major awards also recognized STFX, with Brown’nesha Willis-Glasgow named rookie of the year, Katie Murphy earning the student-athlete community service award, and Mike Cavanagh selected coach of the year.

With awards in hand, the Axewomen now turn to the AUS championship stage.

Next up: Acadia faces StFX in the AUS championship game on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Antigonish.