Laraque commits to Axewomen rugby for 2026 season

WOLFVILLE, N.S. – The Acadia Axewomen rugby program has added another talented Nova Scotian to its 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of Aliya Laraque, a versatile forward from Dartmouth, N.S.

A 5-foot-4 hooker and back-row player, Laraque has built a strong foundation through a mix of high school, club, and provincial rugby. She first picked up the sport at Auburn Drive High School, where she was named Grade 10 Rookie of the Year under coach Lysa McGrath. Her athleticism and drive quickly earned her opportunities at higher levels of competition.

At the club level, Laraque competes with Halifax RFC, where she helped capture the Taylor-Merchant Cup. Provincially, she has represented the Nova Scotia Keltics in consecutive seasons, playing key roles in back-to-back medal performances. She scored 28 points in the 2024 Atlantic Rugby Championship in P.E.I., where the team earned silver, and followed up with 30 points at the 2025 championship in New Brunswick, helping Nova Scotia claim gold.

Her standout moment came in the 2025 final, where she scored two tries — including the game-winning try on a blocked kick. Laraque also competed with the Bluenose U18 Selects, joining the team on a tour of Ireland in 2025, further expanding her international experience.

Outside of rugby, Laraque is part of the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic’s Ignite Program, which supports high-performance athletes in balancing academics and sport. She will pursue a Bachelor of Kinesiology at Acadia University.

“So honoured to be committed to Acadia,” said Laraque. “Being part of the program means a lot to me. It’s a chance to push myself, grow as a player, and be part of a team with an incredible atmosphere. I can’t wait to get started, learn from great coaches, and make awesome memories on and off the field.”

Laraque will join the Axewomen for the 2026 AUS season, bringing depth, experience, and a winning mindset to the Acadia lineup.