WCSS rugby 7s ready to rock

DUNROBIN – Sports at West Carleton Secondary School (WCSS) have finally started.

The WCSS Wolves had it’s first rugby 7s practice on Monday (Sept. 16).

The girls are getting settled in to the new year and a different type of rugby.

WCSS has not had a rugby 7s team since before COVID. None of the girls on this team have played rugby 7s at school before, but many of the same girls were on the rugby 15s team last spring where the Wolves won first place going undefeated in the Tier 2 National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSAA) championship. Rugby 7s is the same sport as rugby 15s with just half the players on the field. The field and game is the same, but the smaller number of players means much more running and a much faster sport. Rugby 7s were very popular at last summer’s Paris Olympic Games.

During that first practice the girls got together and worked on technique and tackling, so they are prepared for the NCSSAA seeding tournament on Oct. 9. Only 15 of the girls will go to the tournament. although there were no tryouts there will need to be some cuts.

After that tournament the Wolves have their final tournament on Oct. 23. Though it is not a traditional season with regular season games, it will help prepare the team for the rugby 15s season in the spring when the team hopes to have another amazing season. 

The Wolves are excited for this new season and are looking forward to the new challenge. After talking to some of the girls, their enthusiasm and dedication to the team really shows.  

“I think our team is going to do very well, because we all work very well together,” Kate Murty, who played scrum half on last year’s rugby 15s team, told West Carleton Online Sept. 16. “I think that is what is going to push us up to the top.”

Her confidence in the team really encourages the girls.

Second year rugby player Marlow Tolmie has her priorities set somewhere other than scoring tries.

“I am literally going to tackle and touch everyone,” Tolmie said.

Hopefully, she saves that for the other teams. 

The greatest part of this team is the inclusive environment it has created. The more experienced players are very supportive and welcoming of the newer players. While talking to a first-time rugby player Phoebe Inkster she says

“We have great ability to help the team, we just need to be built up more with everyone else,” first time rugby player Phoebe Inkster said adding she really feels the support she’s seeing on the field. 

The love for the game is overwhelming with these girls.

Autumn Tapp played for the girls’ rugby 15s team last year before she had to sit out due to a leg injury that happened in the opening tournament of the season. She is both excited and a bit anxious about returning to the field.

“I am a little nervous because I broke my leg last year, but I am very excited because I really like rugby,” Tapp said.