The Tommies have been on quite a run in ACAA women’s rugby play, having made it to the ACAA Finals six straight years.
Nathan Bustard will enter his first official season at the helm of the Tommies, and he returns ten athletes from the 2019-20 season who he will rely on to provide leadership for his 13 new players.
“In the forwards, we have a great group of senior players, like Kyra Gate and Libby Harmon, being just a couple of players who will form our leadership group,” said Bustard. “Sarah Hetherington, 2019 ACAA Rookie of the Year, and Rebecca Ring will also help to lead our plays from the back-field.”
Despite missing the 2020-21 season and a hefty turnover of players Bustard and his coaching staff, which now includes former Tommies Emily Donelle and Becca Baker, aren’t straying away from their team goals for the 2021-22 season.
“Our goal every season is obviously to win the ACAA championship. While we did not have an opportunity to compete last year in the ACAA, the coaching staff believe that we built a framework for competing at a championship level this season. We’ve had a busy recruiting season and training camp, and the coaching staff feels that we have strengthened the team with players who are eager to find a spot on the game rosters. There is a lot of talent on this team, and I believe that if we can implement our strategies on the field, then we will have a successful season.”
A few of those recruits that Bustard is eager to see take the pitch are Kyleigh King, Chloe Urgel and Addy King.
“Kyleigh quickly established herself as an intelligent player who makes the right decisions with the ball; Chloe has come out to this season's training camp with great energy and has impressed the coaching staff with her versatility in the backfield; and Addy also had a standout training camp. Fans should expect her to see increased usage this year in the forward group.”
The Tommies will open their season September 12th when they visit Mount Allison University to take on the Mounties.