Breanne Nicholas Named Can-Am Rugby Player of the Series

Blenheim’s Breanne Nicholas was named the Player of the Series, helping Team Canada’s U20 Women’s Rugby team win the Can-Am Rugby Series against the United States this month.

Nicholas represented Team Canada in the two game series that featured matches in Sarnia and London this month. It was her second time representing Canada this summer, including winning a gold medal with Canada in Brazil at the FISU Championships.

“Playing for Canada on two different occasions in the same summer has been so much fun, and has been a pleasure,” says Nicholas, who played club rugby in London this summer, and was the OUA rookie of the year last season playing with the Western University Mustangs.

“Representing Team Canada and winning both FISU and the Can-Am series is such an accomplishment, and both tours are moments I wont forget,” continued Nicholas, who played for the Kent Havoc, and high school rugby in Blenheim while in Chatham-Kent.

The opening game of the Can-Am series, played in London, Ontario on August 20, saw Canada beat the USA 51-5. Nicholas showcased her breakaway speed throughout the series, setting up a number of tries, and scoring in Canada’s opening win.

In game two in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada won 43-6. Nicholas, on a long run from centre, set up a first half try by Coreen Riley, after Nicholas beat several US defenders, driving the ball deep. Nicholas again used her speed and passing skills in the 28th minute to set up a try by Canadian captain Deleka Menin.

Nicholas will now return to Western University and begin training for the start of the OUA rugby season. Western kicks off their schedule September 6 when they host Guelph at 3pm.