Selena Bushey To Play Rugby For Western

Selena Bushey will take her game to a higher level next season, as the UCC Lancers rugby player has committed to play OUA rugby for the Western University Mustangs.

For Bushey, a Wallaceburg resident, several factors influenced her decision to compete and study at Western.

“I chose Western because it’s a really good school, I knew that accepting my offer would open doors for my future,” she said. “Also I chose it because it’s close to home, but far enough away that I can be independent.”

The opportunity to continue playing rugby for the inside centre, who is an intimidating force in the high school loop, was one Bushey feels gratitude for.

“It feels to unreal, I never would have thought I’d be where I am at today. I’m very grateful and humbled for being given this opportunity to play at a higher level,” said Selena Bushey, who will study Criminology at Western.

Western has been a place where many Chatham-Kent rugby players have found success, including current Team Canada member Breanne Nicholas, as well as other local athletes including Amber Nicholas, Tegan Williams, and Gabby Desbiens, have all suited up for Western in recent seasons.

For Bushey, much like many other Chatham-Kent athletes, the game of rugby is relatively new, but it is one she has grown to love at Ursuline College Chatham.

“I’ve enjoyed everything about the game honestly,” said Bushey about playing high school rugby. “It’s so much fun getting to learn new plays and hitting the field for game day. I also really love crashing with the ball and trying to break through a bunch of girls. It’s a rough sport but it toughens you up and you know you have your rugby sisters beside you working just as hard.”

With her new found love for rugby, and now moving to the University level, Bushey hopes other local girls, and Chatham-Kent athletes will also give rugby a chance.

“I say give it a try,” said Bushey about playing rugby. “Rugby is all contact, but you learn how to protect yourself and play as safe as possible. With rugby you can play it whenever you want and wherever too. You never know what opportunities it could give you, take me as an example. Chatham-Kent even has a Havoc team for in the summer. You can’t knock it if you haven’t tried it.”

Last season the Western Mustangs were last in the OUA Shiels Division with an 0-4 record.

Bushey will play this summer for London St. George’s.