Concordia Stinger newcomers Shawna Brayton and Geneviève Kasa-Vubu have been named to the national U20 women’s rugby team for a Can-Am series against the U.S. next month.
Canada will face its American counterpart on Aug. 3 and Aug. 7 at University of Ottawa.
Brayton also represented Canada on a tour of England last summer. Kasa-Vubu will be making her debut with Canada’s U20 team.
Brayton, a flanker from Châteauguay, Que., is currently representing the TMR rugby club. She was a Cégep all-star at Dawson College in 2015 and 2016.
“Shawna is a top player who sets an example with her play and intensity on the pitch,” said Stinger women’s rugby head coach Graeme McGravie. “She has all the tools to go all the way to the national senior women’s team and make an impact at the senior level.”
Kasa-Vubu, who calls Guelph, Ont. home, is also a flanker. She competes with the Guelph Redcoats at the club level. She is transferring to Concordia after playing the 2015 season with the Queen’s Gaels. She won a silver, medal at university nationals that year. She has represented Ontario at various levels over the years, including U16, U18, U20 and Sevens.
“Gen is a classic tenacious big hitting, high impact player who can play anywhere in the back row,” said McGravie. “Her speed sets her apart from other players in the pack.”
Rugby fans can visit Concordia stadium on Sept. 1 to get their first glimpse of these talented recruits. The Stingers will host the Western Mustangs in preseason action beginning at noon.
