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November 1, 2017 | Rugby (W)

Frédérique Rajotte is the first RSEQ player to win the award.Frédérique Rajotte is the first RSEQ player to win the award.

Frédérique Rajotte named U SPORTS top rugby player

Frédérique Rajotte, a fifth-year outside centre with the Concordia Stingers, is the 2017 U SPORTS women’s rugby player of the year. The honour was presented Thursday morning in Lethbridge, Alta., as the national award winners were celebrated at the annual all-Canadian banquet.

This is the first time a Concordia women’s rugby player has won the prestigious honour that was first presented in 1998.

Rajotte, who is a three-time U SPORTS all-Canadian and a two-time RSEQ MVP, scored 15 tries in seven games this season. She is the third-leading scorer in the Quebec conference and the top try scorer. 

“This season Fred has been a leader with her play on the pitch, especially in defence where her cover tackles have kept the opposition off our try line,” said Stingers head coach Graeme McGravie. “In attack she continues to be an explosive runner with the ball, leading the league with tries scored. Her support runs have added another dimension to her attacking abilities.

“She’s fast and she’s shifty,” adds McGravie. “She has great all-round skills for her position. She’s a smart player. The way she sees the game, her vision, she’s head and shoulders above other players.”

The 23-year-old native of Markham, Ont. has been part of national team programs for a number of years. Most recently she represented Canada at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland. Canada finished fifth at the championship.