VICTORIA – Following the Tokyo Olympics last month, Rugby Canada announced a new squad for Canada's return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Tournament, dubbed the "Fast Four" events. Named to the roster are current University of Victoria women's rugby players Ella O'Regan, Renee Gonzalez, and alumna Nakisa Levale.

Selected from a group of Canada's top carded athletes, it's no surprise to see these talented up and comers crack the young roster. All three train out of the Rugby Canada Training Centre in Langford as members of the Maple Leaf Academy—this will be the first time for both O'Regan and Gonzales competing in a world series event. The Maple Leaf Academy (MLA) is a NextGen program supporting up-and-coming female players who aspire to be selected to Canada's women's sevens team and compete at the Olympics and HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

For O'Regan, representing Canada at the HSBC Sevens Tournament is a dream come true. Climbing the ranks through the Rugby Canada Development Academy and the Maple Leaf Academy, the Victoria product and second-year Vike has her eyes set on competing on the world stage. 

"This is an incredible opportunity for me, especially after this past year. It will be the first real tournament I have played in since pre-COVID-19," said O'Regan.

"I'm very excited to compete in an international tournament, and it will be a great experience to learn and grow from the other athletes around me and to develop my rugby skills. I cannot wait to get out on the field with them."

Hailing from Toronto, Gonzalez began her university rugby career at Lindenwood University in Plymouth, Minnesota, before transferring to UVic and winning a Canada West title with the Vikes in 2017. The following season, she helped a talented Vikes squad to an 18-0 record, winning a Canada West sevens banner and a Canadian university national sevens title.

"This is a great opportunity for growth and a chance to showcase myself. It is also a huge accomplishment for me—one of my goals this season was to represent Canada," said Gonzalez.

Playing for Canada means O'Regan and Gonzalez will miss the first two U SPORTS regular-season games; still, head coach Brittany Waters says she supports them fully in the incredible opportunity to represent Canada.

"We are so proud to see three Vikes, two current and one alumnus, on the Canada sevens roster. Both Ella and Renee have demonstrated incredible work ethic and commitment to get to this level. Nakisa is also back training with the Maple Leafs Academy and has continued to show dedication and resilience since her time with the Vikes, said Waters. 

"All three athletes are exciting players to watch, and we will be cheering them on from Victoria."