VICTORIA – University of Victoria women's rugby standout and U SPORTS All-Canadian Larah Wright is one of 12 U SPORTS women's rugby players set to represent Canada at the 2024 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens in Aix-en-Provence, France, June 10 to 12.

"This is my first time representing Canada at an international fixture, so, as you can imagine, I am extremely honoured to get this opportunity and hope to do UVic and Canada proud," said Wright.

This appointment marks Wright's first international cap with Rugby Canada's Maple Leaf Academy squad. Having earned U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours in 2021-22, Wright missed the 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL but returned in 2023-24 to help the Vikes earn a U SPORTS silver medal in rugby 15s and a Canadian university silver medal in rugby sevens.

[Learn more about Wright's journey back here]

"Larah had an incredible return this past fall following her ACL surgery, having two dominant performances in both the rugby 15s and sevens season. She's very much deserving of this opportunity based on, not only her performance, but her work ethic, positive attitude, and strong character. We're looking forward to seeing what she can do at the next level, I know she'll have an amazing experience," said Brittany Waters, UVic women's rugby head coach.   

Canada will compete alongside Australia, France, South Africa, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Poland and India at Maurice David Stadium. This will mark the first time the tournament has been held since 2018, and the first time Canada has competed in the tournament since 2016. Canada has five women's rugby sevens FISU World University Championship medals, three gold (2004, 2006, 2014) and two silver (2008, 2016).

Prior to the FISU World University Championship, the team will compete in EAAST 7s, an elite international tournament in Haguenau, France, from June 1 to 2. The tournament will also feature development teams from nations such as Australia, New Zealand, and France.

 "I am motivated by the opportunity to display the raw talent within this team as we kick off against international competition. A tournament of this calibre will promote Canada's athletic success in rugby, with nods to USPORT and all the hard work behind the scenes from our universities, coaches, medical staff and teammates. I'm looking forward to inspiring younger female athletes and growing this beautiful game with this FISU lineup this June," continued Wright.

Help Larah represent Canada at FISU games in France

More information about the 2024 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens, including results, can be found here. More information about the EAAST 7s can be found here.

CANADA'S WOMEN'S SEVENS ROSTER

2024 FISU World University Championship

Adia Pye (Victoria, BC) - University of British Columbia
Boluwatife Olukunmi (Calgary, AB) – University of Calgary
Carmen Izyk (Blackie, AB) – Queen's University
Elizabeth Gibson (Caledon, ON) – Queen's University
Emily Clark (Mississauga, ON) – University of Guelph
Emma Lajeunesse (Quebec City, QC) - Université Laval
Kennedy Feasby (Port Perry, ON) – University of Guelph
Larah Wright (Calgary, AB) – University of Victoria
Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Concordia University
Olivia Sarabura (Guelph, ON) – University of British Columbia
Savannah Bauder (North Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia
Vanessa Chiappetta (Riguad, QC) – Carleton University