A South Surrey rugby player has returned home to play in the upcoming WXV 1 competition with Team Canada.
Shoshanah Seumanutafa, a Pacific Academy and University of British Columbia grad, helped her UBC Thunderbirds win their first-ever rugby Canada West Championship – as well as two others. She also helped the team win their first CW trophy for rugby sevens, and was named CW Player of the Year twice.
Despite such an outstanding university career, Seumanutafa remains humble. Now 25, she's looking forward to having her family in the stands for WXV. Canada is competing in the top tier of WXV (WXV1), which includes the top three teams from the Women’s Six Nations (England, France, Ireland) and the top three teams from the Pacific Four (PAC4) Series (Canada, New Zealand, USA).
There's also been a little more excitement about rugby in Canada, she noted, since the Canadian women's rugby team won a historic silver medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
"We're bringing a lot of excitement ... having a home game where everyone's families are around is great. There's a lot of excitement and energy. ... We're just going to take one week at a time and prepare according to each team," she said of the upcoming games, which kick of this Sunday, Sept. 29 vs. France at BC Place in Vancouver.
Team Canada then plays Ireland at Langley Events Centre on Saturday, Oct. 5, then again at BC Place vs. England on Oct. 12.
With a father who coaches women's rugby at Trinity Western University, and a younger brother who still plays at UBC, Seumanutafa grew up familiar with the sport, but didn't switch from soccer to rugby until Grade 10, and played soccer through Grade 12.
She said she enjoys the physicality of rugby.
"There's so many different aspects of the game – you get to kick, you can run with the ball, passing the ball – there's just so many things to like. It's a tactical game as well... it keeps you on your toes. There's some contact too – it's fun!" she said.
Lately, she has been playing rugby with a club in New Zealand, but returned to Canada for PAC4 camp and to compete in that competition in April, travelling to L.A., then Australia, then New Zealand, before returning to Canada for the WXV 1 games.
"There's been lots of flying, but it's been good," said Seumanutafa, adding how much she enjoys how people are really into rugby in New Zealand.
"I love it! It's been so much fun – my Dad's family is down there, I live with them and they're all huge rugby fans," she said. "It's cool because everyone in New Zealand eats and breathes rugby. ... In Canada, not everyone understands what the game is, but in New Zealand there's rugby stuff posted everywhere."
But she and her team remain focused on preparing for the upcoming games. Her team will be captained by Canada’s all-time women’s cap leader, Tyson Beukeboom, who earned her record-breaking 68th international cap in Canada’s history-making win against New Zealand in May.
“Our preparation time was short but efficient. This will be a strong team,” said Kevin Rouet, head coach of the team, in a Rugby Canada release.
“All the players have worked very hard for the last couple of weeks to prepare for WXV, and we are excited for these next three matches and for the chance to play on home soil here in Vancouver against the best rugby teams in the world," he said.
"France, Ireland and England will each challenge us in different ways, but it’s another opportunity to test ourselves and another step in our journey to the Rugby World Cup next year."
Seumanutafa agreed.
"Winning WXV for sure is the goal, but also, just connecting as a team and continuing to learn and grow and prepare on a bigger scale for the upcoming World Cup in England in 2025... as early as now, we're already preparing."
Canadians will be able to watch all three WXV 1 matches featuring Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team on TSN; details are yet to be announced as of press time.
Tickets for WXV 1 can be purchased online at wxvrugby.tbits.me
