Season Preview: Tommies Women’s Rugby 7s Ready to Make History in Inaugural ACAA Campaign
Fredericton, NB – A new chapter begins for St. Thomas University women’s rugby as the Tommies officially embark on their first season competing in Rugby 7s within the ACAA.
“Last year’s first campaign with STU brought about significant changes for the program. The players received our change into rugby 7s well, and they are just as excited as I am for our inaugural season,” said Head Coach Gabriel Kim.
This season, the Tommies welcome a talented group of recruits ready to make an impact. Among them are Corinne Williams (Saint John, NB) and Jessica Smith (Spaniard's Bay, NL), both of whom competed in Rugby 7s at the Canada Games. Their high-level experience is expected to blend seamlessly with the team’s returning core.
“I believe that the specific experience our recruits have with 7s will mend itself greatly with the current players. A few veterans have already had the pleasure of meeting them prior to training camp, which has set a positive tone,” Gabriel Kim noted.
Rookie Mariah Brown is eager to embrace the challenge of university rugby and the shift into 7s.“Shifting into university rugby and now starting 7s has been a valuable learning experience. I’m focusing on developing my skills and gaining a stronger understanding of the game. My aim is to show up with a positive attitude and give my all—not just for myself but also for my team! I can’t wait to see what this season holds for us.”
The Tommies benefited from year-round development thanks to CSI-A and UNB, who provided opportunities for training during the winter months. Many athletes also gained valuable game-time through summer club rugby, while standout veterans Madi Walsh and Aurora Sutton represented the senior provincial team at the Atlantics tournament.
The Tommies enter the 2025 season with a clear mission. “Our expectations are to compete to the standard I know we can play,” Gabriel Kim explained. “Our goals are to come home with a tournament win and compete for the top position.”
The program will lean on several experienced returners, including Madi Walsh, now entering her third season with the Tommies, as well as veterans Alexis and Aurora Sutton. Second-year Sharly Larose is also expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s new identity in 7s rugby.
Larose reflected on the transition from 15s to 7s: “The transition has been a big adjustment, but nonetheless very exciting. Even if the ideas and plays stay relatively the same, we had to switch our focus to a higher level of fitness and conditioning due to the change in speed and intensity. During training camp, our coach emphasized endurance and quicker decision-making, which will be crucial this season. I’ve been putting in a lot of work since the end of last season to make sure I’m ready for this one. My goal is to make a positive impact both on and off the field, and to give everything I can for my team.”
Transitioning fully to 7s will be the team’s biggest test. “Our biggest challenge will be putting last year’s season behind us. While 7s is different from 15s, I know the girls can excel at this form of rugby. Athletes will need to adapt to the pace and style of play,” said Gabriel Kim.
Returning veteran Grace Christie echoed that excitement for a fresh start:“We have many talented and hardworking girls and are more than capable of winning this year. This is the first year that we are running a sevens program and it's a unique opportunity to start fresh and use our strengths such as speed and versatility. I'm very excited to be back with the Tommies this year—it’s a very special opportunity to represent the school and learn how to be a better player and teammate. Being a part of the women's rugby team is particularly special as it evolves.”
To tackle that learning curve, the team will rely on its recruits experience while emphasizing video review and tactical study throughout the season.
The Tommies are calling on their community for support—especially during their home tournament October 4th, which they aim to make a highlight of the season.
“We want to make our home tournament as exciting as possible. Rugby 7s has a unique atmosphere of fun and energy, and we want to deliver the best fan experience we can,” - Gabriel Kim
With Rugby 7s now officially part of the ACAA, the Tommies are excited about the opportunities ahead.
“We’re beyond excited that Rugby 7s was added as an ACAA sport, and we’re hopeful the competition continues to grow with more schools joining in the future,” said Gabriel Kim.
As they step into this new era, the Tommies are ready to compete to set the standard in women’s Rugby 7s.
By Martin Carvajal