Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Rugby Québec has sent 19 of its best players to French clubs for the 2020-21 season. Most will compete in the country’s top division, the Élite 1 Feminine, the others in Élite 2. The Élite 1 is comprised of the top 12 teams in France, with the next 10 in Élite 2.
While not a fully professional competition, accommodations and transportation are covered by the clubs. Part-time jobs are arranged for some and others allowed time to continue their university studies online.
It was the cancellation of domestic rugby, both club and collegiate, that necessitated the moves. With Rugby World Cup 2021 only a year away, finding competitive rugby abroad should prove a vital advantage for those in the brink of selection.
Five clubs will benefit from the Canadian exports. Stade Rennais have the most at six including prop Cloé Maranda, hooker Jan-Ma Létinois, second row Ngalula Fuamba, flanker MP Fauteux, and outside backs Sabrina Poulin and Jenny Davidson. Fuamba played for Toulouse last year, Poulin for Lille Métropole.
Already arrived and suiting up for Stade Bordelais are lock Andréanne Valois, flanker Fabiola Forteza, scrumhalf Justine Pelletier, center Marie Thibault, and versatile back Alex Tessier. All are new to European club rugby with the exception of Forteza, who played in Spain the season past.
Lock or back row Laetitia Royer, and midfielders Audrey Champagne and Sarah-Maude Lachance will play for Lons. Lille will also have three Canadians – hooker Rosalie Lepage-Tremblay, flanker Andrée-Ann Bouffard, and center Rachel Sankari.
Two players will compete in Élite 2 for Stade Rochelais, also known as La Rochelle. Laval second row Annabelle Parent will play alongside Concordia flyhalf or center Emma Gallagher.
Facilitating the opportunity were Rugby Québec Executive Director and former National Senior Women’s Head Coach François Ratier along with current Québec provincial and Laval Head Coach Kevin Rouet. Ratier says he hopes to maintain the new connections.
“Some of them are more advanced players while others will gain experience and play rugby this year where it’s possible. Long term we want to create more partnerships with France because it could be a win/win situation.”
He says that while it’s unlikely as many would have gone under normal circumstances, the relationship could yield tours, training camps, and even international matches in the future. For the present 19 athletes will compete against the best in France while enjoying a unique life experience.
