Page 22 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 126

22 Issue #126 July 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

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The Best Rugby Player You’ve Probably Never

Heard Of…

By Casey Leger Algonquin College rookie of the
year awards. I graduated in spring
nyone who knows Cornwall 2020 with plans to return in fall,
Asports knows about Maddy but COVID delayed the return.”
Grant and her incredible success Seymour’s other accolades
on the international rugby scene. include being named MVP for
However, few people know about rugby and OCAA all-star for
her friend, one-time teammate, 2022-2023, but her story, it
and rugby phenom in her own seems, has another chapter or two.
right, Sydney Seymour.
“Recently,” Seymour explains,
Both Grant and Seymour got “I attended a tryout for Premiere
their rugby starts at St. Joseph’s Rugby Sevens— a professional
High School. In fact, Grant credits rugby league that plays in the
Seymour as one of the people USA. It is made up of eight
who got her interested in playing franchise teams with Olympic,
rugby in the first place. While national, and international players
Grant was recruited and headed from Canada, the USA, and even
off to British Columbia, Seymour rugby 7 stars from New Zealand.
stayed in Cornwall and led the It went really well, and I am on
Panthers to several local rugby the call up list.”
championships. After a little post-
secondary adversity, these days Seymour’s performance must
Seymour’s rugby future is looking have been impressive. “One
brighter than ever. of the franchise coaches,” she
explains, “recommended me for
“After high school,” Seymour a tour in Guatemala with the Dog Photo Submitted
says, “I spent a year recovering River Howlers touring team from traveling to BC in August to train In the meantime, Seymour
from an ACL injury and surgery. Saskatchewan.” alongside Maple Leaf Academy plays for the Barrhaven Scottish
In the fall 2019, I attended players, as well as national team women’s senior team out of
Algonquin College and played Finally, Seymour attended an members. If all goes well, I Ottawa, and she can be found
rugby 7s.” Sevens is a version of RBC Training Ground Combine am hoping to be nominated for at the Cornwall Rugby Football
rugby that pits seven players aside Qualifier in Ottawa. “My results the RBC finals in the fall and a Club’s practices, offering the
in a fast-paced, fifteen-minute- landed me an invite for secondary chance to earn funding to train fledgling club the benefit of her
long match. “I earned the OCAA testing with Rugby Canada,” and pursue my dream of playing rugby experience, and helping to
rookie of the year title and the Seymour smiles, “and I will be at the national level.” develop the sport locally.