Written by Carleton Sports Information
When Carleton Ravens rugby takes to the pitch on Thursday night in Sherbrooke it will kick off possibly the biggest season in program history. As the team kicks off their second-decade coach David Luong looks to build on the team’s first RSEQ medal they captured in 2021.
The Ravens return a deep roster including RSEQ All-Star Vanessa Chiappetta, Jamaican-national team player Lauryn Walker, co-captain Charlotte Elliott and Canadian national team player and co-captain Maya Addai. The return of Addai helps the Ravens to solidify a veteran core that is now without captains Roberta Drummond and Anastasia Bourka.
Up front, the Ravens’ core pack is a veteran-laden group that can challenge the best in the country. “Our forwards remain strong with many of the last year’s forwards returning,” explained second-year head coach David Luong. “We’ve made a few adjustments and we believe we will have a very mobile pack that will be a threat both on attack and defence.”
In the backfield, the return of Maya Addai helps fill the gap left behind by Drummond, but it will also be up to some returning players to help the Ravens bridge that gap. “With the departure of long-time captain and scrum-half Roberta Drummond, a standout rookie from last year Mckenna Taylor will look to fill those boots,” explained Luong.
In addition to a strong returning core the Ravens will look to standout rookies Maria Michaux and Charlotte Ross to make an immediate impact as the team seeks their first appearance at the U SPORTS nationals.
“I believe this is one of the strongest teams I have been fortunate to coach in all my time here at Carleton,” said Luong. “With the recent restructuring of the league, this is the year we push for a spot to become top 2 in the RSEQ and book our tickets for the National Championships in Victoria, B.C.”
Ravens rugby returns home on Friday, September 9, 2022 as they host McGill at 4 PM in their home opener. Ravens rugby is now a ticketed event, buy online before the game and save money versus the gate price. Not going to miss a game? Buy season tickets and save 40% compared to gate prices!
