PREVIEW: Women’s rugby opens season at home versus Sherbrooke

The wait is over.

The first varsity event on the uOttawa campus in 18 months is set to take place Saturday, Sept. 11, as the Gee-Gees women's rugby team opens their season against the Sherbrooke Vert & Or.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at Matt Anthony Field. A limited capacity of 300 spectators will be allowed inside the facility, and tickets are available for purchase at tickets.geegees.ca.

Ottawa is chasing their record-tying seventh consecutive RSEQ title in 2021. The Garnet and Grey have emerged as champions of the Quebec conference each season since 2014, and their remarkable run culminated with a U SPORTS National Championship in 2017. 

Despite their winning pedigree, the Gee-Gees were given a stern test by the Vert & Or last season. The teams squared off in the season opener, which ended in a 22-22 draw in Sherbrooke. The story was much different when the teams squared off 20 days later at Matt Anthony Field. That confrontation ended 44-10 in the Gee-Gees favour.

"I've been thinking a lot about how to keep the emotions out of it," said head coach Jen Boyd of the team's excitement for the home opener. "We play a collision sport, so you want to make sure they don't come out too emotional and excited, but that's hard. There will be players who are super pumped, and others that will be nervous."

The Gee-Gees are returning several key players who helped them to the 2019 RSEQ Championship. Reigning conference Rookie of the Year Madison Grant is looking for another strong campaign. Aurora Bowie, Alexandra Ondo and Maya Montiel each scored multiple tries in 2019 and will aim to start their season on a winning note against Sherbrooke. 

Fans who are planning to attend the game are encouraged to read the Tickets and Gameday Information document, which includes up-to-date health and safety measures. The document can be found HERE.

The match will be broadcast live on YouTube.