Three local rugby players are getting ready to tackle New Zealand after being selected to play on the BC Bears' U18 7s squad.
As part of the team, Salmon Arm's Louisa Imolele and Vernon's Emery Britton and Elyse Koleba will be headed down under to Auckland, NZ on Dec. 13 to 15 to compete in the 2024 Global Youth Sevens tournament.
"After an incredible amount of hard work and impressive performances... [they] have been selected to play for Team BC in this incredible opportunity. This tour not only offers them the chance to compete on an international stage, but also to gain invaluable experience and exposure to world-class training," said Austin Comeault, who coached the Yeti Rugby U18 girls team this fall. "We couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments and wish them the best of luck as they prepare for this amazing journey."
The girls also play for their respective school teams, with Imolele described as "a force" on the JL Jackson Secondary squad, helping them reach the BC School Sports Provincial Championships for the first time in history. She was also chosen to play on the BC Travel Squad to the Tropical 7s in Tampa, Fla.
On the Seaton Secondary team, Britton and Koleba earned a bronze medal in the 2024 Provincials.
Additionally, all three were players on the Summer Games and members of the Thompson Okanagan Rugby Alliance team.
While in Auckland, the girls will meet teams from all over the world on the pitch, and experience the culture and hospitality off the field. They'll be leaving from Vancouver in early December to acclimatize to New Zealand and return on the 17th, shortly after the end of the tournament.
"I'm very excited to showcase a new group of athletes to the level of play and culture that this tournament will provide," BC Bears Girls 7s lead Darcy Patterson said in a media release. "We have a group of athletes who have been working hard for this opportunity and I'm looking forward to them getting the chance to express themselves and learn as much as possible."
