X-Women rugby prop Olivia DeMerchant (Woodstock, NB) recently wrapped up a stint with the Canadian U20 team at the Nations Cup in Santa Barbara, CA. The Canadian women went 2-2 in tournament action, placing third. 

The Canadian team, coached by Lethbridge Pronghorns head coach Neil Langevin, defeated South Africa by a 32-5 score in the consolation game played on July 23rd to secure third spot in the international tournament that featured Canada, South Africa, England and the United States. England defeated the host US squad 48-11 to win the tournament.

In earlier action, Canada played its first game on July 15th and lost 41-0 to a strong English team. In their second game played two days later, they rebounded to defeat South Africa 27-7. DeMerchant was in the starting line-up and scored a try for Canada in that game, who led 5-0 at half-time then broke up in the second half for the victory.

In their third game of the tournament on July 20th, Canada dropped a disappointing 15-5 decision to the United States, costing them a berth in the gold medal game. The Canadians led 5-3 at half, but were overpowered by the US in the second half, who kept them off the score board.

DeMerchant, who will be entering into her third season with the X-Women this fall, played in all four games for the Canadians. Her StFX teammate Tyson Beukeboom was also selected to the U20 national team but was unable to attend the tournament in California. For complete game recaps, click here to visit Rugby Canada’s website.