Report from Rugby Canada

Canada’s U20 Women’s Sevens team concluded the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games with a battle against Argentina for bronze.

The first day of competition at Paraguay’s Olympic Park started with Canada’s U20 Women’s Sevens Team facing Jamaica, with eight different try scorers contributing to Canada’s 53-0 win. Zina Umeh (2), Olivia Newsome, Kennedi Stevenson, Kiki Idowu, Adelaide Holmes, Adia Pye, and Kelsa Kempf contributing to the score sheet. Conversions from Olivia Newsome and Elle Douglas, helped Canada kick off their campaign with a dominant win.

The team met Colombia in their second match of the day. Adia Pye scored a double, Ivy Poetker added 5 points to the board, and Olivia Newsome added 3 conversions. Despite a yellow card to Olivia Newsome in the 4th minute, resulting in a penalty try to Colombia – Canada held on to their lead, winning 19-12.

Canada faced Argentina in their last match of day 1, a red card to Kiki Idowu meant the Canadians went down a player, however they held on to their lead and defeated Argentina 22-12 with tries from Kennedi Stevenson and Adia Pye, converted by Zina Umeh and Charlotte Hilton.

Bronze Medalists

The second day of competition started with Canada’s U20 Women’s Sevens Team playing eventual gold medalists Brazil in the semifinals. Canada led 7-0 at half-time after a try by Kennedi Stevenson and a conversion by Elle Douglas. Brazil responded well after a 7th minute Yellow Card was given to Ivy Poetker – scoring 12 unanswered points in the second half. The match ended 12-7 for Brazil.

Canada met Argentina once again in their final match, playing the Argentinians for bronze. Adia Pye opened scoring to go up 5-0. Olivia Newsome converted her own try plus two more, Kennedi Stevenson and Ivy Poetker contributing a try each. Conversions from Charlotte Hilton and Elle Douglas secured a confident 24-0 bronze medal victory for the Canadians and a fantastic result for the team’s first Junior Pan American Games.

Post Tournament Reactions

“The Junior Pan American Games Rugby 7s tournament was an incredible experience for both our athletes and staff, made even more special by the vibrant atmosphere of the multi-sport event in beautiful Asunción.” Said Head Coach Brittany Waters.

“One of the defining moments was our team’s resilience and determination in securing the bronze medal, following a hard-fought semi-final against eventual gold medalists, Brazil. Their response to adversity showcased not only their strength of character and unity, but also the immense potential within this group.”

“A key focus for us was to represent Canadian rugby with pride and passion, while providing our athletes with meaningful development opportunities on the international stage. In both regards, we believe this experience was a resounding success.”

“It was an incredible experience to work with this brilliant group and see their growth over the past few months led by head coach Brittany Waters.” Said Assistant Coach Robin MacDowell, “their commitment, passion, and teamwork made every moment rewarding.”

“Our focus was on building one cohesive squad, trusting the process, and staying committed to long-term development. This bronze is a step forward on the Olympic pathway, and a testament to the players’ selfless commitment to each other and to the jersey.”

“We’re also deeply grateful for the incredible support from the Senior Rugby Canada Staff guiding the pathway, and the dedicated Canadian Olympic Committee staff on the ground in Paraguay who ensured everything off the pitch ran smoothly. It truly takes a village, and this result reflects the strength of our collective effort.”

This was only the second-ever edition of the Junior Pan American Games with more than 4000 athletes from 41 countries competing in 28 sports. This was also the first time that rugby sevens was included in this international multi-sport event for young rising athletes.