France 2026 Tour

Our Coaching Crew

Jack Hanratty

Captain/Head Coach

- Head Coach USA Women's World Cup 15's Team

-Head Coach - Rugby Canada Women’s 7 Olympic Silver Medalists

- World Rugby Level 3 Coach

- Head Coach - University of Ottawa Women’s Rugby

- Coach Staff , Rugby Canada multiple age grades (M & F)

- Head Coach & Executive Director Rugby Nova Scotia

- Ireland WR Level 3 Coach

Home Club: Skerries RFC

Emma DeLory

First Officer/ Assistant Coach

- World Rugby Level 3 Coach

- Provincial Performance Coach

- Rugby Nova Scotia

Head Coach
- St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia Head Coach

- Rugby NS Canada Games & U19 Atlantic Selects

- Asst. Coach , U18 East Rugby Canada

- Home Club: Halifax RFC

Ashley Brooker

First Officer/Assistant Coach

-World Rugby Level 2 Coach

-Head Coach, U17 Female Keltics NS Provincial Team

- Development Director, Valley Rugby Union

- Head Coach, U16 Female Keltics NS Provincial Team

- Asst. Coach, Acadia University Women’s Rugby

Home Club: Valley Rugby Union

Kenzie Cecchetto

First Officer/Assistant Coach

- World Level 2 Coach

- Head Coach U-16 Keltics

- Head Coach: King’s Edgehill School

- Asst. Coach NS Canada Games

- Head Coach U-15 Keltics

- Home Club : Valley Rugby Union

Meet Our Crew

We are happy to introduce the 2026 Bluenose Girls Team, who will be touring the South of France in March 2026. All these girls were chosen not only for their skills on the rugby pitch, but for their ongoing dedication to the game in High School, Provincial Representation and Club.

Prop

Caroline Hilton

School: Lockview

Club: Halifax Tars

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the strength and confidence it’s helped me grow, the friendships and community it’s given me, and the discipline it has taught me."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "I’m looking forward to another memorable tour with my friends as well as great rugby!"

Prop

Abbie Harbers

School: South Colchester Academy

Club: Truro Saints

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the physicality of the game and the friendships that come from rugby!"

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Playing against new teams and making new friends!"

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Hooker\Prop

Lauren MacVicar

School: CPA

Club: Halifax RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "I love rugby because I get to meet new people and I love the team environment. I love how rugby is more than just a game…it’s a community."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Playing rugby internationally against teams we’ve never played before and being on a new team and building relationships with my teammates."

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Hooker\Prop

Annika Simensen

School: Citadel

Club: Halifax RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the intensity of the game."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Seeing and playing the game at an international level."

Hooker

Morgan Cox

School: Northeast Kings Education Center

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "The friendships made through the sport, the hype atmosphere and smashing people alongside my best friends."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Travelling to a new place with awesome people and getting to play an amazing sport internationally."

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Prop\Hooker

Alysa Brown

School: Horton

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "I like the welcoming and inclusive team culture, as well as how aggressive and fast paced the game is."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Making memories and new friends. Building my rugby IQ."

2nd Row

Emem Akpan

School: Sackville High

Club: Halifax RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "I like the community rugby has given me and getting to play a high intensity sport."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Looking forward to playing good rugby and performing party pieces!"

2nd Row\8

Meredith MacDougall

School: Kings Edgehill

Club: Halifax RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "I like rugby because of the contact and aggressiveness of the game."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Someone to fill out my forms."

Back Row

Tess Goddard

School: Malvern CI

Club: Toronto City Amazons

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the physicality of the sport and the friendships I’ve built through it. Running, tackling, and being in the scrum, while pushing yourself and your teammates is one of my favorite feelings. But what I love just as much is the community, and the sense of belonging that rugby creates. I’ve made some of my closest friends through this sport."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "I am looking forward to making new friends, exploring a new country, and developing my rugby skills."

2nd Row\8

Elwyn Smethurst

School: Avonview

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "The team culture and the amount of opportunities that come with playing rugby."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Making new long lasting memories."

Flanker

Presley Penny

School: Horton

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the team atmosphere and all of the memories i have made playing rugby!!"

What are you looking forward to on this tour: ""I'm looking forward to another unforgettable trip with all of my friends, and gaining rugby skills i can take with me everywhere!!"

Flanker

Addison Smith

School: Kings Edgehill

Club: Pictou County RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "I like the physical aspect of it and it’s fun."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "The experience! "

Flanker

Caitria Sommer

School: Horton

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "The fast pace, intensity and tackling is what I find fun!!"

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Playing rugby in France!!!"

Scrum Half

Grace Cail

School: Halifax West

Club: Halifax RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "That it is inclusive and you can add your own playing style to any position."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Spending time with the team, playing games and learning new rugby skills, along with exploring France."

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Scrum Half\Wing

Oliva Spargo

School: Northern Secondary School

Club: Toronto Amazons

What do you like about Rugby: "Being able to play with my friends and meet new people."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Seeing new places and playing with the Bluenose team again."

Scrum Half\Centre

Arabell Pottie

School: Northeast Kings Education Centre

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "The environment and adrenaline is unbeatable and you always feel supported by your teammates on and off the field."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Meeting new people and improving and developing my skills."

Fly Half\Fullback

Alison MacLean

School: Kings Edgehill

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "The Speed"

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "To meet new people and play in a different environment."

Fly Half\Wing

Sylvie Vissers

School: South Colchester Acedemy

Club: Enfield RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the intensity of the sport, and the community that surrounds it!"

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "I’m looking forward to meeting new people and getting to visit Europe!!"

Centre

Gwyn Galloway

School: Horton

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "I love rugby because it’s fast, physical, and all about teamwork. The friendships I make with teammates make it so fun and I love how it’s inclusive to anyone who wants to play!"

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "TBD"

Centre

Mia Ermatinger

School: Central Technical School

Club: Toronto City Amazons

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the strength and confidence It’s helped me grow, the friendships and community it’s given me, and the discipline it has taught me."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "I’m really looking forward to playing alongside other talented players and experiencing what rugby means in a different country!"

Wing\Fullback

Maanvi Manchineni

School: Kings Edgehill

Club: Halifax RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "I love the team spirit and the rush of cutting past defenders and finishing with a try."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "I look forward to developing my rugby skills, having lots of fun and being able to visit a new country."

Winger\Centre

Rowan Lloyd

School: Kings Edgehill

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "I like rugby because of the team atmosphere and the competitiveness. "

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "TBD"

Winger\Scrum Half

Lily Lloyd

School: Kings Edgehill

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "Rugby challenges me to be stronger than I think I am and teaches me trust and respect. "

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Meeting new friends and enjoying my time in France"

Winger\Fullback

Ava Woodman

School: Avonview

Club: Valley Rugby Union

What do you like about Rugby: "The physicality and strength it takes to be able to play, as well as the bonds you create with your team."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "TBD"

Scrum Half\Winger\Fullback

Lucy VanBerkel

School: Ottawa University
Club: Halifax RFC

What do you like about Rugby: "It’s my passion and i find the game interesting and exciting to play and watch."

What are you looking forward to on this tour: "Getting back into the game after an injury spell, meeting new friends and catching up with old ones in France!"

Tour Itenerary

While on tour the Bluenose Crew will get to see the beautiful South of France but will also get to experience the Rugby Culture as well.

Here are a few highlights of the Tour

Game watch and meet day

The Bluenose crew will get to watch the Montpellier Professional Women's team and meet the players as well!!

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Game Day vs Toulon

The Bluenose Crew takes to the field for their first game against Toulon Provence U18 Girls and afterwards for dinner!

Tour Days

The Bluenose Crew will not only experience the rugby culture in the South of France but will also explore many wonderful places like: -Carrières des Lumières - Baux-de-Provence - Olive Oil Tour
-St. Remy de Provence
- Arles
- + Many more

Practice with Local Club

The Bluenose Crew will get to practice with the local Club and have a social afterwards!

Game Day vs Montpellier

The Bluenose Crew head to Montpellier to play the U18 Girls Provence Team, and attend a team dinner afterwards!