BC Rugby would like to make the following update regarding the BC Women’s NextGen Sevens program.
In the absence of a dedicated program coach, Tony La Carte will be stepping in as the interim Head Coach for the BC Women’s NextGen Program for Spring 2019, leading up to the Vancouver Sevens Invitational. La Carte will look to continue on the valuable work done by Aaron Frisby in developing and leading both the Men’s and Women’s programs. After Frisby’s departure from the role in December 2018, the decision has been made to have separate coaching positions in order to be more dedicated to the Men’s and Women’s programs.
“Since stepping up to the Head of Rugby Growth and Development role in Fall last year, I have been evaluating all of the BC Representative Programs to ensure that they deliver results to both BC Rugby and the athletes,” said LaCarte. “I want to ensure that these programs develop more players to lead Canadian National teams to success, increase the opportunities for players to experience high levels of competition and deliver more quality development opportunities for athletes and coaches.”
La Carte has previously lead the BC Elite Youth Sevens Boys’ program, Canadian Men’s U19 team and been an assistant at the University of Victoria. “In communication with players that have been a part of the NextGen Women’s Sevens program over the past two years, I recognize that this is an extremely important program in the development of players within our domestic game. It has done an amazing job developing players within BC competitions by exposing them to a higher level of competition and giving them the confidence to play at that level both internationally and when they return to play in BC Leagues.”
Looking to the future, La Carte is also working to develop links between the Girls BC Elite Youth Sevens program, the NextGen Women’s Sevens and the Women’s National Maple Leafs program that will help to ensure BC is developing more players for Canada. He also hopes to establish a connection with University teams participating in the Canada West Sevens Circuit.
For athletes who are keen to be part of the BC Women’s NextGen Sevens program in Spring 2019, open ID sessions will be held on the following dates:
- February 10th – Vancouver Island – Open ID/Training
Team Meet 11:15, Train 12:00pm – 2:00pm @ Westshore RFC - February 17th – Mainland – Open ID/Training
Team Meet 11:15, Train 12:00pm – 2:00pm @ Brit Lions RFC
Following these ID sessions and selection, a prep camp will be held ahead of the Vancouver Sevens Invitational:
- March 3rd – 1 Day Prep Camp (Location to be determined based on player base)
- March 7 & 8th – Vancouver Sevens Invitational @ UBC
