G.P Vanier student-athlete Dawson German has been selected as one of the best rugby players in Canada. Having made amazing strides in her ability as a player, German will represent Canada at an international in England this April.
“It is an amazing accomplishment for a high school player from a relatively small rugby community to earn a selection to the Canadian national team and she should be very proud of her achievements,” comments German’s Vanier and club team rugby coach Dwayne Mills.
German, an avid athlete at G.P. Vanier, initially saw rugby as another opportunity to do what she loved best – team sports. While basketball, soccer and volleyball continued to play a key role in her schedule, rugby pushed her beyond any other mental and physical game she was used to.
"Rugby became a part of my daily life when I joined the high school team in Grade 8. I play a number of sports, however, rugby quickly became the game of choice. My coaches made the game exciting and fun," German said.
"I also played for the local Kickers team. I have played to two provincial school rugby championships and hope our team will again be successful in the upcoming season.
"I was chosen from my rep team to play for the BC U18 provincial rugby team. We were the Western Division Champions in 2015. After some very gruelling tryouts with players from across Canada, I have the good fortune to have been selected to play for the U18 Rugby Canada team that will be in England on April 5-9," German said.
The national team selection camp was held Oct. 6-12 in Kingston, Ont. "There are 60 girls selected to try out but only 24 made the travelling team," German told The Record.
While she plays outside centre for her school team, German says, "I've been told I will be playing fullback for Canada."
What does she like best about rugby? "I love everything about rugby. The culture, the friendships you build…it's like a second family. I hope to be carded one day so I can continue playing for Canada," she says.
“Dawson is what coaches refer to as a big game player, as she is always our best player when the game is at its most challenging,” notes Mills. German is excited for the opportunity to deliver on her reputation during this international competition.
As one of only three Vancouver Island players selected to the Canada U18 roster, German is thrilled for the opportunity to compete at this level, noting the importance of developing her skills so that she may keep progressing and ultimately play in a World Cup or Olympics.
Rugby is a well-known international sport among commonwealth nations, with highly developed programs in Australia, New Zealand, many European countries and South Africa. The Canadian women’s program is taking big strides in moving up the international rankings.
Women’s rugby continues to compete for funding and support in the national and international markets and the majority of players are required to fund their own way to tournaments. German recently launched a fundraising campaign to off-set some of the expenses for her trip to England this April.
"I have worked very hard to get this chance to play and I would like your help in sponsoring me for accommodation and airfare," German says. "Your donation will allow the U18 program the necessary funds to provide players like myself the opportunity to grow our game and become more competitive on the world stage."
For more information and to support German, visit https://donate.rugbycanada.ca/e/dgerman.
LINE OUTS Rugby football has a long history in Canada dating back to its initial appearance in the 1860s … since 1974 Rugby Canada has been a permanent fixture on the global rugby scene, including trips to each of the six IRB Rugby World Cups … as a regular on the IRB Sevens Circuit, Canada continues to climb the world rankings and challenge the dominant rugby nations in both versions of the game …