Canada’s U20 Women’s Rugby Sevens team delivered a memorable performance at the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games, capturing bronze after a strong run through the tournament.

The Canadians swept through pool play undefeated, showing composure and creativity on attack. In the semifinals, they fell narrowly to Brazil in a back-and-forth battle, before regrouping to earn a decisive victory over Argentina in the bronze medal match.

This edition of the Games, held from August 9 to 23, 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay, is only the second-ever Junior Pan American Games. For the first time, rugby sevens was included on the schedule, giving young rising athletes a unique opportunity to compete in this fast-paced format on the international stage.

Alberta athletes played a pivotal role in Canada’s podium finish, including:

• Bomi Lawal – Calgary Canadian Irish Rugby Club

• Olivia Newsome – Lanark Highlanders / Calgary Saints

• Zina Umeh – Canucks Rugby Club

• Ivy Poetker – Calgary Rams

Their impact was felt across the pitch, with Alberta’s speed, strength, and resilience helping secure Canada’s first-ever rugby sevens medal at the Junior Pan American Games.

The bronze medal finish marks an exciting milestone for Canadian rugby and highlights the depth of talent developing across the country. For Alberta’s athletes in particular, it was a standout showcase on the international stage, proving they belong among the best young players in the Americas.