Emma Jada (left) with Women’s rugby coach Joe Costello
York University Lions women’s rugby player Emma Jada helped Team Canada win the gold medal at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Women’s Rugby Sevens Championship in Sao Jose de Campos, Brazil, on Sunday, Aug. 10.
York head coach Joe Costello was also part of the championship team, serving as the assistant coach.
The women avenged an early loss to France by defeating them 26-17 in the championship match to claim the gold medal.
The squad finished 2-1 in pool play and did not lose a match after dropping the opening game of the tournament, a 19-12 defeat to the French.
On day two, the Canadians cruised to a pair of impressive victories, shutting out Great Britain 38-0 and defeating China 49-5 to advance to the quarter-finals. On the final day of action, Canada went a perfect 3-0 in elimination games, taking out Belgium 17-10 in the quarters and Great Britain in the semis before the championship final.
Jada and Costello will now return to York to begin preparations for the upcoming Ontario University Athletics season, which starts in September. Up first is training camp, opening on Friday, Aug. 22, and a series of exhibition games against Ohio State University in Columbus.