Meet Olivia Apps: The Rugby Sensation Behind Canada's 7s and 15s Success

CANADIAN women’s rugby has been making waves in the international sports scene, and Olivia Apps is the name on everyone’s lips. With her impressive skills and versatility, Apps has become the linchpin of Canada’s dual approach to both 7s and 15s rugby. But what’s behind the team’s success, and how has Apps become an integral part of it? Let’s dive in and explore the world of women’s rugby and the phenomenal Olivia Apps.

First off, for those who might be new to the world of rugby, a quick primer on the two formats. 7s rugby, short for sevens rugby, is a variant of the sport played with seven players on each team, with a shorter game duration of seven minutes per half. This format places a premium on speed, agility, and strategy, and has been included in the Olympic Games since the 2016 Rio Olympics. On the other hand, 15s rugby, short for fifteen-a-side rugby, is the traditional variant of the sport played with 15 players on each team, with a game duration of 40 minutes per half. This format requires a broader set of skills, including strength, endurance, and tactical decision-making.

Olivia Apps has risen to the challenge of both formats, serving as a core member of the Canadian women’s national team in both 7s and 15s rugby. Born and raised in Lindsay, Ontario, Apps comes from a rugby-loving family and was initially introduced to the sport through her parents. She quickly fell in love with the game and honed her skills through school teams and local clubs. After rising through the ranks, Apps made her national team debut in 2018, quickly establishing herself as one of the team’s go-to players.

Apps’ meteoric rise to stardom is largely due to her technical skillset and physical attributes. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing in at 145 pounds, she has the pace and agility to excel in 7s rugby. Her powerful legs, impressive footwork, and deft ball-handling skills make her a nightmare to defend. Meanwhile, in the 15s format, Apps uses her height to her advantage, serving as a reliable target for Canadian kicks and a menace in the tackle. Her toughness and determination also allow her to thrive in the physically demanding 15s format.

Apps credits her versatility to rigorous training and dedication. 'I love the dynamic nature of both formats – the pace of 7s, the physicality of 15s. As a player, I try to always work on different aspects of my game so I can fit seamlessly into any system.' When asked about her most memorable experiences, Apps cites Canada’s 2021 RWC 7s campaign in the United Arab Emirates, where the team emerged as runner-up. 'We showed everyone that we belonged on the global stage. I think that moment was the turning point for the team – we realized our potential, and we began pushing ourselves even harder.'

Under head coach Claude Chartrand, the team’s training philosophy has emphasized flexibility, encouraging players to play in various positions and develop different skills. According to Apps, this approach has paid off handsomely: 'Coach Claude is a great mentor. He really allows us to focus on different parts of our game. Whether I’m playing at prop or fly-half, I need to work on both aspects if I want to grow as a player.'

Canada’s dual approach to women’s rugby – investing time and resources in both 7s and 15s formats – has positioned the national team for future success. Players like Olivia Apps serve as shining examples of this vision, showcasing their athleticism, tenacity, and determination. The hopes are high that Canada’s rising talent will carry them through to victory in both formats – with Olivia Apps leading the charge.