Karen Paquin inspires a great sense of pride that goes far beyond performance on the field.
• Also read: No complex for Canadian women
At the heart of the uprising that led to the departure of Canada’s 7-a-side head coach John Tait months before the Tokyo games in summer 2021 and led to significant changes within Canada’s rugby team after the Olympics, Paquin sees an improvement in that is palpable in the culture of the program.
“I saw the changes after Tokyo and today I can say that I am proud of my organization,” she said. Changes were needed and the leaders took the situation head-on. »
While Tait went first, other heads rolled in Tokyo, including that of Jamie Cudmore, who was close to the former 7-man coach and had poked fun at the disappointing result at the Games. Cudmore held an assistant position with the men’s team and was responsible for youth development at Rugby Canada Academy.
“Things changed quickly after the post-game changes,” said Paquin. We didn’t necessarily feel the impact, but it was a step in the right direction. It’s a good pride with everything that’s happening in the other federations across the country. »
another challenge
If she contributed to this culture change, Paquin now wants to tackle another big challenge as her career draws to a close. “My dream is that there is a professional league in North America,” she said. I will be working on this project for the next ten years. »
Top European teams as well as New Zealand and Australia offer their players a professional environment that encourages development.
Paquin believes the time has come for Canada to give a serious boost as rugby’s best nations have invested to provide their players with winning conditions. Canada’s recent achievements should not be taken for granted, Paquin warns.
financing
“There is a lot to be done if we want Canada to stay in the top four in rugby union. The girls are not licensed by Sports Canada and must go into exile in Europe or New Zealand to rise in the professional ranks. I hope the government will step in to support the girls in the XV program. »
“The quality of the game at home is declining and we are dependent on other countries,” continued Paquin. Getting back into the top 4 in the world if nothing changes will be harder than staying there. »
In women’s rugby, promotion cards are only awarded to athletes playing Rugby 7, an Olympic discipline.
Before the sport became Olympic, cards were distributed to the two teams.
Karen Paquin enjoys every moment
Karen Paquin could not have wished for a better scenario on her last lap at the World Championships.
Paquin, a member of the 2014 edition that won silver and the 2017 edition that finished 5th, is playing his final career World Cup.
“I live these last few miles calmly,” says the man who has worn the jersey of the national team since 2013. The ending is coming slowly and I’m enjoying it as much as possible. My attitude has changed since my serious knee injury in 2017 when I feared I had played my last game. I now approach every game like it could be my last. It’s no different at the World Cup. »
nice team
If Canada haven’t racked up any river points since the competition began, as England have on a couple of occasions, Paquin isn’t worried.
“Our wins don’t necessarily flash, she admitted, but we’re successful in the base games. This is how we stand out. Before the quarter-finals it is difficult to assess the strength of the groups. »
At 35, Paquin enjoys a lot in a group that combines experience and youth. “I’m having a lot of fun,” said the bronze medalist in Rugby 7 at the Rio 2016 Olympics. We have a great, complete team. Even though we don’t have the status of professionals like the other powers that be, some girls live 100% for rugby and it’s that commitment that makes us strong. »
“It is our team’s identity to continue Paquin. The girls are committed body and soul to our goal. We are united, welded together and want to be successful for everyone because we know all the sacrifices that are made. »
Far behind Tokyo
After the bronze medal in Rio, all hopes were high in Tokyo, but Canada failed to qualify for the elimination round and finished 9th in the Japanese capital.
Is the performance in New Zealand balm for Paquin?
“There is no connection between the two,” she assured. Tokyo is far away. I’ve played in France since the Olympics and we were centralized. »
When Paquin was voted best player in the quarterfinals against USA, two other Quebecers also caught the eye. Fabiola Forteza and Elissa Alarie were selected to the Quarterfinals All-Star Team.
As a relief to Brianna Miller, who was injured in the second game, Justine Pelletier was entitled to a hat from head coach Kevin Rouet at the time of our interview.