Crowl boost for Canada in Americas Championships against Jamaica, USA
England 2017 World Cup prop Chantelle Crowl will play for her native Canada in the inaugural Americas North Women’s Championships at the University of West Indies Mona Bowl in Kingston.
Crowl, who plays for St Helens in the Women's Super League, was born in Toronto and moved at a young age to England, for whom she played at the 2017 World Cup in Australia.
However, the premiership winning prop has now pledged her allegiance to Canada, alongside Matilda Butler from Sheffield Eagles.
The England-based duo will be joined by St George Illawarra's Ferris Sandboe, who is one of 12 players from the Canadian squad at last year's World Cup making the trip to Jamaica.
Sandboe was on a development contract with the Dragons this season.
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Ferris Sandboe was on a development contract with the Dragons
Canada co-captain Gabrielle Hindley said: “Coming out of the World Cup, growing rugby league domestically has been a huge focus for the Ravens including the launch of the first Women’s National Rugby League Championships, which was hosted in Edmonton this past summer and saw representation from three provinces and was a huge success for developing pathways to the national level.
“I am really excited for the upcoming tournament in Kingston, it is a huge step for women’s rugby league in North America. I am excited to see how our team pulls together.”
Jamaica will play USA in the opening match on September 23, USA face Canada on September 25, with the final match pitting Jamaica against Canada on September 27 (all games kick off at 3.30pm local time).
Jamaica women’s head coach Andrew Dixon said: “I am highly anticipating our debut in women international fixtures in these Championships. We go in as underdogs where experience is concerned and the match ups against USA and Canada will be an uphill task, however we are gearing up to leave our mark.
“The girls have been preparing at a steady pace and are excited to play, they are aware they are history makers. It’s a major honour to host these championships. This platform will contribute to the growth of women’s rugby league in the Americas and will increase local interest. Strategically, internationals are crucial for us.”
USA Hawks women’s head coach Ady Cooney claimed: “In the vibrant world of women's sport, the Americas North Championship shines as a beacon of opportunity. It marks the beginning of this exciting journey. We anticipate great things on the horizon for women's rugby league in America.”
JAMAICA
Lovel Atkinson, Janelle Cole, Zahra Ennis, Jamila Fairclough, Sherine Johnson, Tihanna Lewinson, Alicia Richards, Glacia Simpson, Shakayla Morris, Shanique Smith, Mischka Stewart, Shanice Stewart, (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Shoya Gordon, Mackayla McCalla, Anneisha Nash, Tajera Nicholson, Venisha Mcleish, (Jamaica Defence Force), Darcey Price, (Salford Red Devils), Alaine Taylor, Nassandra Miller, (St Bess Sledge Hammers), Kamoya Forrest , (Tampa Mischief), Crystal Groves, (Toronto Scottish), Ameir Kinlock, Daynna Angus, Debisha Scarlett, Natassia Scarlett, Nazomi Christie, (Washington Blvd Bulls)
CANADA
Maddy Aberg, Dan Franda, (Dublin Exiles), Fedelia Angles, Erin Gawley, Megan Pakulis, Candance Scholten, Natalie Tam, Tamisha Toussaint, Petra Woods, (Ontario Ospreys), Savannah Bacchus), Matilda Butler (Sheffield Eagles UK), Rachel Choboter (Currumbin Eagles AUS), Chantelle Crowl (St Helens UK), Gabrielle Hindley, Ada Okomkwo–Dappa, (BC Storm), Brittany Jones, Ale Lewis, Sarah Maguire, Liz Steele (Alberta Broncos), Lauren Mueller (London Broncos UK), Ferris Sandboe (St George Dragons AUS),
USA WOMEN’S SQUAD
Sarah Anderson, Nicole Fisch, Kadie Sanford, (Chicago North Shore), Marcaya Bailous, Narcisse Jordan, Danielle Pola Walko-Siua, (Cleveland), Jeanna Beard (unaffiliated), Samantha Black-Keels, Rachael Bradley, Robyn Oliveri, Nicole Snyder, (Tampa Mischief), Mariah Blackmore, Maxine Fonua, (San Jose Seahawks), Cyndi Campbell , Caitlin Davis (Carolina Storm), Agnes Fuerst, Tiana Granby, Paris Hart, Brittany Royes, Christine Sargent, Sha Marica Scott, (Roots Rugby), Courtney Treco (London Broncos), Taylor White ( Jacksonville Women)
