Women’s rugby recruit claims silver at Canada Games

Lauren Smith is bringing home a well-deserved silver medal with Team Ontario.

Smith, who is entering her first year with the Badgers, was named captain of the provincial team at the women's rugby sevens event at the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John's, N.L., which ran from Monday, Aug. 11 to Wednesday, Aug. 13.

"Captaining during the Canada Summer Games was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Smith said. "I'm beyond proud of all my teammates, as we all came together as one, played for each other and continued to represent Ontario with pride."

The Melancthon, Ont., native steered Ontario through an undefeated preliminary round, keeping three opponents scoreless and amassing a 163-5 points advantage.

In the quarterfinals and semifinals, Team Ontario continued its dominance, dispatching New Brunswick 46-0 and Alberta 22-7. A 22-10 decision in the championship match went the way of Team British Columbia as Team Ontario settled for a second-place finish.

"We are very proud of what Lauren has accomplished," said Brock women's rugby head coach Adrian Brown. "She demonstrated her ability and leadership, playing a key role throughout the tournament."

Smith is part of a 14-player recruiting class for the Brock women's rugby team as Brown continues to bolster a program that has made six consecutive Ontario University Athletics (OUA) semifinal appearances.

"Lauren played with heart and poise every minute on the pitch," Brown said. "To bring home a silver medal is an exceptional feat, especially with how quickly this came together on the biggest stage."

Brown is further strengthening the program with the addition of Lauryn Bons to the coaching staff. Bons was one of the coaches that led Team Ontario to their silver-medal finish.

It's also a full-circle moment for the Smith family, as older sister Jordan played on the first rugby sevens team when the Canada Summer Games were held in Niagara.