Canada's women are primed for their first Rugby World Cup Sevens match on Friday after a thorough training camp in Dubai where the emphasis has been on professionalism and variety.
Coach Natascha Wesch has been delighted with the team's preparations. “We are acclimatised and ready to go - it’s like this is part of our normal everyday routine,” she said.
As much as their physical wellbeing, mental preparation has been a long-term priority for the Canadians.
“We started really slowly introducing the sports psychology bit and mental skills training. When you start slowly and build up over two years, by the time they get here they understand the concept of arousal level and how to do self-analysis and all the other stuff they have been learning.”
Of course, playing in the first Women’s RWC Sevens means the players are not lacking for motivation and the Canadian coach is keen to exploit this.
Part of history
“Obviously (we are) very excited about the opportunity, very excited regarding the magnitude of the event," Wesch said. "I think it is great for women’s rugby. It’s a great thing - it's history making and we are excited to be part of it.”
Although the squad has been working hard, for a change of scene the Canadians built a trip to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, about 160km from Dubai, into the schedule.
“It was good to play the Gulf Ladies and Abu Dhabi. They hosted us really well. It was nice to see another city,” said player Ashley Patzer.
For the players, remaining focused is crucial in the build-up to such an important tournament. However, for Canada the need to relax has also been taken into account.
“We train so much that we have to take our mind off rugby when you are not playing. Then when you get back to rugby we have to refocus,” Patzer said.
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