Georgian’s women’s rugby sevens makes history with first-ever home opener
Oct. 15, 2026
A new chapter in Georgian College athletics will take centre stage on Saturday, Oct. 17, when the women’s rugby sevens team hosts its first-ever home opener at J.C. Massie Field at the Barrie Campus.
Competing in its inaugural Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) season, Georgian’s newest varsity team will play three games during a day-long tournament. The Grizzlies face Conestoga at 11 a.m., Seneca at 1:45 p.m. and Humber at 4 p.m.
“As a former Grizzly, I know how special it is to play in front of a home crowd. These players are building something new for Georgian, and this first home opener is a moment they’ll always be part of. We’re excited to welcome people to the field and show them what women’s rugby sevens is all about.”
Coach Donovan Jacko
For the players, the home opener is a chance to share what they’ve been building together with the people cheering them on. As Georgian’s inaugural varsity roster, they’re also helping establish the traditions future teams will carry forward.
“Being part of Georgian’s first women’s rugby sevens team is something we’ll always share,” said co-captain Lily Shaver. “We’ve been building this together, and now we get to play in front of our friends, families and the Georgian community.”
Fellow co-captain Marlee Smith shared that excitement.
“It’s pretty special knowing we’ll be the first team to have this moment,” said Smith. “We can’t wait to take the field for our first home opener.”
Leading the team is someone who knows what it means to represent Georgian. Now head coach of the women’s rugby sevens team, Donovan Jacko played for the Grizzlies men’s rugby team for five years, serving as captain and finishing his collegiate playing career with a gold medal in 2023. A four-time league all-star, he also received Georgian’s Howard/Belcourt Award for outstanding sportsmanship, dedication, attitude and leadership.
“Being part of Georgian’s first women’s rugby sevens team is something we’ll always share. We’ve been building this together, and now we get to play in front of our friends, families and the Georgian community.”
Grizzlies co-captain Lily Shaver
Jacko brought nearly two decades of involvement in rugby to the role when he was appointed in August 2025, including experience coaching girls’ varsity and boys’ junior rugby at Barrie North Collegiate Institute. His connection to the local game adds to the program’s role in creating opportunities for women to continue playing at the college level.
“As a former Grizzly, I know how special it is to play in front of a home crowd,” said Jacko. “These players are building something new for Georgian, and this first home opener is a moment they’ll always be part of. We’re excited to welcome people to the field and show them what women’s rugby sevens is all about.”
The team’s debut follows Georgian’s announcement last year of its addition of the fast-growing, high-energy Olympic sport and a year of preparation for official OCAA competition.
For fans discovering rugby sevens, the format delivers plenty of action in a short time. With seven players per side and two seven-minute halves, the game puts speed, teamwork and open-field skill on display.
Canadian women have made their mark in the sport internationally. Canada won bronze when rugby sevens made its Olympic debut at Rio 2016, then earned silver at Paris 2024, the country’s best-ever Olympic result in rugby.
Students, employees, alumni and community members are invited to cheer on the Grizzlies and celebrate the beginning of a new varsity tradition.