CW announces 2025 Rugby 7s All-Star Teams
UBC Thunderbirds lead the way with six selections
March 20, 2025 - Canada West has announced its 2025 Rugby 7s All-Star teams, led by six selections from a dominant UBC Thunderbirds side that completed an undefeated season and captured their third straight conference banner.
The Thunderbirds compiled a sparkling 15-0 record, blitzing the competition while placing four all-stars on the first team and two on the second team. Kiki Idowu, Shalaya Valenzuela, Skye Farish and Adia Pye were named first team selections, with Rachel Smith and Lana Dueck named to the second team.
The silver medallist Victoria Vikes had three selections, including a first team all-star nod for fly half Vanessa Chiappetta. Olivia Newsome and Ella O’Regan were named to the second team.
The Trinity Western Spartans made history by earning their first ever Canada West Rugby 7s medal, finishing with a bronze. Loose head prop Ava Van Santen was named a first team all-star after a dazzling campaign where she was the lone player to be named to all three tournament "Dream Teams." The Spartans also placed a trio on the second all-star team, including Hailey Hibbs, Jenna De Greeff and Kelsa Kempf.
Lethbridge Pronghorns centre Zina Umeh was the lone all-star representative from a prairie school, earning a first team all-star nod. The speedy Umeh took her game to another level this season, leading the Pronghorn attack in all three tournament stops.
First Team All-Stars
Loose Head Prop – Ava Van Santen – Trinity Western Spartans
Hooker – Kiki Idowu - UBC Thunderbirds
Tight Head Prop – Shalaya Valenzuela – UBC Thunderbirds
Scrum half – Skye Farish - UBC Thunderbirds
Fly Half – Vanessa Chiappetta – Victoria Vikes
Centre – Zina Umeh – Lethbridge Pronghorns
Wing – Adia Pye - UBC Thunderbirds
Second Team All-Stars
Loose Head Prop – Rachel Smith - UBC Thunderbirds
Hooker – Olivia Newsome – Victoria Vikes
Tight Head Prop – Hailey Hibbs – Trinity Western Spartans
Scrum half – Ella O’Regan – Victoria Vikes
Fly Half – Lana Dueck – UBC Thunderbirds
Centre – Jenna De Greeff – Trinity Western Spartans
Wing – Kelsa Kempf – Trinity Western Spartans