EXCALIBUR’S EMERSON PRIOR SELECTED TO REPRESENT CANADA IN U19 RUGBY TWO-GAME SERIES AGAINST USA IN DECEMBER

First-year rugby student-athlete to head to California to play two games Dec 30 and January 2

Emerson Prior (Gananoque, ON) is a first year nursing student at Trent University, but the moment you lay eyes on him, it is clear he is an athlete. Standing 6’2” and easily clearing 250 lbs, he is an imposing figure for any age, but given he is just 18, he could even grow more. Playing in his first year at the university level, Prior knew that he would have plenty to learn from individuals who had been training in high performance programs for 5+ years, but he was comfortable with the challenge, even eager. “My first season at Trent was eye opening. I got to see what the competition at the next level is like and where I need to be as a player to compete” said Prior.

It is his hunger, drive and mental abilities that push him forward continually, and his game has reached a level where he is being recognized on a national level. Today Emerson was named as one of 28 athletes that will represent Team Canada in a two-game series against the United States of America over the holidays. The group of U19 athletes will be headed by coach Dean Murten, and will head to Chula Vista, California, for the two matches, December 30 and January 2. It is an opportunity that Prior is relishing. “This is a huge opportunity for me and a massive step up in my rugby career” said Prior. “Playing at the international level has always been a dream of mine and this tour is the beginning of it coming true. I personally believe the support I've received from my family, friends and coaches, my love of rugby and my pursuit of improvement is the reason for the opening of this opportunity.”

Training camps were held in five cities across the country, including Kingston, Red Deer, Burnaby, Shawinigan and Guelph, and a strong focus went into the mental aspect of the game. Coaches know that the athletes at these camps are physically talented, but on the international stage much of the game comes down to mental strength. Decisions at the highest level can have game-changing implications. Being selected to this team is a testament to Prior’s quality as an athlete and a person, and is the next step of a promising career representing Trent Excalibur rugby and future opportunities with Team Canada.