Abbotsford's Mackenzie Carson is heading back to England a lot sooner than expected.
The Yale Secondary grad was one of 26 players named by Rugby Canada to the U-20 women's squad that will face England U-20 in a three-game series later this month.
Carson, who had competed in England earlier this year with the Rugby Canada U-18 team, also captained the BC team that won the National 7's Championship and the Las Vegas International 7's championship earlier this year.
"I just came back from England with the U-18 team, so I'm really excited to be named to the U-20 team and take the next step in my rugby career," Carson said.
Canada will face off against their English counterparts at Trent College in Nottingham on Aug. 18, 22, and 26.
Canada's U-20 team hasn't played since last year's Can-Am clash against the USA where they lost their two-game series by an aggregate score of 70-27 in Seattle. Carson, who begins her studies at UBC in the fall, feels the U-20 experience will help prepare her for the rigours of balancing academics and CIS rugby at UBC.
"I think this U-20 experience will really help me as I come to UBC and start playing and training with the big girls," she said.
Maria Gallo, Mackenzie's new coach at UBC, said it should be a great opportunity for the new recruit.
"I'm excited for Mackenzie to showcase her talent at the next level. She's been working hard for the past few years, and deserves the opportunity," Gallo said.
For more on the team, visit rugbycanada.ca.