A trio of former University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby players will suit up for the Canadian Senior Women's Rugby Team later this month for a two-game tune-up in advance of the 2010 Rugby World Cup.

Ashley Patzer, Ashley MacDonald and Paige Knauf (nee Burdett) are all looking for final roster spots on the Canadian team that will travel to England for the 2010 Rugby World Cup. The tune-up matches, June 14 and 18 against the United States, will serve as a final preparation for the tournament, after which the official Canadian roster will be selected.

Patzer, the reigning CIS Player of the Year, has been a mainstay with the national program and is likely a lock to make the squad. She is the Horns' most decorated rugby player, winning three national titles, two CIS and Canada West player of the year honours and is a four-time Canada West all-star and CIS All-Canadian.
Patzer and MacDonald capped their collegiate careers this past fall by leading the Pronghorns to a third consecutive CIS National title.

Knauf last played for the Horns in 2005, and was a member of the Pronghorn group that is credited with spearheading the Horns' move towards national prominence. Knauf, a two-time Canada West all-star and a 2004 CIS All-Canadian, was also a member of the first Horns team to compete at the CIS tournament in 2003.

The Canadian team will face the USA June 14 and 18 in Vancouver, before opening the World Cup against Scotland on Aug 20.