Match Ball Delivery: Meet Lucy from Canada

Described as a role model at her local club, Lucy is excited about seeing the best teams in the world compete in Rugby World Cup 2015. The Irish-Canadian was nominated to deliver the match ball onto the field of play ahead of the upcoming Ireland vs. Canada match.

DHL has searched the globe to bring 48 children from 42 countries to the UK for one unforgettable experience – to deliver the match ball to a RWC 2015 game. This is the story of Lucy from Canada. Watch the video here.

"On a scale from 1-10 I’m probably an 11 excitement-wise! "

Lucy has been playing the game of rugby since she was five. And she remembers those early days well. She says “Going to mini rugby with my dad as a five-year-old” is her best rugby memory.

Lucy's leadership
She’s described as a role model at her local club – the Loyalists – in Frederick, New Brunswick for good reason. In her tenure, the 14-year-old Irish-Canadian has recruited enough girls to set-up a girls’ rugby team!

“Just being around the club has made me feel part of the community. Some of the girls on the ladies’ team have asked me how old I am because they want to know when I can play with them and that’s pretty cool. Everybody in the club is very supportive of everything us kids do.”

It was Lucy’s leadership qualities that drove her coach to nominate her for the Match Ball Delivery Contest.

“Lucy is a bit of a role model at her club,” says Chris Black, Lucy’s dad. “It was her coach that put her name forward. She’s been a keen player since the age of five, and she’s never been one to complain if it’s raining or it’s cold.”

Growing up in Canada with an Irish father, Lucy loves watching both Canada and Ireland in international competition. But she admits that the All Blacks success over the years is hard to resist. “They’re always fun to watch,” she says.

"I am also looking forward to seeing Jebb Sinclair who plays for Canada and is from my home club the Loyalists."

Tipping the scales with excitement
Lucy certainly couldn’t hide her excitement when she received the news that she had won the DHL Match Ball Delivery contest.

“On a scale from 1-10 I’m probably and 11 excitement-wise!” says Lucy. “Because this trip, well, it means a lot to be able to win it.”

What is she looking forward to the most? “I’m excited to see the best rugby players in the world,” she says, adding: “I am also looking forward to seeing Jebb Sinclair who plays for Canada and is from my home club the Loyalists.”

"Going with my dad is going to be a great experience."

Who do she think will win the tournament? “I think the All Blacks will but I would love to see Ireland win it all.”

Proud daddy
Lucy’s dad couldn’t be more excited – and proud – of his little girl. 

“When Lucy’s in Millennium Stadium taking out the ball, I’m going to have a smile from ear to ear,” he says. “I kind of think it’ll be like the day I got married – the smile that never came off. I think I’m going to have that same smile when Lucy’s out there presenting that ball. I’m going to be one proud proud dad.”

And Lucy can’t wait to share the experience in Cartiff with her Irish father at the Ireland vs. Canada.

“Going with my dad is going to be a great experience.”

Watch more of Match Ball Delivery stories on our YouTube channel. 

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