Pronghorns start Canada West season strong with senior Abby Duguid leading the charge

While most Canada West athletes played less last year, Abby Duguid of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women's rugby team used the cancelled season to grow her game.

While most Canada West athletes played less last year, Abby Duguid of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns women’s rugby team used the cancelled season to grow her game.

“I made the decision to attempt to move across the globe in a pandemic,” Duguid laughed. “I went overseas and played for the Loughborough Lightning in England, in the premiership.”

Working towards being a teacher, Duguid was able to continue her studies while in the U.K., while training full time, and seeing plenty of game action.

“A U Sports season — as great as it is — it’s maybe eight to 10 games max, if you make it all the way to the final at nationals,” she said. “And I think in the half-season, I was (in England). I played in 14 games.”

Duguid was injured just two games into the season in 2019, a year that was supposed to be her final one with the Pronghorns. But she was able to save that final year of eligibility.

‘Horns head coach Graeme Moffat said he was thrilled to hear that the veteran lock wanted to return for a fifth year and bring her wealth of experience to the group.

“When we knew she had to come back to finish her education degree, we were just excited,” Moffat said.

“The leadership she brings, the experience that she has, and, you know, the girls certainly look up to her. And the way that she plays, you know, she leads by example. She plays hard.”