News

A ROYAL ENCOUNTER - 10 QUESTIONS WITH MEGAN LUKAN

September 28, 2:00 PM PDT
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Rugby Sevens has burst onto the scene since its 2016 Olympic debut in Rio. Team Canada’s women had an extremely strong showing and came away from the games with the inaugural bronze medal! Many opportunities have followed in the wake of their
success, one of them being a royal encounter – a chance to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau.

We caught up with Megan Lukan, one of the rising stars of the Canada Women’s Rugby Sevens team, and asked her about her experience meeting Prince William, the British Royal Family, and the PM:

  1. What was it was like to meet the British Royal Family & Justin Trudeau?
    I feel very honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to meet and engage in a conversation with the British Royal Family and Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. It was a surreal moment and one I will never forget.
  1. How did your conversation go? What kinds of things were discussed?
    We discussed our experiences at the Olympics. It was very positive that both HRH, the Duke of Cambridge, and Justin Trudeau took a sincere interest in our stories and the sport of Rugby.Did you practice your smile, handshake, and posture in the mirror beforehand?
    No, I didn’t, but now that you ask, I wish I did.
  1. What did it feel like to be the one sport that got a shout out from Prime Minister Trudeau during his speech?
    It was pretty incredible that we received a shout out from Prime Minister Trudeau. All the support we’ve received after the Olympics has been truly heartwarming, and to also receive the acknowledgement from our very own Prime Minister is very special.

Trudeau pokes fun at Prince William over Canada’s Olympic victory

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau poked fun at Prince William during the Royal Visit after Canada beat Team Great Britain to claim bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics. All credit goes to Global News

  1. Growing up an athlete in Barrie, Ontario, could you have ever imagined having a chance to meet royalty? Were you nervous?
    I never imagined I would ever have the opportunity to meet royalty. Although I do believe I was more nervous before our bronze medal game than meeting the royal family, I would be lying if I did not admit I was a little nervous – it was just in a different way.
  1. The team has been through a lot together. Where does this rank among special moments you have shared with these teammates?
    This is certainly an experience I will never forget and definitely up there as one very special moment. However, it doesn’t compare to stepping foot on the field with my teammates, and having the opportunity to represent our entire nation.
  1. What is life like as a Bronze Medalist
    Being a medalist has created a number of opportunities where I’ve been recognized publicly for my accomplishments. What I enjoy the most is having the opportunity to inspire others and encourage them to follow their hearts and pursue their dreams.
  1. Did you practice your smile, handshake, and posture in the mirror beforehand?
    No, I didn’t, but now that you ask, I wish I did.
  1. Who would you rather watch on the Rugby Sevens pitch: Mr. Trudeau or the Duke of Cambridge?
    Although I think Mr. Trudeau would be very entertaining to watch on the Rugby Sevens pitch, I am a little more interested in seeing the Duke of Cambridge play rugby sevens.
  1. If you could recommend one thing for the Royal Family to do Canada, what would it be?
    I think one thing that is truly Canadian would be strapping on a pair of skates and playing pond hockey just as the sun is setting on a cold winter day and then having some hot chocolate by a fire.
  1. If you could ask any question to his Royal Highness, Prince Williams, what would that be?
    Is there anything you believe you missed out on growing up as a public figure and how might that influence how you raise Prince George and Princess Charlotte?

Athlete Spotlight

Megan Lukan is a crossover athlete, who spent a four-year NCAA career playing basketball for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. As the floor general, she racked up assists to become one of the best passers in program history. She boasts an impressive resume of accomplishments, including being dubbed Miss Basketball Canada in 2010. Although she dabbled in Rugby throughout high school, there was just more opportunities on the court.

“It was always basketball,” said Lukan. “Rugby was on the back burner.”

As she focused on other activities, she continued to flirt with Rugby. It was only a few weeks after graduation from UWGB that she was flagged by Canada’s national coaching staff to join up with the rugby program. They had been scouting her since her senior year in high school, where she shone at the Ontario high school championship.

With a work ethic that is second to none, Megan Lukan earned everything that came her way, including a spot on the first ever Olympic Team that went down to Rio. The vision that comes with running point on the basketball court has translated into a natural ability to see advantages on the field, setting up two-on-ones and distributing the ball for her teammates. We are all glad that she decided not to take an extended vacation upon graduation!

With a bronze medal now added to her trophy case and a continually growing resume, Megan is one girl to keep your eye on during the 2016-2017 HSBC Rugby Sevens Series. But I’d advise wearing shades, because this girl’s future is bright.

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