Current York University Lions fourth-year rugby player Natasha Naismith represented Canada as a member of the Canada Ravens rugby team in a pair of matches against the Serbian national team in Belgrade, Serbia, and helped the team win both games 34-6 and 26-4, respectively.
 
The Ravens, currently ranked fourth in the world, made quick work of their Serbian counterparts in both matches. Naismith was a major contributor in both games, playing as an outside-half, scoring two tries as well as adding four conversions over the course of the tour.
 
Canada Ravens head coach Ben Fleming had nothing but glowing words when asked about the kinesiology major's performance on the tour.

"Not only does Natasha have great ball-playing ability as a young player, she continuously impresses with her fearless defensive displays. In Canada rugby league we don't always look for the best athletes, we also look for the best people, and Natasha exemplifies what it takes to be a Raven both on and off the field."
 
The Serbian tour took place from Sept. 12-22 and came to a close this past Sunday. The Canada Ravens squad traveled with the Canadian men's national team for the first time in a joint effort to increase the visibility of rugby in Canada, allowing for equal opportunities for both squads while building the skillset of national team members.
 
Also competing for the Ravens were former Lions rugby players Krista Kent and Megean Gosselin. Kent scored a try in the opening match, while Gosselin started each game for Canada as a winger.
 
The two matches against Serbia kick off the start of the Ravens build up for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
 
"To go out and represent my country is definitely an honour and an experience. We're trying to develop Rugby in Canada and doing tours like this before the World Cup will help develop the game," said Naismith describing her experience abroad. "Definitely though the goal is to be apart of the World Cup in 2021."
 
Fleming is optimistic of Naismith's progression as an international athlete going forward.

"With Canada taking part in the Rugby League World Cup in 2021, this tour was a great way to establish a profile, and to see what athletes rose to the occasion and Natasha didn't disappoint."

Naismith now looks to bring back valuable international experience as she returns home to continue competing in the OUA with her Lions squad.
 
"Being at that high level of rugby has been an experience, and I will be able to bring back the drive and intensity to help push our [Lions] team to success," said Naismith, a captain on the Lions. "With playing on the national team, it's increased my confidence on the field, and I'm able to bring back more confidence as a player, and hopefully can bring up the confidence on the York team."