By Brendan McConnell
It was a difficult, bittersweet moment, but Canadian rugby player Julianne Zussman had to make the tough decision to step back from international competition to focus on her studies and personal life.
“I love rugby, but I needed to take some time to take care of myself and my future,” Zussman explains. “It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for me.”
Zussman, who has been a key player for the Canadian women’s rugby team, is now setting her sights on returning to the field for the 2015 World Cup.
“I’m staying fit and keeping up with my training,” she notes. “I’m looking forward to getting back out there and competing with my teammates.”
For now, Zussman is focusing on her studies and staying connected with the rugby community.
“I’m still involved in the sport and supporting my teammates,” she says. “Rugby will always be a part of my life.”