From the ice to the turf, it is becoming a showcase rivalry in international sport. It is perhaps only fitting that the North American derby will highlight opening-round play when the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, invades Westhills Stadium in Langford from April 18-19.

The draw has been announced and Canada will play in Pool C alongside the U.S., South Africa and Russia. The U.S. is rapidly improving in rugby and is fifth in the World Series standings, while Canada is tied for second place with Australia.

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The top four teams after the six legs of the World Series will qualify for Rio 2016. Langford will be the fourth tournament after previous stops in Dubai, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Atlanta. The final two tournaments will be May 15-16 at Twickenham near London and May 22-23 in Amsterdam.

“I love playing against the U.S. and have a lot of respect for them, as I think they have for us,” said Canadian player Ashley Steacy.

Pool A in Langford will consist of series leader New Zealand, along with England, Fiji and Spain. Pool B will feature Australia, France, Brazil and China. The top two in each pool, plus the top two third-place teams, after Day 1 advance to the quarter-finals the next day.

The Langford-based Canadian team placed third in Atlanta last weekend, which was its sixth consecutive third-place finish and 10th top-four placing in a World Series tournament stretching to last season.

John Tait’s Canadian side beat France 24-12 in the quarter-finals Sunday before narrowly falling 24-22 to powerhouse New Zealand in the semifinals and rebounding for a 28-14 victory over Russia in the bronze-medal game. The Canadians, who went 2-1 in their round-robin pool Saturday, created a buzz with their near upset of the Kiwis in the semifinal. A Canadian convert, taken on the last play at a severe angle, just missed sending the game to overtime.

“It was so close and intense . . . it was like a boxing match as we traded try for try [with the Kiwis],” said Steacy, after the national team arrived back in Langford late Monday night from Atlanta.

“As disappointed as we were to lose, it was a good performance and showed we are closing the gap [on New Zealand],” added the native of Lethbridge, who scored two tries against the Kiwis.

“We are building the evidence that we can eventually beat them.”

Wouldn’t it be something if that was at Rio next year? Or even in Langford next month?

“We’re really excited to be playing the next tournament at Westhills Stadium,” said Steacy.

“We’re working to get to Rio. That’s where we want to be. This year’s World Series is the first step and we’re performing consistently.”

cdheensaw@timescolonist.com