UPEI Women Rugby Panthers receive AUS recognitions
UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers fullback Rowan Gallagher has been named the 2026 Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Women’s Rugby Most Valuable Player (MVP), leading a banner year of conference honours for the team.
Gallagher, a third-year science student from Halifax, Nova Scotia, was recognized as the conference’s top player following an outstanding season. Fast, elusive, and one of the most dangerous backs in the country, Gallagher tied for third in the AUS with seven tries while recording 68 carries and 47 tackles. Transitioning from outside centre to fullback this year, she quickly established herself as a game-breaking scoring threat every time she touched the ball.
Her standout performance of the season came on September 11, when she scored three tries against the St. Francis Xavier X-Women. Head coach Curtis Lauzon praised Gallagher’s confidence, work rate, and ability to make an immediate impact in her new role. In addition to being named MVP, Gallagher earned her second consecutive conference All-Star nod and now becomes the AUS nominee for the national U SPORTS Most Valuable Player award.
Joining Gallagher on the 2026 AUS All-Star Team is Panthers scrum half Lauren Misener, marking her first-ever conference all-star selection. Serving as the team’s key playmaker and connector, Misener orchestrated the UPEI attack with a team-leading 331 passes. She also demonstrated exceptional all-around play across the pitch, contributing four tries, four conversions, 36 carries, and 53 tackles throughout the campaign.
Together, Gallagher and Misener helped lead UPEI to a 3-3 regular-season record and a third-place finish in the conference standings to secure an AUS Women’s Rugby Championship berth.
“Rowan and Lauren exemplify what it means to be a Panther,” said Jane Vessey, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Rowan’s recognition as the AUS MVP is a historic milestone and a direct result of her work ethic, while Lauren’s first All-Star nod highlights her exceptional leadership and vision on the field. Congratulations to both student-athletes on their stellar accomplishments. We are extremely proud of them and our entire women’s rugby team for their relentless grit and dedication.”
The Panthers’ season came to a close on October 14 following a hard-fought 26-22 semi-final battle against the defending champions, the St. Francis Xavier X-Women.
