Axewomen add Darlington to front row for 2025 season

The Acadia Axewomen continue to strengthen their forward pack with the addition of front-row player Zyann Darlington from Scarborough, Ont.

The 5'6 standout has built an impressive rugby resume, serving as captain of St. John Henry Newman Catholic High School from 2022 to 2025. During her time with the team, she helped lead them to three consecutive TDCAA championships and was named team MVP twice—first as a Grade 10 junior earning the senior award and again in Grade 11.

Darlington has also gained experience at the provincial level, earning a spot in the Ontario Blues Development Academy (OBDA) for 2024-25. In 2023, she was selected for the Rugby Ontario Rising Stars program, recognizing her as one of the top emerging talents in the province. She has competed for the Scarborough Aces club since 2022 and also spent time with TIRF Rugby.

For Darlington, joining the Axewomen is about more than just rugby—it’s about becoming part of something bigger.

“To commit to Acadia means that I am not only part of a happy, healthy, growing community but a part of a family that shows great care for me and my well-being and great success,” she said. “It means striving for excellence in both sports and academics while proudly representing the Axewomen with dedication and passion.”