WATERLOO, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks women's rugby team has reached a new milestone.

For the first time in program history, Laurier has earned a place in the U SPORTS Top 10 rankings, debuting at No. 8 in the national preseason poll released Thursday. The Golden Hawks join a national top 10 led by the defending champion UBC Thunderbirds.

The Golden Hawks' national recognition reflects the progress the program has made over the past two seasons, posting its highest win total in 20 years and culminating in a memorable playoff run last fall that saw Laurier reach the conference final four before falling to eventual OUA champion Queen's.

The Gaels begin the season ranked No. 3 nationally, while fellow OUA members Guelph (No. 5) and Brock (No. 7) also appear in the preseason standings.

Laurier will have an opportunity to prove it belongs among the country's elite immediately when it opens the 2026 season on September 5 against the Toronto Varsity Blues at University Stadium.