CANADA: THIS PERSEVERANCE ALLOWS US TO RISE AFTER EVERY FALL, IN RUGBY AND IN LIFE, KNOWING THAT THE JOURNEY ITSELF IS LIBERATING.

1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country and what is its history? How is rugby structured in your country?

Early roots: Although rugby had been a male dominated sport in Canada since the late 19th century, the women’s rugby movement began in the 1970s, driven by broader social change and the growing push for gender equality in sport. The Canadian government played a key role, notably with the Royal Commission on the Status of Women report, which recommended that girls have equal access to sports programs. Initial resistance and growth: In the early years there was resistance to women’s rugby; many believed the game was too “violent” for women. The first records of women playing 15 a side date from the 1970s, despite debate and obstacles. Early fixtures were often against men’s sides, and women were sometimes asked to play rugby simply to “appreciate the men’s game.” Over time, determined women kept pushing for greater participation. First teams and tournaments: Women’s teams began to emerge in the 1970s. In 1977, a University of British Columbia side defeated the more established Loose Ruckers in New Westminster – one of the first official women’s matches in Canada. Through the late 1970s and early 1980s, teams formed across several provinces. The first international fixture took place in 1987. Early hurdles and development: The women’s game started as a grassroots movement. In 1977, UBC formed one of the first women’s teams and won a historic game over the Loose Ruckers. By the late 1970s/early 1980s, new teams appeared across Canada – in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec – often created by passionate women who built their own clubs with little external support. Formation of women’s unions: Momentum grew in the early 1980s. In B.C., the West Coast Women’s Rugby Union (WCWRU) was formed in 1980 to lead and coordinate leagues. Alberta followed with the Alberta Women’s Rugby Union (AWRU) in 1983, organizing competitions and helping assemble provincial teams. These bodies were crucial in formalizing the women’s game in their regions. National expansion: The first Canadian Women’s National Championship was held in 1987. Initially a western provincial competition, it expanded in 1988 to include Quebec and Ontario, marking a milestone in nationalizing the sport. National teams were formed and the women’s game gained real momentum. Today there are 400+ rugby clubs across Canada. Most run programs for girls/women and boys/men, from under 5s through adult rugby. Given Canada’s rugby culture, mixed gender clubs are more common than separate women’s clubs, though this varies by province. Many clubs by the late 1990s meant over 100 women’s clubs competing provincially and regionally, and the sport grew in high schools and universities. Provinces like B.C., Alberta, and Ontario developed vibrant scenes with senior and age grade sides. Growth spread coast to coast, and at least one player from each province has been selected to represent Canada internationally. Provincial leagues and national structure: Women’s rugby operates within provincial structures; each province has its own league and governing body, runs local competitions, and sends teams to national events. The National Women’s League (NWL), launched in 2007, served for nearly a decade as the top level and featured teams from across the country. Today, top tier competition is more regionalized, with East and West playing more locally. Youth and high school development: Many provincial unions run dedicated youth programs. By 1997, over 800 female athletes were competing at U19, and girls’ high school rugby expanded rapidly in provinces such as Ontario and B.C. Today, high school rugby is widespread nationwide. Ongoing evolution: The women’s game continues to grow with strong clubs, competitive leagues, and a clear pathway from youth to national competition. Many provincial standouts have represented Canada at events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup. A cornerstone is the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship, the focal point of university rugby. U SPORTS (formerly CIAU/CIS) plays a vital role in developing elite talent, providing a semi professional environment across the country. Universities act as launching pads for national level players, combining high level competition with academics, and preparing athletes in top facilities under pressure with the coaching required to progress. As a result, U SPORTS has become a key pathway to international representation.

2. Do you think playing rugby has a social impact for women in your country?

Empowerment and equality: Rugby gives women in Canada a platform to assert strength, skill, and leadership, challenging traditional gender roles. The sport teaches resilience, teamwork, and leadership that extend beyond the pitch. As structures have matured nationwide, women have gained opportunities to compete at high levels on par with men, advancing equality in sport. Community and support networks: Women’s rugby has cultivated strong community ties. Whether at club, provincial, or national level, it fosters belonging and solidarity. Many players describe deep friendships that become a surrogate family, offering support on and off the field. Breaking stereotypes: Historically viewed as “male dominated” due to its physicality, rugby’s growing female participation has shattered stereotypes, proving women can be just as strong, strategic, and determined. Inspiring the next generation: As players succeed locally, provincially, and nationally, they inspire younger girls to try sports they might not have considered. High school programs have been key in opening access and visibility. Health and well being: Rugby builds strength, endurance, and fitness, and develops strategic thinking, decision making under pressure, and resilience – boosting confidence and mental health. Inclusion and cultural exchange: Through international tournaments and exchanges, Canadian women connect globally, learning from other rugby cultures and sharing their own – uniting women through a shared passion. Social justice and advocacy: Women’s rugby has been at the forefront of pushing for equal opportunity and resources, campaigning for recognition, fair funding, and improved facilities – helping raise the profile of women’s sport overall.

3. In your opinion, what can rugby offer to women in your country?

A platform for personal growth: Rugby challenges women physically and mentally, pushing them beyond comfort zones and building confidence. It teaches grace in both failure and success. Lasting skills: Beyond fitness, rugby builds strategic thinking, decision making, and conflict resolution that translate to work, home, and social life. Breaking stereotypes and boosting visibility: Women in rugby challenge outdated notions about “men’s sports,” inspiring the next generation to pursue sport free of gender limits. Global networking: Competing internationally opens doors to professional networks and collaborations, while connecting with like minded people worldwide. A unique bond: Rugby’s teamwork and close physical cooperation create deep camaraderie and lifelong relationships. Advocacy and role models: Excelling on the field and demanding recognition, rugby players become role models who inspire others to overcome barriers and support women’s sport at all levels. A sense of belonging to something bigger: Rugby unites people around shared values – respect, discipline, teamwork – giving women a powerful sense of belonging within a global movement.

1. When did you start playing rugby and how did you discover it?

I started playing rugby at age 8 at my high school in Quebec, where I also played American football and basketball throughout my five years there. I played rugby for four of my seven years in middle/high school. Rugby was introduced in Grade 7, and I watched my older sister play in its first year. Back then, our coach used Rugby for Dummies because none of us had much experience. After high school, I played football for a few years post-secondary and a couple of seasons of semi-professional women’s rugby. I joined a university team, initially as a social outlet and a way to meet people — especially while pursuing an engineering degree with few contacts in Canada. It wasn’t until university, once I had secured full-time work, that I started taking rugby more seriously. Watching teammates compete at the 2010 Rugby World Cup lit the spark, and in 2011 I earned my first cap for Canada against South Africa. I first learned about rugby when it was introduced at my middle school in Grade 7 in rural Quebec. Our coach used Rugby for Dummies to teach us the basics since most of us had never encountered the game. I was quickly drawn in, especially because I already played football and basketball, which share teamwork and strategy.

2. What has rugby taught you that has impacted your daily life? Can you give an example of when a rugby mindset was useful?

Rugby has shaped my approach to life, especially by teaching resilience. One of my biggest lessons is that perseverance can turn failure into extraordinary outcomes. A pivotal moment came in 2008 when I was cut from the Alberta provincial team as a traveling reserve and ended up filming from the sideline. I was devastated, but instead of quitting I worked hard, returned the next year to score two tries in the provincial final, and two more in the national final two years later when Alberta won the National Championship in 2011 — and I was selected for Canada. Rugby also taught me to take risks and be brave even when I’m scared. I didn’t debut for Alberta until age 28 — older than most — but I seized the chance and worked relentlessly to prove myself. From recovering from an ACL tear to learning a new position, rugby showed me that pushing through fear drives growth. After my second ACL surgery the odds were against me, but with unwavering determination I rehabbed, returned, and played at the 2014 World Cup. Another major lesson is teamwork and community. Rugby thrives on collaboration, and that unity guides my professional life. Whatever the challenge, my instinct is to grow and succeed as a team. A concrete example: in 2015 I tore my ACL for the third time, just before a major international series. Many careers end there. Recovery usually takes 6–9 months. But the tenacity and mental resilience rugby built in me led to a different approach. My goal was to return in time to play an international in Calgary against New Zealand just four months later. It seemed impossible, but rugby had taught me to work, overcome adversity, and lean on my team. Rehab started immediately — physio daily; my husband set alarms every four hours to ice my knee. Two months post-op I began to see progress. When Rugby Canada announced the Calgary fixture, I pushed harder: extra sessions, anti-gravity treadmill runs, and strength work. In May, coaches said I could be selected if I passed the beep test — a brutal 20-metre shuttle. I hadn’t even sprinted yet, but with my team and family’s help I passed it — and even ran a 1600-metre time trial through freshly shovelled Calgary snow. I sent in the video, and a day later I got the selection call.

3. Can you give me three words that connect rugby with freedom?

Perseverance – Rugby teaches you to keep going despite setbacks. Failure isn’t permanent; you’re free to try, learn, and grow. That perseverance lets us rise after every fall, in rugby and in life, knowing the journey itself is liberating. Power – Freedom to express yourself fully. Rugby empowers athletes, especially women, to enter spaces once closed, compete at the highest level, and take pride in strength and skill — challenging the status quo and breaking barriers. Unity – Freedom to belong to something bigger. Rugby brings together people from different backgrounds to work toward a shared goal, where everyone’s role matters and individual successes are celebrated.

4. What does it mean to you to live in a land of freedom?

It means being able to choose your path without being limited by external forces — social expectations, fear of failure, or restrictions based on gender, race, or background. It’s the freedom to explore your potential, make mistakes, and learn from them. Rugby has given me the freedom to redefine what’s possible, push my body’s limits, and take ownership of my journey — overcoming injuries and taking on new roles. It also means having the support and opportunities to thrive, and to belong to a community where everyone, regardless of background, has a place and a voice. Ultimately, freedom is autonomy to decide and the power to pursue what matters, while contributing authentically to something larger than oneself.

5. What object represents you and why? What is an aphorism that guides your life?

Right now, a simple pencil and a piece of paper. They’re how I stay organized and keep balance, especially as a busy mom of three (soon four in September!). The pencil represents flexibility — plans change, and that’s okay. You can erase, adjust, and choose a new direction. The paper is a blank slate each day to jot thoughts, tasks, and goals — and then tick them off. For me, crossing items off isn’t just completing chores — it’s the satisfaction of progress. Pencil and paper symbolize structure and the freedom to adapt when life throws surprises. My guiding quote: “Perseverance can turn failure into extraordinary outcomes.” It reflects my path in rugby and life. I’ve faced setbacks, but each challenge became a chance to grow. No matter how many times I’ve fallen, I’ve stood back up. Success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about how you respond.

1. When did you start playing rugby and how did you discover it?

Playing rugby in high school was a challenge. We had barely seen the game before. In Canada it isn’t widely promoted; it’s not on TV. It was truly interesting to start playing under those conditions.

2. What has rugby taught you that has impacted your daily life? Can you give an example of when a rugby mindset helped you?

When you play rugby, you almost have to be a feminist. You face life and the game with a “I can do this” attitude. You can’t let a “no” or feeling lesser stop you. You have to believe anything is possible. We now understand that rugby, femininity, and sexuality are distinct things. We should focus on developing outstanding athletes — not just “female rugby players,” simply rugby players. When I won “Most Improved Player” with Toronto Barbarians RFC, it meant a lot. I wasn’t the most talented, but I worked the hardest. It taught me that determination matters.

3. Can you give me three words that connect rugby with freedom?

Belonging: my rugby team became like a family of sisters.
Expression: we now understand rugby, femininity, and sexuality are distinct.
Inclusivity: rugby welcomes every body type, personality, and skill level.

4. What does it mean to you to live in a land of freedom?

Freedom is having space to build identity, self-esteem, and sisterhood despite stereotypes and discrimination. “When I was young and trying to figure out who I was, my rugby team became like a family of sisters. They deeply shaped how I saw myself — that’s why I fell in love with the sport. It was a time when I was searching for identity and belonging while facing a lot of negativity tied to femininity and rugby.”

5. What object represents you and why? What is an aphorism that guides your life?

An object I cherish: the “Most Improved Player” award with Toronto Barbarians RFC. I love this quote from coach Bill Walsh: “The score takes care of itself.” Success comes from focusing on the process, not obsessing over the outcome.