In the year of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we want to see more girls under the age of 14 playing Rugby in a positive environment at Clubs throughout BC. This age range is traditionally dominated by male players and we aim to readdress this balance and encourage more girls-only programming offered by Clubs going forward.

Ahead of Girls Can Rugby day this Sunday, we asked current Members from our Clubs some important questions on why girls should choose Rugby as their sport.

Darren Munro, Campbell River Rugby: “U14 girls should pick Rugby because there is always a spot for everyone on the pitch. Even if you’re not the fastest, or strongest or most athletic, Rugby has a spot for you. Rugby is safe, challenging, and very rewarding.”

Crystal Dutchak, Peace Rugby (Fort St John): “Girls under 14 should choose to play Rugby because it is a sport where everyone is welcomed. In the Rugby community there is a sense of belonging. Entering the teen years can a challenging time for some but feeling like you fit in and having a safe space to find your way helps build confidence and gives athletes a purpose.”

James Butterworth, Axemen Rugby Club (Squamish): “Team sports in general are the best way to make new friends. They also help improve your social skills, such as teamworking & communication. Unlike several other sports, Rugby is a sport without boundaries, there isn’t a correct size, a minimum speed or weight, there’s a place for everyone to be involved and to have fun.”

Dean Murten, UBC Thunderbirds (Vancouver): “Rugby is inclusive, fun and challenging. Rugby will provide you with many opportunities in life, no matter if you want to play for Canada or your local Club. You will meet people that will become friends for life.”

Jen Ross, James Bay AA (Victoria): “That family environment is the biggest draw. You’re in a safe environment, you’re in a Club situation where people are out there making sure your kids are taken care of, getting exercise, and making lifelong friends. It’s a great social avenue for parents to connect with other parents.”

Sherry Spence, Cowichan RFC (Duncan): “Rugby, a sport for any shape, size, fitness level! It’s a family atmosphere, where girls get confidence and encouragement.”

Ged Griffiths, Brit Lions, Delta: “Our Club is family. We treat each other like family, and we are very family-oriented. It’s a small Club but has a great history and alumni support. We have had a women’s program at Brit Lions since 1988. We have a very supportive executive board of men and women who are working hard to rebuild the Club.  We have always believed that our biggest strength comes from our grassroots community, which is why we have always strongly supported youth rugby in the club, schools, and community centre.”

Morley Wilson, Williams Lake RFC (Williams Lake): “I have seen the positives for girls in rugby; the self-assurance, the camaraderie, and the selflessness that comes with the game. Many girls love the physicality of the game. We teach the girls how to be hit, and hit safely, which many sports do not.”

Min Merritt, Elk Valley RFC (Fernie): “We have a women’s team who would love to work with these girls. We provide a safe, neutral space where all are accepted and welcome.”

Leah Corvec, Langley Rugby Club (Langley): “We have great people! We have an amazing group of parents, players and volunteers that only want to see our girls happy and supported. They love the sport and love seeing these girls play to the best of their ability. Not everyone out there is a superstar, but they are a team and they couldn’t do it without each other.”

Darren Munro, Campbell River Rugby (Campbell River): “We offer a safe environment where girls can train with girls. We offer girls only training as well as co-ed training. Our club really embraces the “family” aspect of the sport. We are also the cheapest sport in town, by far!”

James Butterworth, Axemen Rugby Club (Squamish): “Rugby is a very inclusive sport and our main aim as a new Club was to open the doors to everyone in the community as an equally inclusive group. We feel it’s important to offer exclusive girl-only sessions with female lead coaching focusing on specific training, exercises, and overall group support. Letting girls feel like they’re included and receive all the same opportunities is important for inclusiveness and developing Rugby players as well as rounded human beings.”

Dean Murten, UBC Thunderbirds (Vancouver): “It will help grow the game in our community.  We currently have a thriving men’s and women’s program as well as male and female academies. However, we need to grow the game from the bottom up. Events like this that expose the sport to the community help support our goals of developing players and growing the game.”

Morley Wilson, Williams Lake RFC (Williams Lake): “Currently, there is little opportunity for U14 girls (or boys) to experience Rugby here in Williams Lake. This will provide our community with that extra opportunity for these girls.”