Calgary Rugby Union

What an incredible Women’s Day celebration on June 13! It was a day filled with outstanding rugby, community spirit, and the power of fabulous females coming together both on and off the field.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, supported, and donated. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $2,000 for Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.

A special shout-out to our Women’s Day Committee for their vision, dedication, and countless hours behind the scenes that made this event such a success:

Jess Bateman – Women’s Rugby Director
Kim Endicott – SARU Executive Director
Eve Upshall – Canucks Rugby Club
Tara Godfrey – Canucks Rugby Club

Thank you for helping create a day that celebrated women, rugby, and community in the best possible way.

Keep celebrating, supporting, and lifting each other up—not just on Women’s Day, but every day.

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

The Foothill Lions know they are lucky to have Falynn Mcgahan! Here’s what they had to say:Falynn makes a huge impact both on and off the field. She is incredibly dedicated, always willing to put in the work, and constantly pushes herself to improve. Beyond her own performance, she is one of the most supportive and encouraging teammates, always lifting others up and helping create a positive team environment. Her determination and passion for the game inspire those around her to be better. She represents the future of women’s rugby because she not only strives to grow as a player but also helps grow the confidence, skills, and love of the game in everyone around her.

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

Ava Helman is from the Bow Valley Grizzlies in Cochrane where hard work, passion and a positive attitude never go out of style! Here’s what her club had to say about her: Ava Helman represents the future of women’s rugby because she embodies the qualities that will help rugby continue to grow both on and off the pitch. While she is developing as a 2nd year senior women’s players, her influence extends far beyond her own team. Through coaching younger athletes, organizing club social events, and helping build a welcoming and connected club culture, she is actively strengthening the rugby community for future generations. Her willingness to lead, mentor, and give back demonstrates a commitment to the sport that goes beyond personal success. As women’s rugby continues to expand, it will rely on women like Ava - Athletes who inspire others, create opportunities for young players, and help build inclusive environments where girls and women can thrive. That combination of leadership, service, and passion for development is what makes her a strong example of the future of women’s rugby.

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

The Calgary Irish have nominated Shanaya Kailey! Shanaya is a wonderful example of the passion, resilience, and dedication that continue to grow the women’s game. Blessed with incredible speed and a dangerous step, Shanaya is always a threat with the ball in hand and a player who can change the momentum of a match in an instant. What stands out even more, however, is her commitment to learning. Whether at practice or on game day, Shanaya consistently looks for opportunities to improve, asks questions, and puts in the work needed to reach the next level.
Off the field, Shanaya brings a kind heart and positive attitude that make her a valued teammate and friend. Her willingness to support others, work hard, and embrace every challenge embodies the spirit of women’s rugby. That dedication was rewarded when Shanaya scored her first senior try in just her second AWP match—an exciting milestone and one of many accomplishments still to come.

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

Luna Padilla from the Saints everyone! Here’s what her club had to say about her: Luna is a great example of a leader on the field in many ways. She is a very talented player who knows where to be and when to be there. She is always looking for ways to improve her own game and the game of those around her. She sets goals for herself and executes them (hello four jackals per game!) - what a way to lead by example. Additionally, she has volunteered to help mentor/coach our junior girls, passing on her wealth of knowledge to the next generation. Luna represents MRU during the school season and makes our cub proud doing so!

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

Evie Blake from the Red Deer Titans must be doing something right because she received several nominations. Here’s a summary of what they all had to say: At just 21 years old, Evie is already the kind of leader every rugby club hopes to develop. As captain of our women’s program, senior women’s representative, and head coach of our U9 program, she leads with a rare combination of wisdom, grit, and genuine care for others. Whether she’s inspiring young athletes on the sidelines or leading her teammates on the field, Evie has an incredible ability to understand what people need in the moment and rise to meet it.
She is the ultimate teammate—someone who makes every player feel included, supported, and valued. From encouraging women’s rugby through the traditions she has helped create, to braiding hair and adding a little glitter before kickoff, Evie reminds us that strength and femininity belong side by side. She leads by example, gives her best effort every day, and challenges those around her to do the same. Fierce on the field, thoughtful off it, and always ready with a laugh, advice, or encouragement, Evie embodies everything we hope the future of Titans Rugby will be. We are incredibly proud to call her a Titan.

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

From the Calgary Rams- Leen Kasem! Here’s what Leen’s team had to say about her: We are happy to nominate this outstanding young player, who has successfully transitioned from our junior program into her first year of Senior Women’s Rugby. She embodies the values that make our club strong in everything she does. On and off the field, she leads by example. Leen consistently volunteers her time, supports her teammates, and contributes positively to our club community. Whether helping at club events, encouraging younger players, or stepping up whenever assistance is needed, Leen demonstrates a genuine dedication to the success and well-being of others. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to give back make her an exceptional role model for players of all ages. We are incredibly proud of her growth from junior player to senior team member and believe she is highly deserving of this recognition.

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

From the Calgary Hornets, Lucy Finnson! Here’s what her club had to say:

Lucy is a leader, she is driven, and she has a team first attitude that has been essential to our early success this season. In her first season of women’s rugby so far, Lucy has made a positive impact on the team and culture both on and off the field. She has recently attended the Canada U18 7s camp in Victoria— this is a face you will be seeing more of as she is destined to make a huge impact in rugby for the next decade .

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)

Today marks our 2026 edition of Women’s Day for rugby in Southern Alberta!!!

Our player features today are EXTRA special women who have been identified by their club members as being EXCEPTIONAL!

Committed, Energetic, Confident & Funny- That’s how LRC would describe Shanelle Mann! Her rugby IQ is strong and she is very coachable. Shanelle is a quick thinker and just as fast on the field. She is observant and knows when its time to work. Shanelle is also very friendly and approachable off the field and makes everyone feel heard and appreciated. We love Shanelle and all she brings to our team and club.

Players featured TODAY don’t forget to swing by the club house after your games to pick up your swag bags and to check out your faces on the wall:)