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 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!

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:)