MEET OUR 2026 GILBERT CHAMPIONS
We are thrilled to introduce this year's incredible Gilbert Champions, a remarkable group dedicated to the growth and promotion of rugby across Canada. This diverse assembly of athletes, coaches, and community advocates is passionately inspiring the next generation of rugby players. We genuinely believe that rugby enriches lives by fostering teamwork, fitness, and confidence, while also creating a supportive community that is second to none. We take immense pride in highlighting these Champions and the impactful projects they are associated with. Our roster spans the nation from the West Coast to the East Coast. Together, they embody the spirit of rugby and its ability to transform lives.

Eniola Adewumi
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Club: Brantford Harlequins
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Position: Prop and Lock
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Bio: Eniola is a dedicated 16-year-old who discovered a profound love for rugby through the Brantford Harlequins. Rugby has not only shaped her perspective on the world but has also instilled in her a strong sense of personal growth and a deep appreciation for the sport's inclusivity. She is passionate about encouraging others to join the rugby community, having experienced firsthand how welcoming and transformative it can be. Eniola also credits Iroquois Roots for their significant impact on her development, treating her like family and fostering a deeper appreciation for the game.

Spens Alexander
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Club: McMaster University, Kingston Panthers
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Position: Prop, Hook
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Bio: Spens is a fifth-year Commerce student at McMaster University with a lifelong passion for rugby, playing since ninth grade. He values the strong sense of community and brotherhood that rugby fosters, recognizing the deep trust and camaraderie built through shared adversity. Beyond playing, Spens is dedicated to growing the game at the grassroots level, organizing inclusive events like the Movember Touch 7s Tournament to make rugby accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He believes rugby teaches valuable life lessons about toughness and camaraderie.

Kalem Balodis
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Club: Pictou County Rugby Club, Northumberland Regional Nighthawks, u17 Nova Scotia Keltics, u19 Atlantic Rock, u17 Atlantic Rock
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Position: Number 8/Lock
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Bio: Kalem finds immense joy in the people he meets through rugby, appreciating the incredibly friendly and welcoming community. The sport has provided him with opportunities to travel and create cherished memories. His journey into rugby began in grade 10, inspired by friends, and has been significantly guided by his high school and provincial coach. Kalem's international tour to Wales with the U19 Atlantic Rock stands out as a particularly memorable experience, offering valuable insights into professional environments and fostering connections with players from other teams.

Benard Bjorndal
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Club: Abbotsford Rugby Club
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Position: Number 8
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Bio: For Benard, rugby is a source of stress relief, fun, and friendship. Inspired by his father, he finds great value in the sport and aspires to represent Canada one day. Benard is actively involved in his community's rugby scene, playing for his home club and university, and is dedicated to encouraging more people to get involved in the sport by sharing the enjoyment it brings him. He is also looking forward to touring the United States with his school.

Evelynn Blake
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Club: Red Deer Titans RFC/University of Lethbridge Pronghorns
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Position: Prop
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Bio: Evelynn cherishes the welcoming and supportive community she found in rugby, a stark contrast to previous experiences in sports. Rugby has provided her with close friendships and opportunities for travel. She is particularly passionate about coaching and working with children and youth, especially young girls, aiming to make sport spaces inclusive and accessible. Evelynn's experience in Nova Scotia for the Atlantic Rugby Championships with the Senior Women's Wolfpack team was a highlight, marked by strong teamwork and excellent coaching.

Madysin Brewer
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Club: Kelowna Crows, London Irish
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Position: Hooker
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Bio: Madysin views rugby as a family that has opened doors to new opportunities, friendships, and personal growth, both physically and mentally. She started playing rugby only three years ago but was drawn to the Kelowna Crows due to her family's long-standing involvement. The club's supportive environment allowed her to develop into the best player she could be. Madysin is actively involved as a player and ambassador, encouraging young women to engage with the sport and sharing her journey on social media to make rugby more accessible.

Emma Brimmage
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Club: St.Albert Rugby Football Club
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Position: Flanker
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Bio: Emma loves the competitive nature, camaraderie, and physicality of rugby. Inspired by her aunt and cousins who played, she enjoys the sport and making friends. Emma strives for daily improvement and was recognized as the U13 girls club MVP last year. She is eager to continue playing the game for as long as possible and actively participates and volunteers within her club's activities, while also educating her schoolmates about rugby.

Jordan Campbell
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Club: Parkland Mavericks
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Position: Scrum Half
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Bio: Jordan believes rugby offers more than just a game; it provides family, accountability, and a place where effort is valued over ego. The sport has taught him resilience, trust, and respect. Now involved as both a player and coach, Jordan is dedicated to growing the game at the grassroots level, ensuring future generations have the same positive experiences he's had. His two sons are now also part of the rugby community, making his commitment even more meaningful.

Delphine Champagne
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Club: Club de Rugby de Québec
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Position: Scrum Half or Wing
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Bio: Delphine values the importance of every player's role in rugby and the success that comes from strong teamwork. Rugby has gifted her with many amazing friendships. Inspired by her older sister and her high school coach, who encouraged her to try out for the Canada U18 camp, rugby has become a significant part of her life. She thrives in competitive environments, having won championships with her Cégep team and being a key player in pushing her teammates to improve. Delphine is motivated to continue growing within the Canadian rugby community.

Alyssa Cymbalista
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Club: Peterborough Pagans RFC
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Position: Second Row
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Bio: Alyssa finds a profound sense of belonging in rugby, viewing it as a community where she feels truly seen and accepted. The sport's inclusivity ensures everyone has a place, creating a family-like atmosphere where teammates support each other. She discovered a passion for capturing the sport through photography and videography, and recently joined the Senior Women's team, embracing the challenge and finding her place in the second row. Alyssa is a strong advocate for anyone wanting to try rugby, embodying the "If I can do it, so can you" mentality.

Stalin Fernandez Gil
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Club: Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club
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Position: Forward/Lock
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Bio: Stalin values the strong community, camaraderie, and inclusivity that rugby offers, finding it keeps him active and feeling good. He credits Coach Snow for consistently pushing him to be his best. Stalin is proud to be part of the Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club, a community built on inclusion, diversity, and belonging, where rugby is used to bring people together and foster values of inclusivity and respect. He is actively involved as a player and Fundraising Coordinator for the team.

Taylor Funk
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Club: Westshore RFC
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Position: Scrum Half / First Receiver
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Bio: Taylor enjoys the competitive environment of rugby and the strong bonds formed after games. Inspired by her coaches at Westshore, particularly Shane Dagg for his motivational support, Taylor has gained valuable experience playing for various teams including Crimson Tide, MacDowell, Westshore, BC, and the island team. She has also taken initiative by starting an after-school program to help introduce the game to new players and has been involved in coaching minis at her home club.

Brent Gallagher
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Club: Strathcona Druids RFC
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Bio: Brent views rugby as far more than a sport; it's a community built on camaraderie, respect, and shared experiences. Introduced to the game by his older brother, Kevin, Brent has dedicated over 40 years to developing rugby at the grassroots level, coaching at McNally High School and serving as Technical Director for the Strathcona Druids' junior program. Alongside his wife Stacey, he has fostered a thriving youth system. Brent's passion lies in building the game from the ground up, emphasizing inclusion, development, and a strong sense of family within the rugby community.

Sarah Gunn
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Club: Valley Rugby Union, Acadia Women’s Varsity Rugby, Senior Women’s NS Keltics
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Position: 10/12
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Bio: Sarah highlights the inclusivity of rugby as its greatest strength, embracing people of all sizes, shapes, and ethnicities. Inspired by Ashley Brooker, a key figure in rugby in the Annapolis Valley, Sarah has discovered a passion for coaching. She has extensive experience playing for provincial teams and captaining both U17 and U19 Keltics teams, and currently plays for Acadia University. Sarah has also been actively involved in rugby development, coordinating for Valley Rugby Union and coaching flag rugby for middle school students.

Noah Howell Bourner
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Club: Saskatoon Wild Oats RFC
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Position: Fly Half
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Bio: Noah cherishes the rugby community and the opportunity to compete alongside his best friends. Inspired by his father, Leon Bourner, he has been playing rugby since he was five years old, progressing through various levels of the sport. Noah is deeply involved in the rugby community, volunteering as a coach for after-school programs and mini flag rugby, and is an active player and volunteer for the Wild Oats men's team. He is dedicated to growing the game by recruiting new players and sharing his rugby adventures.

Sarah-Jane Jackson
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Club: Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School and Rugby Manitoba
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Position: Prop
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Bio: SJ emphasizes the inclusive nature of rugby, noting that every player is essential to the team's success and that this inclusivity fosters a powerful bond. Inspired by her uncle, who convinced her to play, SJ is now a coach for the female rugby team at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School, focused on growing the sport from the ground up and encouraging new athletes to get involved. She also helps referee high school games, aiming to expand the sport in the Westman area.

Elaina James-McNaughton
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Club: Iroquois Roots Rugby, Brantford Harlequins
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Position: Prop
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Bio: Elaina loves rugby for its inclusive nature, supporting all shapes and sizes, and the confidence it has helped her build. Inspired by her sister, Elaina is proud to be connected to programs like Iroquois Roots Rugby and the Brantford Harlequins that have fostered her growth. She highlights her trips to New York City and Ireland with Iroquois Roots Rugby as significant life experiences. Elaina is passionate about sharing her experiences and encouraging others to embrace the sport, seeing rugby as a powerful tool for building confidence, connection, and pride.

Elenoa Kaukirewa
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Club: Brumbies
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Position: Scrum Half / Full Back
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Bio: Elenoa is drawn to rugby for the environment it creates and the diverse people it brings together. The sport fosters unique connections, offering support and pushing individuals to be their best. Elenoa, who hails from Fiji and currently lives in Manitoba, has been developing her skills through high school and club teams. She believes that being active and representing her community through rugby helps keep the game going and shows that it's a sport anyone can be a part of.

Lennon Littlejohn
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Club: MacDowell Rugby Academy/ Cowichan Piggies
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Position: Scrum Half and Fly Half
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Bio: Lennon sees rugby as a sport that empowers women, bringing out their inner warrior. Inspired by her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, she believes it's a game for all ages and positions. Lennon is actively involved, playing five days a week with the academy, two more days for her club, and has also taken on reffing mini rugby games. She encourages others to join the sport, sharing her passion through Instagram and TikTok, and is looking forward to upcoming tournaments in Florida and potentially New Zealand.

Madeleine McTavish
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Club: Beaconsfield Rugby Club
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Position: 10, 12, 13, 15
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Bio: Madeleine was drawn to rugby at 16 for its competitive nature and the beauty of finding a position where every body type is needed. She loves the strategic depth of the game and was inspired by her friend Emma Gallagher. Madeleine is actively involved in junior programs across Montreal, coaching at various high schools and the collegiate level. She sees rugby as a way to build strong character and community, and is committed to growing the sport by encouraging athletes to try it and by sharing her own rugby journey.

Cooper Morash
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Club: Nova Scotia Keltics, Pictou County Rugby Club, Northumberland Nighthawks
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Position: Prop
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Bio: Cooper values the strong connections and lifelong friendships forged through rugby, finding the community support to be exceptional. He is inspired by his mentors, including coach Bryan Campbell and Chauntelle Brewer, who have guided his development and encouraged his community involvement. Cooper enjoys coaching and helping others discover the sport, believing it's a significant part of his life. He recently received the U20 Rookie of the Year award and is actively involved in recruiting new players.

Kian Mullen
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Club: Strathcona Druids, Edmonton Gold, Alberta Wolfpack
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Position: All over (Flanker, Centre, Hooker, Scrumhalf, Sweeper)
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Bio: Kian's passion for rugby stems from its incredible community and physicality, which push him daily to become stronger and faster. He finds leadership on the field boosts his confidence as he transitions into his career. Inspired by his grandfather, a former player, Kian is dedicated to living up to his legacy. He also finds motivation in coaching younger players, experiencing immense pride in their development and growth. Kian has had significant experiences, including playing in New Zealand and attending the U18 Canada Camp.

Oluwadamilola Oshinibosi
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Club: The Winnipeg Wasps / The Herd
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Position: Prop, Lock, Wing
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Bio: Oluwadamilola found confidence and a sense of belonging in rugby, which helped her overcome shyness and develop communication skills. She is inspired by supportive coaches who genuinely care about her growth and aims to provide the same support to others in the community. Rugby has offered her opportunities to travel and play, and she appreciates the sport's welcoming nature and physicality. Oluwadamilola is also an assistant coach, committed to giving back and supporting the next generation of rugby players.

Mallory Pitzner
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Club: Team New Brunswick and Trojans Rugby Club
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Position: Lock and 8
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Bio: Mallory embraces rugby as a sport that empowers women to be aggressive and powerful, teaching them to own their strength without apology. Inspired by her high school coach, Katie Hunter, Mallory has developed a strong sense of self-trust and accountability. As a captain, she is dedicated to fostering a team environment where girls feel strong and supported, and she is committed to growing the sport for young women. Her experience at Atlantics in Fredericton, where she captained her team, shifted her perspective on leadership and the power of unity.

Ivy Poetker
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Club: Victoria Vikes, Calgary Rams, Westshore RFC
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Position: 1, 3, 7 (Sevens); 6, 7, 13, or any back 3 (15s)
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Bio: Ivy lives and breathes rugby, inspired by her mother's two decades of playing and her father's exceptional coaching. She loves the grit, intense training, and the rise of women's sports that rugby represents. Ivy is a dedicated athlete, recently joining the Canada 7s senior national team. She is committed to giving back by refereeing and coaching, aiming to make rugby more accessible.

Alex Ross
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Club: Sarnia Saints RFC
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Position: Flanker
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Bio: Alex believes rugby has profoundly shaped him, teaching resilience, discipline, and humility. The sport has provided opportunities to play internationally, connect with diverse people, and build lifelong friendships. As a coach and Youth Director, Alex is passionate about making rugby accessible and inclusive, fostering a sense of belonging for young people. He actively works to remove barriers to participation and strengthen community connections, leading initiatives that have significantly grown the minor program.

Chester Scholefield
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Club: Toronto City / Ontario Reds & Blues
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Position: Fly Half #10
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Bio: Chester has been immersed in rugby since age four, viewing it as an integral part of his identity. He loves the culture, discipline, teamwork, and friendships the sport fosters, which have boosted his confidence. Moving from England three years ago, Chester has adapted to Canadian rugby, bringing his experiences to his club and provincial teams. He enjoys helping younger junior teams develop a passion for the sport and is looking forward to upcoming tours with the Ontario Blues and Toronto City.

Giorgi Sharabidze
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Club: Toronto Saracens RFC / York University Men's Rugby
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Position: 9, 2
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Bio: Giorgi finds immense value in the friendships rugby has provided, especially as a newcomer to Canada, where the sport offered an immediate sense of community and belonging. He is currently the player and President of the York University Men’s Rugby Team, focused on growing the program and creating a high-performance environment. Giorgi is also involved with Toronto Saracens RFC, aiming to make rugby more accessible and build strong, sustainable rugby communities in Canada, drawing parallels to the sport's rapid growth in his home country of Georgia.

Olivia Spargo
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Club: Toronto Amazons Rugby Club
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Position: Scrum-Half
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Bio: Olivia emphasizes the friendships formed through rugby as its greatest asset, bringing together individuals with shared values and passion. Inspired by her father, who has coached her since she was young, Olivia is dedicated to embodying respect for the game and its traditions. She aims to challenge the stereotype that girls involved in other activities can't be tough rugby players, highlighting the leadership skills she's developed as captain. Olivia is looking forward to upcoming international tours and continuing to coach mini rugby players.

Gab Thiessen
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Club: Collège Jeanne-Sauve / Wasps
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Position: Scrum Half
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Bio: Gab loves the welcoming and inclusive nature of the rugby community. She has had opportunities to represent Winnipeg at the Manitoba Games, Team Manitoba at the Canada Summer Games, and MacDowell Rugby at Tropical 7s. Gab is grateful for the coaches and players who have helped her grow her skills and confidence. She is actively involved in growing the high school program by encouraging others to try rugby and loves sharing updates about her teammates' journeys.

Lexi Thompson
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Club: Caledon Cavaliers/St. Bonaventure Bonnies
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Position: Prop & Hook
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Bio: Lexi sees rugby as more than just a game; it's a family that teaches discipline, confidence, respect, and teamwork. Rugby pushes her to be physically and mentally tough, and the lessons learned will last a lifetime. As a player, coach, and Social Media Manager for the Caledon Cavaliers, Lexi is passionate about developing young
