This spring, we offer the athletes from our U18 team the opportunity to travel to Scotland for a true rugby experience. They will play three games against local teams and be hosted by those clubs for post-match meals. Professional players will coach the team, tour Scottish landmarks and see some of the world’s top female rugby players play in Edinburgh when Scotland takes on Wales in the Women’s Six Nations tournament on March 22, 2025.
Tegan Rathlef
My name is Tegan. I’ve been playing rugby for two years now, my best friend got me to start playing. I’ve played with G.P Vanier (school) Rugby team, Tsunami Rugby, winning gold at the Provincial Regional championship (P.R.C.) at UBC, and of course, Rapids1, winning gold at Age Grade Finals! I used to live in the mountains I used to ski competitively, and I still can’t get enough of the snow!! When I’m not on the hill I’m on the rugby pitch! One thing I’ve noticed with rugby is the community, I’ve made so many friends even on other rugby teams. I’ve gained an incredible rugby family. The coaches, managers, and players are like a whole team! A rugby family! I’m not sure what it is, but I’ve seen an amazing community everywhere with rugby, maybe it’s the fact we beat each other up, and appreciate everyone's efforts on the pitch but I really couldn’t be more grateful to have joined this sport. Thanks for reading J
Mahatta Price
My name is Mahatta Price and I love rugby! I have been playing rugby for the past 3 years and my favorite part is tackling, so I often play as full-back but have also played as flanker and winger. As full-back I make many high-speed tackles and I am often the last line of defence if someone breaks through on a run towards the tri line. I enjoy the comradery of playing as a team, since everyone works together. It doesn’t matter what the weather is, I just love being on the field. When I am not on the field, I am either studying or spending time on the land and water of my traditional territory. I am member of the K’ómoks First Nation and enjoy traditional cedar weaving and sewing regalia. In the spring time, my family and I sustainably harvest cedar bark, which I will then use once it is prepared to make hats, baskets, roses, mats and many other items. I also enjoy fishing for salmon and halibut, hunting for deer and elk, and harvesting mushrooms in the fall. I am really excited to travel with the Comox Valley Rapids to Scotland! This will be such an amazing opportunity for my last year playing Rapids Rugby. Next year, I am planning on going to university to pursue a career in linguistics.
Ava Cashman
Born and raised in the Comox Valley, I started playing Rugby in grade 9. I had friends that played and friends that wanted to play so we decided to start the same year. Even some of my friends went to a different school, we know it is fun to play against each other. Rugby has given me lots of amazing experiences big and small. The coaches I've had have not only been able to teach me this complex game they have given me the ability to continue to grow. To become a better player and teammate. Lots of memories and friendships. Before I started playing Rugby I was a competitive dance for 7 years. Totally different experience and totally different use of your muscles. Due to the muscles Once in a Rugby game I got a breakaway and my right leg just stopped working. I went down, slid, screeched, shocked but managed to get back up and get the ball before they caught up to me. After that embarrassing but funny moment I redeemed myself by scoring 2 tries.
Saskia Morton
Hi, my name is Saskia Morton. I have been playing for one year, I am a Hooker, Flanker, and Prop. My main job as a hooker is to be at every single ruck; fighting and trying to keep possession of the ball, and while I may not be as fast as a winger, running hard lines and gaining field ground is how we get try’s. My favorite part of rugby is throwing in the line-outs, and everyone/everything this sport has brought towards me, from opportunities in different cities to passionate coaches that care about the growth of those around them. My Pop on my Dad’s side played nationally for Australia, competing with the Wallabies and debuting in 1957 to his final national match in 1959. My dad has played rugby for 50 years, playing with a range of clubs from Australia to North America. He has also been my coach for the 2 seasons I have played with Rapids. I have currently been accepted to UVIC for the Recreation and Health Education program and plan to study law after a minimum of three years of study. I am working as a paid rugby coach at the Comox Recreation Centre and I have helped coach with the Rapids Minis last year. Personally, rugby has had an extremely positive impact on me as it has opened up opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I had never played. Compared to the other sports I have played, like volleyball, rugby has this warm and respectful culture that other sports don’t have. I hope rugby will be apart of my whole life.
Shaye Rebeyka
My name is Shaye Rebeyka, I am a 16-year-old student in the Comox Valley. I have been playing rugby since February of 2024, and quickly fell in love with the sport after I joined. I started playing after recovering from an injury that lasted for nearly two years, as I unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to join before I got hurt. I sustained my injury after being in a car accident, which left me with chronic pain in both feet and ankles. It was so bad to the point that somedays it hurt too much to stand. I saw about a dozen different professionals in different fields of medicine, yet no one could figure out what was wrong with me. In December of 2023, my pain slowly started to subside and randomly went away, and in February I made the decision to join my school's rugby team. I feel like playing rugby has given me more confidence and has made it easier to connect with new people. I was a very shy person prior to playing, and since I’ve started, I've become much more open to those I don’t know compared to what I was before. Playing rugby also helped me heal mentally after my injury. It originally helped me boost my morale and get my mind off of what happened to me, and it slowly helped me overcome my fear that my pain would come back. Playing rugby has helped me thoroughly on a personal level, and I'm so thankful that I started playing. I love the game for several different reasons, my main one being the experience. I find it such a fun and thrilling time, as well as incorporating the element of competition, which I enjoy. I also love how it allows you to meet and create bonds with so many new people who can have such a positive impact on your life.
Charlie Hutton
My name is Charlie Hutton and I live on denman island. I have been playing rugby for 4 years and I truly love it! Rugby has given me so much with the people I’ve meant and the places I’ve been. The things that rugby has shown me are things that no other sport can show you. I play second row and 8 man and I couldn’t ask for a better position. I am able to provide strength in the scrums and I get to tackle a lot. One of my favourite memories I have from rugby is playing for tsunami rugby and bringing home gold for PRC’S played at UBC! This was such a fun team with great coaches and having the opportunity to represent the island and bringing home first place was such an amazing feeling. Rugby has gave me the chance to meet some of my closest friends and I will forever be grateful for that. I am so excited to head to Scotland and see the rugby community all around the world. With rugby everyone is connected and loving, it truly is the best community!
Keira Johnson
Hi, my name is Keira Johnson! I’m 16 years old and have been living in the Comox Valley for most of my life. I’m proud to be Métis from Tsuut’ina Nation, and I recently discovered my passion for rugby after joining the sport this year. I play as a left and right winger and absolutely love the fast pace and teamwork that rugby has to offer. Before rugby, I was a competitive swimmer, but I’ve traded the lanes for the field and couldn’t be happier. What drew me to rugby is the incredible environment—it’s so nurturing and supportive, filled with strong individuals who inspire me. I love the balance of intensity and camaraderie, where you can go from tackling someone on the field to laughing with them afterward. Rugby has already become an important part of my life, and I can’t wait to keep growing with the sport!
Kira Mossman
My name is Kira Mossman and I am 16 years old currently attending Vanier I play outside centre(#13). While Playing this position there is decision making and supporting my teammates. My favourite part about playing this position is being apart of plays with the inside centre. I really enjoy playing rugby because it has an amazing community and I have made so many new friends since I started playing rugby. I really enjoy playing rugby and in the future I plan to apply to UBC and other universities. I love rugby it is such a great sport and I hope to go far with it.
Payton Smith
My name is Payton Smith and i live in Courtenay, BC. I first started playing rugby two years ago by joining my high school team, Vanier. My coach there is one of the most inspiring people i know, he taught me the aspects and culture behind rugby, showing me it is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. The opportunities rugby has given me is unmatched and something I will take with me for the long run. My main position on the field is flanker, but I also enjoy playing with the backs. I have gotten the privilege to play for a few different teams, including the north island tsunami team which took home gold as well as rapids, who took the age-grade final first place trophy. Each and every one has given me amazing memories and friends i will forever cherish. Going to scotland is an experience of a lifetime that I’m so grateful to be a part of. I’m excited to learn about the history and culture and meet new people to hear their stories. Rugby is truly the best community where you find your place and meet the most inspiring, supportive people.
Cameron Shardelow
I always wanted to find a sport that I am passionate about, and it took years but I found my passion in rugby. I was in grade 8 and 13 years old when my friend had ask me to come try out a rugby practice with her. From then on i’ve been playing and going on amazing trips. I’m a very outgoing person and i’m able to use that energy in rugby. I remember the first time I got a try I had thrown it to the ground, not knowing I had to touch it to the ground. I always look back at those memories and see how far i’ve come. I’ve made so many knew friends and have been able to meet so many amazing people, and work with such amazing coach’s throughout the year. I love that rugby you can learn so many new things each day, and improve every little thing.
Maddy Usher
My name is Maddy Usher, I'm 16 years old and have lived in the Comox Valley my whole life. I first started playing rugby in February of 2023 when a friend of mine suggested I join. At first ,I was skeptical, as I had never really played a team sport before, but I quickly fell in love with the sport, enjoying the friendly competition of the game and the incredibly supportive environment my teammates and coaches created. I love the friendships this sport allows you to make on and off the field and the incredible people who support you, push you to do your best ,and show you what it means to be a part of a team. Rugby has become a huge part of my life and has largely shaped me into who I am. It has given me a sense of belonging, taught me how to work with others, and how to be confident in myself. I don't know where I'd be-or who I'd be without it.”
Ava L’Arrivee
I grew up in the valley my whole life and I love living here. Both my parents grew up here as well and with that rugby in the valley has also been a huge part of my family. My dad played rugby all through high school, along with both my uncles, one of which is now the current president of the Comox Valley Kickers. I am so glad to carry on my family line of playing rugby in the valley.
Annika Newman
One of the main reasons I love rugby is the community that comes with it. From managers to coaches to players everyone that is a part of the rugby community is kind friendly and respectful, no matter what team or what level you’re playing at you will encounter people who exemplify these traits. I’ve been playing rugby since the 7th grade when our girls team barely had enough players to field a sevens team. It’s been really exciting to watch how not only rugby but women’s rugby has grown in these last few years. Women’s rugby in the comox valley went from not having enough players to field teams now to having hundreds of kids playing from all different age levels. Even having two teams win a provincial championship. It makes me excited to see what the future has in store for women’s rugby. Part of the reason why I’ve stuck with rugby so long and why I feel so passionately about getting others involved is that it’s such an empowering sport. We get girls showing up to practice that have never touched a rugby ball and after their first game you can just see how their face lights up. I find that really exciting to see. Me personally I always feel so strong and powerful after a good game. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe unless you’ve played a game of rugby before but that feeling of empowerment is what keeps me coming back to practice and games every year.
Pippi McRae-King
Hi, I’m Piper-Prairie McRae-King, but most people call me Pippy. I live on beautiful Hornby Island. I’m grateful for the close-knit community and the stunning natural surroundings. I play flank, flankers do a lot of tackling and rucking. They are often found supporting the play and they help link the forwards and backs. I love it because I get to do lots of tackling. I moved here from Manitoba when I was 11, so I’ve had the unique experience of growing up in the prairies and then transitioning to island life on the West Coast. Right now, I’m taking a gap year to earn some money, travel, and explore my interests before starting university in the fall to study nursing. I’ve also been thinking about attending a university on the East Coast—I think it would be exciting to experience yet another part of Canada. In my free time, I stay busy with travel, spending time with family and friends, cooking, working, and playing sports. My main sports are snowboarding and rugby. I didn’t start playing rugby until grade 11, and I’ll admit, it was intimidating at first. I didn’t know the rules or anyone on the team, but I stuck with it because I loved the supportive atmosphere. Now it’s one of my favourite sports, and it’s taught me so much about teamwork, resilience, and the power of community. I also enjoy skateboarding and bring my board along whenever I travel. One of my favourite experiences was teaching kids in Mexico how to skateboard on Christmas Day last year. I’m also a certified ski instructor and worked at Mount Washington, which was a fantastic opportunity to share my love for the outdoors. That’s a little about me—thanks for taking the time to read!
Kylie Cameron-Pattison
A few facts about me and rugby! My first season with Rapids I got a concussion the first game of the season and had to miss out on Kamloops. But it made it so much more fun the next year when I go to experience Kamloops! My second year I broke my ankle, toe, a few smaller bones in my foot and tore the majority of the ligaments in my ankle, but was back playing roughly 4 months later and made the Provincial school team! Later that year I tore my AC joint and a few ligaments in my neck, and sustained a second concussion a little later that season. Earlier in March I re-tore my AC joint shortly after dislocating my other shoulder at a Wrestling tournament. I also got a third concussion later at Provincials with my school team, but made it back in time to play on our North Island Rep team and win Provincials!
Now some fun facts! I’m a very big nerd and never turn down an opportunity to snuggle up with a book and my cat! I love love love horses and just animals in general. I live on a farm with my horses, cows, pigs, chickens and hopefully one day a donkey! I love school, but specifically English. As if it wasn’t obvious from my huge description lol! Gilmore Girls is one of my favourite shows, and I love coffee just as much as Lorelai! Some other sports I participate in are Dressage(horseback riding), wrestling, Olympic weight lifting, power lifting! This is going to be my fourth year playing, and I’ve been playing on any team I could since grade 8! I spent all of my elementary school years trying to find my sport, and rugby is it!
Lauren Quinn
My name is Lauren Quinn, I am in grade 12. I have been playing rugby since grade 8, starting with Rapids rugby, and Ive had a passion for it right from the beginning. It is such an inclusive sport, and the thrill of playing while I’m on the field keeps me motivated to play. I’ve had the opportunity to play with many teams including Thunder rugby, Tsunami, MacDowell, BC rugby and Vanier rugby. Trying out and playing on many different teams is such a great experience and I’ve met so many people and have made life long friendships through this sport. Summer 2023 I went on a rugby tour to New Zealand with Thunder Indigenous Rugby. This trip was such a cool opportunity as I got to learn about the different cultures in New Zealand and play different styles and levels of rugby. I gained a lot of knowledge on this trip as it helped me grow my talent in rugby and learn lots about the culture. While in NZ we watched the All Blacks 7s players train. This was very cool to watch and see how the higher level athletes train and how the different country’s teams instruct their practices. After their practices we got to meet with all of them, take photos and asked lots of questions. It was an extraordinary experience. Another very cool experience I got to witness was seeing the Haka. One of the teams we played against did the Haka after our game. This was such a fantastic encounter to witness and learn about the rugby culture in New Zealand. I am very excited to continue playing rugby at university and hopefully travel more with my rugby teams and experience more of the world.
Madison Hamilton
I’m a versatile rugby player who can play every position in the backs. My favorite position is fullback (#15) because it allows me to have a clear view of the field, make critical decisions, and execute game changing cross field tackles. I’ve been playing rugby for about five years, but the sport has been a part of my life since I was a child. Watching my mom’s rugby games inspired me, and I even started using her moves during soccer matches until I got kicked out for tackling! That’s when I knew rugby was where I truly belonged.Since then, my rugby journey has taken me to incredible places. I’ve traveled to Florida, Los Angeles, New Zealand, and soon, I’ll be heading to Scotland. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing for several high level teams, including representing British Columbia and winning the BC Age Grade Provincial Championships. These experiences have not only improved my skills but also connected me with an amazing community of players and coaches. Rugby has brought me around the world and introduced me to so many inspiring people. It’s more than just a sport to me it’s a lifestyle and a community that I’m proud to be part of.
Aurora Supernault
My name is Aurora Supernault and i’m a forward i play prop, 2nd and 8 man. My favourite part about being a forward is crashing it out over rucks ,I love driving and pushing myself to see how far i can get every time I tackle. This school season was my first year playing rugby and I loved it from the first week I started. Since then I've only ever wanted to get better and improve myself and joining Rapids Rugby has helped me improve on and off the field, pushing myself to be better and gaining more confidence in all areas. I love to be active and always doing something, rugby has helped me out by being something I can putt my all energy into making my schooling, sport and social time more enjoyable. During this past year in rugby I've had amazing opportunities, being invited to school provincials and BC grade finals and this really showed me how big the rugby community is. I’m so very grateful to be part of such an amazing supportive community and love seeing everyone come out to support each other. a community like no other. I hope to improve my skills and see what more happens in my rugby journey and hoping to go to Scotland. Rugby hasn’t taken me around the world yet but I hope more opportunities like this one will come. I’m grateful and proud to have been part of every game so far in my journey.
Aliya Liesch
Hello, my name is Aliya Liesch, I live in Campbell River but get the honour of playing for the Comox Valley Rapids. I was born in Fort st John BC, I moved down to the island when I was just under a year old. I always grew up playing sports, I tried everything from baseball to ballet, hip hop to soccer. Finally, I stuck with soccer you know the out fits weren’t too bad and I liked to run! As I got older I started to become more of a competitive person and aggressive while playing soccer. Often being told I was being to rough during practice and games. Then in grade 8 I had one of my classmates beg me to join the school rugby team, so I did. Let me tell you I absolutely hated practices, but I was raised that once you make a commitment to a team you must stick out the season. Then I had my first ever rugby game on the Cumberland school field and I had no idea what I was doing but man I loved it. I loved the aggression and the intensity of the game it instantly clicked with me. From there on my rugby journey started. I played two seasons with Campbell River my whole U16 years. Let me tell you it was a struggle to stay motivated to stick with it with such a developing team. But my amazing old coach Lauren Sargent made me want to stick it out. The beginning of 2024 was a lot of rugby for me, I did some travelling and played in a lot of tournaments. I absolutely fell in love with rugby and that’s all I ever want to do is play, and I knew I needed to go to a club that pushes me and that I can develop as a player with. Mimi was my coach for the Regional Tsunami Team and I sat down with her and asked if it's worth coming to Comox. She said absolutely and the rest is history.
Marley Burnett
I’m Marley Burnett, and I play hooker for the Rapids U18 rugby team. I first discovered rugby when I was 13, thanks to a suggestion from a friend to join the school team. I didn’t know much at first, but after some learning I quickly fell in love with the sport. As a hooker, I’m right in the thick of things—throwing in at lineouts, binding in scrums, and competing for the ball in rucks. It’s a position that requires both strength and strategy, and I love being at the center of the action. Rugby has given me more than just a sport to play—it’s given me a community. The team and coaches are incredibly supportive, and I’ve made some of my best friends through the game. Even after facing setbacks like tearing my ACL, I’m always eager to get back on the field. One of my favorite memories is Mud sliding with the team after a game—because what’s rugby without a little fun in the dirt.I can’t wait to keep playing, learning, and pushing myself to be better.
Anne-Lyss Erikson
Hello my name is Annelys and I live just off Vancouver island on an even smaller island called Denman. My life on denman is pretty simple until the ferry breaks down. I live on a farm with horses, goats, chickens and of corse my two most favourite dogs. I’ve been on denman my entire life and am used to the quaint island life. I play rugby throughout the entire year whether it’s school, club or summer tournaments. The sport came to me by my older siblings who spent their high school and university years playing rugby. It almost wasn’t even a choice when I joined the rugby team. I knew instantly this was the sport for me. Tackling and running down the field was what caught my eye, I guess that’s why I’m a winger! I now love the sport and hope to take it as far as I can. One of my biggest dreams would be to play rugby internationally and travel the world playing with my team. Mixing travel with the sport I love would be an absolute joy and I’m super excited to start this journey with my team to Scotland, bringing me closer to completing my goals.
Alexia Simoneau
My name is Alexia, I ended up in the valley about 4 years ago. Both my parents are in the military so moving around this country is something that we often do. We started in Quebec for 6 years, then moved to Ontario for 8 years, followed by the Comox Valley which is by far my favourite. I love to see the mountains and the ocean balanced beautifully. My favourite thing apart from the amazing rugby community in this town is to explore the landmarks and the hidden spots of this valley, it amazes me every time. I started playing rugby in grade 10 when I was struggling to fill my time with things to do. One of my friends invited me to go try this new sport with her and it stuck. I am an outgoing person, so I fell in love with the teamwork involved throughout everygame, the connections made throughout every season and how everyone supports their teammates even when a mistake happens. We win together and we lose together! This season I got the chance to play multiple positions and learn a lot more about the game. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and it makes me even more excited for the seasons to come and this Scotland trip coming up. Every position has a different impact and is a different experience to live and I am ecstatic to support my team with the new skills I learn. Rugby is a mix of every emotion possible, the anger that it brings you to make a beautiful tackle combined with compassion that forces you to make the tackle as clean as possible to keep both players safe. The tears when a loss happens followed by love for your teammates compared to excessive joy when we win a game. The communication and trust expressed by and to every single one of our teammates is unmatched, we feel like a big part of an even bigger family. Everyone is willing to work incredibly hard during practice and sometimes at home to achieve anything with our team and I find it beautiful. This year, we accomplished something big, which was winning first place in British Columbia leaving that game with a shiny gold medal and a gorgeous trophy. We worked hard, and it paid off.
Tia Cashin
I was introduced to rugby 2 years ago when my high school had its first team in over 10 years, since then I couldn’t imagine my life without it. The reason rugby is my favourite sport is because it is my main physical outlet. No matter how I feel or how my day has been I can always come to the pitch, play a game that’s exciting with girls who I adore. Rugby has offered me amazing opportunities to travel and play with amazing people, it has an incredible community base supporting us. A little bit about me outside of rugby: I graduated high school June of 2024. I’m a licensed emergency medical responder (EMR) and currently working for Mount Washington ski patrol. I plan on in the future to get my paramedic licence and continue with BC ambulance, as well as studying environmental sciences.