Q: Hi Meagan, I hear you’re going to come out from Ontario to play for the Thunder in July, that’s fantastic. Tell us how you heard about the Thunder program?
A: My mom came across the first nations rugby site online, and after looking at the program’s mission, contacted John Lyall to see if I’d be a good fit for the team.
Q: Tell us a bit about your rugby background, what are some of the highlights to date?
A: I’m 16 yrs old and currently in my 3rd season of rugby. I began playing in 9th grade for my high school (Brantford Collegiate Institute) and then joined the Brantford Harlequins rugby club. This past summer (2013), I was selected to play for the Ontario Jr. Storm provincial team at Nationals held at UBC, where we brought home silver. I have lead all 3 teams as captain. I am currently headed to play in the Ontario Provincial (OFSAA) tournament with my school team as we recently captured our city and regional titles.
Q: What got you interested in rugby in the beginning?
A: My older brother Darris started playing rugby in his first year of high school so I had 2 years of watching the game and learning about it. Rugby is big in Brantford, especially at my school due to the success of both our boys and girls programs.
Q: Tell us about your aboriginal roots.
A: I’m from the Mohawk nation within the Iroquois Confederacy (Haudenosaunee) and live on the Six Nations reserve in Ontario.
Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: Short term: To be selected for the Ontario Jr. Storm and compete at this year’s national tournament for a second year.
Long term: To continue in the provincial program, play in University and to promote rugby to other first nations children who may be interested in learning the sport. I feel that rugby has already provided me so many opportunities and if I can, I’d like to help others and grow the sport, especially for girls.
Thanks Meagan, good luck at the high school provincials in Ontario and we’ll see you in July.
[editors’s note, Meagan’s team Brantford won the Ontario High School championship, well done! A couple of photos from the tournament are posted below.]
