We caught up with the rugby squad to find out about representing Manitoba on a national stage, the advice they’d share with up-and-coming rugby players, and their overall Games experience so far. 

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Representing Manitoba on the national stage

“It means a lot to represent Team Manitoba because Manitoba Rugby isn’t the biggest sport, so to be able to bring 12 athletes and show that Manitoba deserves to be here at the higher level, it’s just amazing.”
Tylie Fraser (Winnipeg)

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“I come from a very small town, with under 100 people, it’s just amazing to represent my town, and my province, feels great. To compete with other amazing athletes from all the provinces and territories is a surreal feeling.”

Karas Munz (Oak River)

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“Not a lot of people can say they came to the Summer Games to play, so I’m very proud of myself and our team.”

Joseph Lopez (Dauphin)

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Advice for Future Games Athletes
“I’d tell them to believe in their selves because it’s a very mentally draining situation, and very hard, but it’s so rewarding and I’d say to believe in yourself because you got it!”
Kypling Black (Brandon)

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“My advice is no matter where you come from, know that you’re just as good as everyone here and you got to believe in yourself because it’s a lot of a mental game too, and just play as hard as you can.”
Kierstin Vandekerckhove (Meadow Portage)

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“Do it for yourself boys, cause it’s the last time a lot of us are going to be playing together. Take a second on the pitch to take it in and enjoy it, and just try, try hard all the time boys.”

Joseph Lopez (Dauphin)

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“Just go out and try your best, you only get to be here once, so make the most of it, just try as hard as you can.”
Nick Clark (Winnipeg)

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Memorable Moments from the 2025 Canada Summer Games

“Most memorable part of the Games has been meeting all the different athletes, and getting to talk to them for a bit, and trading pins, and getting to meet everyone’s been very cool.”
Kypling Black (Brandon)

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“Most memorable part has been trading pins and getting to talk to people from other sports and their journey to get here.”

Kierstin Vandekerckhove (Meadow Portage)

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“Most memorable part of the Games so far is definitely the rugby - it’s the highest level I’ve competed at and it’s super fun.”

Scott Gower (McCreary)

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