Rogues wrap up women’s try-rugby day

The Rocky Mountain Rogues had their try-rugby event this weekend to get more people interested in the sport.

The women’s event was on March 15 and gave players aged 16 and up, of any experience level, free sessions to try rugby out.

This year they got a little help from a Canadian rugby legend.

Olympic bronze medalist Ashley Patzer took part in the sessions.

She got her start with the University of Lethbridge, before competing for Canada in multiple world Cups.

Panzer won gold in the 2015 Pan Am games before finishing her pro career with a bronze in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

She says events like this are great for newcomers to test out the sport to see if it interests them.

“Sometimes you see people who have never done it before and they’re expecting full contact and they don’t know what to expect, but they get so excited and they start to get used to the skill.” said Panzer.

Rugby has been growing in the area over the past few years especially on the women’s side.

The Women’s Rogues had their first full season in 2023 and finished first in the league.

Panzer encourages more people to try the sport ad says it’s a great community to be in.

“One thing about rugby is it’s so inclusive and being with a group of women who are so welcoming with new people who haven’t played this sport before it just feels so cool to be a part of a group and learn new skills,” she added.