Ever wondered about what it's like to play rugby?
Bayside Sharks Rugby is inviting girls in the South Surrey and White Rock area to come and give the sport a try this Sunday, June 22, in South Surrey.
Rugby mom Erin Potts, whose three daughters play with Bayside, said her girls have embraced the sport.
"All three of my girls have just really thrived at the club. (Bayside has) been really welcoming — they welcome all skill levels," Potts said, explaining a wide range of skills sets are needed to play rugby. "They welcome everybody, and everybody plays."
Her daughters play with both Bayside as well as Earl Marriott Secondary, she noted, adding the junior team got to travel to New Zealand on tour in 2024, and a U18 Japan tour is set for 2026.
Several other notable current players with Team Canada hail from South Surrey, including Earl Marriott and Bayside alum Anya Prokopich (Canada U20 team), EMS grad Rachel Smith (senior women's Team Canada Rugby 7s and 15s) and Shoshanah Seumanutafa, a Pacific Academy grad and daughter of a "Bayside stalwart," who also plays for Rugby Team Canada (senior women's 7s and 15s).
"Two women (from this area) are playing for Canada and the women's — for both 15s and 7s — are second in the world, just behind New Zealand," said Potts. "It's a very exciting time for women's rugby."
Bayside has some excellent coaches and parent leaders, she added.
"A lot of good things have come out of rugby for my girls. It's just been a really great sport for them."
Those interested can RSVP to juniorgirls@baysiderfc.com; the event happens from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday (June 22) at South Surrey Athletiic Park, 14600 20 Ave.
Visit baysiderfc.com for more information.
