Meet an up-and-coming rugby star

Tylie Fraser is an 18-year-old rugby player who graduated from Collège Jeanne-Sauvé in June.

Tylie played hockey in high school, but she absolutely loves rugby and even helped revitalize and recruit a team at CJS, leading the Olympiens to a second-place finish in the Winnipeg High School Rugby development league.

“I love rugby because the moment I step onto the field, everything else fades away… the stress, the noise, the chaos of everyday life. It’s just me, my teammates, and the game,” she explained.

“There’s something special about the rugby community, it’s more than a sport, it’s a family,” she said. “No matter where you go, there’s always someone ready to back you up, cheer you on, or just share a laugh after the game.”

In 2024, Tylie was named Rugby Manitoba’s junior female athlete of the year. She plays flanker for Winnipeg Wasps in the Women’s Premier Division, was on the U18 Manitoba team at the Prairie Cup and represented Manitoba in the rugby sevens competition at the Canada Summer Games. She has even travelled to New Zealand to take part in a rugby sevens competition with the prestigious MacDowell Academy, out of Duncan, B.C.

“I primarily play flanker and 8-man,” she said, describing her position. “But recently I’ve been stepping into the backline at 12 and 13 (meaning she often runs with the ball, as opposed to being part of the pack of forwards).

“I really enjoy playing in the forwards because of how physical it is. It pushes me to give everything I’ve got every play. I love the intensity, the teamwork, and the sense that every tackle and ruck contributes to the team’s momentum.”

Tylie is locked into her plan for next few years, and she is going to make it happen.

“My plan for next year is to play rugby at the U Sports level. My ultimate goal with rugby is to play in a rugby World Cup for Canada.”

Tylie grew up in St. Vital with her mom Joanne, dad David, brothers Jayden and Keelan, and dog Dolly.

“If I could give a shoutout to my parents, I’d thank them for introducing me to rugby at such a young age and for always having my back, no matter what,” she said. “They’ve supported every decision I’ve made. Even the crazy ones, like moving halfway across the world for a few months. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.”

Tylie has this piece of advice for athletes:

“If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Don’t shy away from the hard stuff. Push yourself to become the person you want to be. It won’t always be easy, but every drop of sweat and every tough moment will be worth it in the end.”