Leslie Cripps represented Canada at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and was captain in 2010

A former Team Canada captain who appeared at three Women’s Rugby World Cups and grew up in Williams Lake shared some of her wisdom with the future of the sport Tuesday in the lakecity.

Leslie Cripps, who was inducted Saturday into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Vancouver, began her playing career in Williams Lake as a member of the Hustlers women’s rugby football club, and is home visiting family following the hall of fame banquet.

Cripps, who now lives in London, England, joined six others at the induction ceremony on Jan. 12.

“It was really, really nice,” Cripps told the Tribune of the induction ceremony. “I got to see loads of people I hadn’t seen for a long time and was inducted with other fantastic rugby players, coaches and referees. It was just really special.”

She represented Canada at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups, and was captain in 2010.

READ MORE: Cripps headed for BC Rugby Hall of Fame

Back in Williams Lake, Cripps said she was introduced to the sport by her former high school coaches Mike Levitt and Lorne Sherlock, but didn’t dive into international competition until her first year of university in 1996 at 18 years old.

Her former coach in Williams Lake, Lorne Sherlock, made the trip to Vancouver for the induction, along with Williams Lake Rustlers Rugby Football Club president Rodger Stewart and her brother, Alex Cripps, who surprised Leslie at the ceremony.

Cripps has helped put Williams Lake on the map in the rugby world, and has opened doors for players like Kayla Moleschi (Olympic bronze medalist), Jake Ilnicki (Team Canada) and many, many others transition from the high school game to university, senior and international levels of play.

“Thanks so much to Lorne Sherlock for putting in the bid for the hall of fame and everyone who helped him, and the Rustlers rugby club,” Cripps said.

“It was because of Williams Lake I had these opportunities to play, and they supported a women’s club in 1996 when I started rugby. I just really appreciate everything and the support they’ve always given me.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Cripps visited Lake City Secondary School to join members of the Falcons girls rugby team in an indoor practice inside the school gymnasium.

Giving advice, she touted the benefits of playing women’s rugby at the university level.

“I’m a big advocate of the university system,” she said. “There are so many fantastic coaches in B.C. and in Ontario, and there are so many opportunities out there at the university level. Whether it’s the top level, or whatever else, you’re playing and getting a degree and an education, and I love that.”

READ MORE: Cripps inducted into BC Rugby Hall of Fame; will visit players Tuesday

She also urged students to always be coachable.

“Whatever they happen to be saying you always need to buy into it, have that drive and be a team player, and a coachable player.”

Falcons girls rugby team head coach Morley Wilson said there are currently 11 LCSS graduates who are playing girls rugby at the university level.

“It’s just great. All these girls playing at that level, they’re girls from Williams Lake. Just like they all are,” he said, referring to the rugby players who were thrilled to have a few moments with Cripps in the LCSS gym.

“And it’s awesome for the girls to see the role models and it means a lot more to them because the girls are from Williams Lake.”

The Falcons, meanwhile, are utilizing the winter months preparing for this year’s seven-a-side provincials April 25-27 at Capilano, before competing at the 15s provincials May 24-26 at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.



sports@wltribune.com

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