Unsung Hero - On the Field

Lizzie Adams on the fly for B.C.

Today we introduce readers to Lizzie Adams. Lizzie with such a “newness” to our Women’s Premier program, many of us need to be introduced to the players – Lizzie Adams, in her first season with the club has been described by one of her team mates as: “the absolute perfect definition of a utility player, her dedication is 100%”.

CW: At what age and where did you start playing rugby?
LA: I started playing rugby in grade 9, at the age of 15. I played in high school at Shawnigan Lake, joining the rugby team because I didn’t make the tennis team. I’m kind of glad I didn’t!

CW: What teams have you played for?
LA: I played for Shawnigan for the four years I attended there. I played Tsunami U-18 Women’s for three years (2010, 2011, 2012), and Crimson Tide in 2010 for the BC Summer Games, which was Sevens. I was also selected for both U-17 BC Women in 2010, and U-18 BC Women in 2012. I received an invitation to a Canada camp at the end of 2012, but an injury that occurred at nationals kept me away.

CW: Being described as a “utility player”, what positions have you played?
LA: More like what haven’t I played! When I first started playing, because of my short and sturdy build, I was placed with the forwards, but after my first few games I was quickly moved to the backs. The following year in grade 10, I moved to fullback, which is where I also played for Tsunami and BC that year. When grade 11 came around, I started the season at fly half, and ended at outside centre, playing outside centre for Tsunami that year as well. In 2012, I played at outside centre for both Shawnigan and Tsunami. For BC’s in 2012, I played fullback, outside centre and stepped into fly half for half a game. Playing at CW for my first season, I have already played both open and blind side flanker, inside centre, scrumhalf and a bit on the wing. Who knows what the new year will bring!

CW: What is your favourite and why?
LA: Out of the positions I have played so far, I love being in the centres. This is because of the hard running, finding the gaps, and making breaks. Although, I have been enjoying playing with the forwards at flanker!

CW: What attracted you to rugby? Why do you play the game?
LA: Rugby has always been in my family. I moved from England when I was 9 years old, so I was surrounded by it from a young age. My dad, uncle, granddad and great granddad all played, and my brother still plays. However, back in England at the time, rugby was never seen as a female sport, so when the opportunity arose for me to try, I was all for it. It is so awesome to see girls starting at such a young age now, with the minis. I wish I’d had that opportunity at that age. Rugby is the ultimate team sport, and if any girls/women out there are even a little interested in playing, come out! You won’t be disappointed!

CW: Why did you ‘hang your cleats’ with The Tricolours, CW Rugby?
LA: After having two surgeries from two separate injuries, I decided to take a break. Well, that break was a couple years longer than I expected. Although my schooling was going well in those years off, I was really missing the sport I had become so passionate about. After talking to some of the girls who played CW last year I realized I had to get back into shape, and start playing again! CW was so welcoming and from the first practice, I was so happy to be back, playing with familiar faces, and new ones too! This club is such a family, even during the Christmas break there was mixed touch rugby, for anyone who wanted to come out.

CW: What are a couple of your most memorable rugby moments?
LA: In 2011, I was awarded the Bill Bice Award for Rugby at Shawnigan Lake School. After receiving the award, I found out I was the first female recipient which made it even more special. During the summer of 2016, I was chosen as part of the Centennial Women’s XV at Shawnigan, which was a huge honour. It was also a huge kick in the butt to lace up the cleats again! It is also very memorable when you score your first try for a new team. This happened in our last game of 2016 against Cowichan, when Gabby Senft popped an offload up and I went over the try line.

CW: What are your life/career goals?
LA: I am currently in 3rd year at Camosun College, studying accounting. My hope is to become a CPA in the next few years, and continue playing rugby until my next surgery. I promised my grandparents after the next surgery, I would take up golf!

CW: What are your rugby goals?
LA: My rugby goal for 2017 is to win the Premiership with CW for my first year on the team, and hopefully many years to come!

Lizzie, thanks for sharing some of yourself with our readers. I believe it only fair to use your coach’s words to summarise our interview. “You will never hear her complain or provide an excuse. She is a ‘work-horse’ for eighty minutes. Her work rate is remarkable, her attitude is positive and she is a pleasure to coach. We are lucky to have Lizzie as part of our club.” Sums it up! May you achieve your goals and have many long and memorable years of rugby in the CW jersey. Keep an eye for Lizzie on the pitch however, not sure what position you might find her!