Blanchard fosters passion for the Women’s game

Playing and coaching in multiple countries, Caitlain Blanchard adds coaching the Prebbleton women’s team for the second year running to her very long rugby resume. 

It’s difficult not to feel the excitement Blanchard has for the game as she explains her impressive relationship with rugby over the years. Speaking of her numerous roles, Blanchard says the part she enjoys most is “seeing the smiles and the energy, the working together and cohesiveness of young women and girls, coming together to work together to achieve a common goal is really neat.” 

Blanchard played her first game of rugby at 16 by starting at her High School team in Canada, and getting her Father along to coach. Playing for her Province and University, Blanchard began coaching High School girls at just 19 years old, as well as her brothers team before moving to England to play in the Premiership.  

Arriving in New Zealand, Blanchard played for Lincoln University, then moved into a coaching role after having her son. Being involved in developing a second side at Lincoln University, the Hogget’s team, Blanchard coaches the Lincoln High School girls side, adding to her coaching list where she has been for six years running.  

Another opportunity arose to coach Prebbleton Rugby Clubs newly formed women’s side last year, where Blanchard remains for the second year. 

With many of her coaching roles being women’s teams, Blanchard says, “If I can do my little part in providing spaces that are safe for the girls and the women to feel they can be themselves, express themselves and try something new, that is really cool.” 

Her recommendation to anyone considering coaching rugby is “Be brave, be courageous, if you’re feeling one little inkling of putting your hand up then just do it, there’s nothing to lose.” Speaking specifically about women’s rugby, she said, “More women and girls in this environment is what we need to help grow the game, have some more positive role models and just to keep that energy and continuity going, growing it a little bit more.” 

Written by Hannah Yates