Aussies offer women outlet with pro rugby

After competing for Canada at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia last November, MacKenzie Fane returned home and pondered her future.

The former Western Mustang rugby all-star was accepted at university to continue her studies. But rugby league play was pulling at her, given the news that Australia’s National Rugby League was introducing a women’s division.

The 25-year-old from East Gwillimbury, Ont., returned Down Under in February to compete for Canada at the Rugby League Commonwealth Championship, a nine-a-side tournament.

Suddenly her mind was made up.

“When I was back in that environment, it was like, ‘Oh, I have to. I can’t not try,’” Fane said.

“It’s such a huge opportunity. I’d hate to not do it and look back and wonder what if ?”

Fane is working construction in Australia while playing for the Easts Tigers in South East Queensland Division 1, looking to make the step up to the women’s NRL.

Fane drew praise at a talent evaluation camp for the new league, winning kudos for her fitness and other skills. But the fivefoot-nine, 180-pounder is still learning the game and has been targeting next season as her goal to make an NRL lineup.

“Women’s rugby (league) here is phenomenal. They’re all so talented,” said Fane, who’s getting ready for pre-season. “They just didn’t have the platform for huge amounts of people to see them and now they do. And so finally that talent and work ethic is being recognized.”

Fane said Australians have been supportive of her chasing a rugby league dream.

“Back home, sometimes people would be surprised that I played rugby because I’m a girl. And I’m a girl that likes to dress up, so heaven forbid you play a rough sport. But here it’s much more accepted.”