Amanda Thomborough - Player
Amanda Thornborough first played rugby at Vincent Massey High School in Brandon, Manitoba in 2005 and joined the Brandon Barbarians RFC in 2008 before moving to the Westshore RFC in Victoria, British Columbia in 2013. Less than a decade after first playing high school rugby she played in her second World Cup in 2017 (Canada won silver at her first World Cup in 2014).
An accomplished centre, Amanda first played for Manitoba (U19s) three seasons, starting in 2008 and then the Manitoba U20s in 2011, helping the Manitoba U19 to finish third at their National Championships in 2010.
Amanda played her university rugby with St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, Nova Scotia) from 2009-2013, earning Rookie of the Year honours in 2009 and being recognized as a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All Canadian (2012 & 2013), National Champion (2010 & 2012) and National Tournament All-Star (2010 & 2012).
Between 2009 and 2019, she played with Rugby Canada’s U19 & U20 (eight caps), National Senior Women’s 7s (four caps at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2013) and the National Senior Women’s 15s (30 caps) – representing Canada at two Rugby World Cups (2014 & 2017) and a Nations Cup (2013).
Amanda was a member of the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Team which was inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame in 2020 for its “breakout performances in the lead up to and during the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France. This historic group of elite athletes turned in a magical performance in 2014 making it all the way to the Final to be narrowly defeated by England. Their 2nd place finish is highest Rugby World Cup finish of any Canadian side.”.1
Amanda was also one of two Canadians invited to the historic first-ever Women’s Barbarians (Baa Baas) Invitational Team in 2017 (versus Munster), as well as the 2019 Barbarians (versus the United States of America). The Barbarians were started in England 1890, those invited must not only be good players but act professionally both on and off the field.2
In Amanda’s own words 3: “My favorite thing about rugby is the power and combat aspects. Being able to physically challenge an opponent is a great feeling. There are not a lot of women's sports that allow you to do that. Honestly my teammates have been the biggest influence and role models. To play with some of the best players in Canada inspires me. Whether it’s at my club, University or National Program, there is always someone to learn from and someone to push me to be better.”.
Throughout her high school, club, university, national and international rugby playing career Amanda has truly exhibited her skill, poise, professionalism and love for the game.
1 https://rugby.ca/en/news/2021/03/rugby-canada-announces-2020-hall-of-fame-inductees, accessed August 6, 2024.
2 https://westshorerfc.com/index.php/amanda-thornborough-makes-barbarian-team/, accessed August 6, 2024.
3 https://www.goxgo.ca/sports/wrugby/2013-14/releases/20140523wuaesd, accessed August 6, 2024.
Amanda Thornborough first played rugby at Vincent Massey High School in Brandon, Manitoba in 2005 and joined the Brandon Barbarians RFC in 2008 before moving to the Westshore RFC in Victoria, British Columbia in 2013. Less than a decade after first playing high school rugby she played in her second World Cup in 2017 (Canada won silver at her first World Cup in 2014).
An accomplished centre, Amanda first played for Manitoba (U19s) three seasons, starting in 2008 and then the Manitoba U20s in 2011, helping the Manitoba U19 to finish third at their National Championships in 2010.
Amanda played her university rugby with St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, Nova Scotia) from 2009-2013, earning Rookie of the Year honours in 2009 and being recognized as a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All Canadian (2012 & 2013), National Champion (2010 & 2012) and National Tournament All-Star (2010 & 2012).
Between 2009 and 2019, she played with Rugby Canada’s U19 & U20 (eight caps), National Senior Women’s 7s (four caps at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2013) and the National Senior Women’s 15s (30 caps) – representing Canada at two Rugby World Cups (2014 & 2017) and a Nations Cup (2013).
Amanda was a member of the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup Team which was inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame in 2020 for its “breakout performances in the lead up to and during the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup in France. This historic group of elite athletes turned in a magical performance in 2014 making it all the way to the Final to be narrowly defeated by England. Their 2nd place finish is highest Rugby World Cup finish of any Canadian side.”.1
Amanda was also one of two Canadians invited to the historic first-ever Women’s Barbarians (Baa Baas) Invitational Team in 2017 (versus Munster), as well as the 2019 Barbarians (versus the United States of America). The Barbarians were started in England 1890, those invited must not only be good players but act professionally both on and off the field.2
In Amanda’s own words 3: “My favorite thing about rugby is the power and combat aspects. Being able to physically challenge an opponent is a great feeling. There are not a lot of women's sports that allow you to do that. Honestly my teammates have been the biggest influence and role models. To play with some of the best players in Canada inspires me. Whether it’s at my club, University or National Program, there is always someone to learn from and someone to push me to be better.”.
Throughout her high school, club, university, national and international rugby playing career Amanda has truly exhibited her skill, poise, professionalism and love for the game.
1 https://rugby.ca/en/news/2021/03/rugby-canada-announces-2020-hall-of-fame-inductees, accessed August 6, 2024.
2 https://westshorerfc.com/index.php/amanda-thornborough-makes-barbarian-team/, accessed August 6, 2024.
3 https://www.goxgo.ca/sports/wrugby/2013-14/releases/20140523wuaesd, accessed August 6, 2024.