Arleigh Mackenzie – Builder
Well known and well respected by all across every spectrum of the rugby community, Arleigh Mackenzie has been involved in the sport both on and off the field for over 27 years and has proven to be an indispensable component.
Arleigh started playing rugby at Kelvin High School in 1992 and in 1994 joined the Sturgeon Creek Rowdies RFC playing in the Colts League until 1996 and continuing on to this day with the Rowdies leading their women’s team to several provincial titles over the years. Representing Manitoba, Arleigh played for the Junior (U-19) Girls Provincial Team in 1994 and in 1995 (serving as co-captain), and starting in 1995 remained a mainstay player on the Manitoba Sr. Women’s Provincial Team until 2008, winning the tier 2 Women’s Championship in1995.
On the coaching side of the game, Arleigh has been successful having had a number of her young players over
the years identified for various Manitoba Provincial Team and Rugby Canada programs. Arleigh started out as a
co-coach in 1995 and has served as head coach of the Kelvin High School Girl’s team since 1996 winning a
number of City Championships as well as two Provincial Championship titles in that capacity. In addition to
completing her NCCP Level 3 Coaching studies, Arleigh was instrumental in starting the girl’s rugby program at
Shaftsbury High School serving as their coach in 1997 and 1998, she assisted with the start up of the girl’s rugby
program at Tech Voc school in 2016, was head coach of the Manitoba Under 23 Women’s Team in 2009, served
as Manager of the Under 18 Girls program, and was identified as a finalist for the Coaching Manitoba - Coach of
the Year award in 2006.
As if playing and coaching were not enough, Arleigh has been prolific in other areas of the game as well. As a
member of the Manitoba Association of Rugby Referees, she has served several terms in the positions of
Development Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, has been certified as a Senior Referee Match Official and also
designated a World Rugby Educator Level 1 for Match Officials.
As an administrator, Arleigh has served several terms on the Rowdies RFC executive in every capacity excluding
club President. In addition she served as the Rugby Manitoba Women’s Rugby Division secretary from 1997 to
1999, the Rugby Manitoba V.P. League Competition - Women’s & Rural Program from 2000 to 2003, and was
tasked the responsibility of developing the Rugby Manitoba schedule of league fixtures/games for over 20
years, concluding that assignment in 2018.
Player, coach, administrator, volunteer, Arleigh’s passion for the game, its growth and development at all levels
knows no bounds. Her contributions to the sport in Manitoba are without question significant and the rugby
community looks forward to her continued contributions in the future.