Wednesday, June 27, 2012 - Submitted by RC Communications
Stéphanie Bernier wants to make it to the top, and believes she has the skills and credentials to do so.
The 24-year-old Club de Rugby de Québec product intends to break into the highest level of Canadian Women’s rugby. She earned her opportunity to do so, as the scrum-half will be capped at the provincial level for the first time this weekend.
Stephanie is one of the Québec Caribou players to watch during the National Women’s League competition this in Quebec City. She boasts a strong rugby resume that includes a 2010 Fédération de Rugby du Québec Women’s Division I Club Championship. The following year, she earned a CIS bronze medal with Laval University, winning a semi-final player of the game award in the process.
As any decorated Canadian rugby player, however, Stéphanie started under the radar. Born in Quebec City, she first discovered the sport at the age of 14 when she joined the Collége-St-Charles-Garnier high school rugby team squad, the Express.
“After many years of competitive gymnastics, I was looking for a new challenge and wanted to join a more team oriented sport,” Bernier said. “I was lucky that many of my friends were trying out for the school team, and convinced me that I had to give rugby a try.”
From there, Stéphanie never looked back. She joined the Club de Rugby de Québec in 2006 and was awarded Rookie of the Year. The following season, she earned player of the game in the 2007 FRQ finals.
2007 wouldn’t be the last time Stéphanie experienced the thrill of the FRQ championship match. In 2010, her squad won the Division 1 Championships and she was awarded team MVP for the season. The following year, she was selected to the Quebec Provincial University All-Star team for 2011.
Despite her achievements, her sights are set on the highest domestic competition in Canada, which runs from June 28 to July 1. Although she is ready to stand out, Stéphanie maintains will step on to the pitch with respect in her heart.
“I am looking forward to be competing in the NWL Championship this year, playing both with and against the best women players across Canada. It is an honour to take part in this event,” Bernier said.
Not only will Stéphanie have the added motivation of playing in her home city, the NWL takes place on the campus of Laval University, the school she represented in the 2011 CIS competition.
“The added bonus of being able to play at such a level in front of friends, family and club teammates in Quebec City, makes it an even more special experience.”
Stéphanie and the Caribou will kick off against defending champions Alberta on Thursday at 2:30 pm.
For more information, visit the NWL website at: www.nwlrugby.com
