Q&A – Rugby Canada’s Emma Taylor

We caught up with Canada’s Senior Women’s 15s player, Emma Taylor as she prepares for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand:

Q. Tell us about your preparation for the Rugby World Cup. What are you most excited about?

A. Our team has been training together consistently for the last couple of months, which has really helped with World Cup preparation. Outside of team training, I have been doing my usual strength and conditioning sessions at the CSI Atlantic and staying busy with work; I have been trying to keep myself distracted so that I don’t get too nervous before I even get on the plane.

I think I’m mostly looking forward to playing against the best teams in the world, with the best 15’s rugby team our country has ever had. Our team is very special and I’m excited to show the world what we’re made of.

Q. What is your most memorable sporting moment?

A. At the Wanderers grounds in Halifax; getting to play for my country on home soil in front of my friends, family, colleagues and teammates was probably one of the most special moments of my life, not just my sporting career.

Q. Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A. Not really, I just try to stay as relaxed as possible. I train and play much better when I am calm and confident, so I try not to get overly hyped until it’s time to step on the field. But I do always make sure that I’ve had something good to eat usually carb-heavy, with lots of water and coffee.

Q. Describe what your day looks like when you’re not playing rugby?

A. I work as an Assistant Project Manager at Irving Shipbuilding, so you will find me in the office Monday to Friday from 8 to 4:30. I train every morning at 6 a.m. at the CSI Atlantic, and usually have another form of training (speed, conditioning, practice) in the evening or after work. I’m very close with my family, so I love spending time with them or going home to Scotsburn, Pictou County when I have a weekend free from rugby.

Q. How has sport shaped you as a person?

A. Being physically active in general has given me so much confidence. I have struggled with self-esteem, body image, anxiety, and depression, but rugby has always been there to put me out of the darkness. The people that you meet along the journey are some of the most amazing humans, and friends you will ever find.

Q. Many female athletes drop out of sport at an early age, what kept you in the game?

At times it was tough to stick with sports, especially at a higher level. I think the best thing you can do is find a group of people, whether it be teammates, friends, family, co-workers, or anyone, who believe in you and support you in meeting your goals in sport. I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far in rugby, or any sport if I didn’t have such a big group of supporters behind me reminding me of what I am capable of.

Q. Who inspires you the most and why?

A. This is a difficult one for me. There are so many people in my life who I have and continue to look up to. I have to say both of my parents would be why I have accomplished what I have, on and off the rugby field. They have both worked so hard their whole lives, all to give my two siblings and I the best life possible – and they did. They are a constant reminder for me that I should always be the hardest worker in the room or on the field, and I love them so much for teaching me that.

Q. What are your favourite things about your sport and why?

A. Hands down, the best part about rugby is the people! I was introduced to my girlfriend, Sophie and all of my best friends through playing rugby or the places that it has brought me. It is not just the close friendships that you make, it’s the sense of community that follows the sport wherever you go. The rugby community has done a lot for me and my teammates, through financial, emotional, and professional support. Rugby people are always willing to help you unconditionally, and I just don’t think you find it as often in any other sport. 

Q. What is a fun fact you’d like to share about yourself?

A. It is my dream to open a nonprofit dog sanctuary, consisting of a huge farm where rescue dogs who haven’t been able to be rehomed can go to live peacefully.