McGill University Women’s Rugby Program Reaches $55k of $75k Goal in Fundraiser to Reinstate Program
There was a lot of press in November around the McGill University decision to cut 25 sports programs. The McGill University women’s rugby program, which was one of the 25, started an awareness campaign and a fundraising campaign to get the program reinstated. They exceeded their initial goal of $35k and are currently aiming for $75k with $55k currently raised. It reminded me of a similar UBC action in 2014 which included a notice that the UBC women’s rugby program would be cut. The difference is that the UBC process seemed to go through a longer consultation process and at least a couple of reviews. The UBC women’s rugby program is still very much active and they’ve actually won the last two university championships.
We’ve posted below a link to the UBC story for historical context, a LinkedIn post from McGill Rugby Alumni Briana Yerbury, a link to the McGill Rugby fundraiser and our query to Ai on what the possible outcome would be once $75k is reached.
“The 13 varsity teams that weren’t confirmed and are therefore at risk of being cut after another review, to be completed by the end of February, are men’s volleyball, ice hockey and field hockey; women’s rugby and soccer; and for both sexes, baseball, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and golf. Teams were evaluated using criteria like competitive success, alumni support and attendance.”
Briana Yerbury on LinkedIn
I rarely post on LinkedIn, and even more rarely about something this personal. But the urgency of this moment calls for it.
Last month, McGill University Athletics made the unilateral decision to cut more than 20 sports programs. McGill Women’s Rugby, a program with a 48-year history, was one of them.
Anyone who knows me knows that rugby is not just something I play. It is a defining part of who I am. Some of my proudest achievements, strongest communities, and closest friendships were built through this sport. Attending McGill was always a dream of mine, and in the early 2000s, that dream included pulling on the Martlet jersey and competing on a championship-winning team.
In recent years, financial and operational constraints have already challenged the program. To see it cut with little warning, at a moment when women’s sport, women’s rugby, and Canadian women’s rugby are all growing and gaining long overdue recognition, is deeply troubling.
We are working to ensure there will be a 2026 season while we fight for a stable, solvent future for the program. If you believe this decision should not go unnoticed and that women’s sport deserves better, I invite you to support our fundraiser and help us show that Martlet Rugby is here to stay.
I’ve reached out to Briana via the fundraiser form for more info on their current status. In the meantime I posed the question to Ai to get an immediate opinion, see below.
My Question: If the McGill university women’s rugby team raise $75k in funds will they be reinstated?
- Financial vs. Programmatic: The cuts were a broad response to financial strain, suggesting that even if rugby raised funds, it might not solve the larger institutional deficit or necessarily bring back all cut programs.
- Fundraising Shows Commitment: A successful $75k drive demonstrates strong community support, player dedication, and a willingness to contribute, which is a powerful argument to present to the administration for reinstating the team.
In short: While $75k is a significant step, it’s probably not a magic bullet; the team would need to engage in ongoing dialogue with McGill, potentially offering to cover specific operational costs, while the university works on its broader financial recovery.