Staffing Update - Rugby Manitoba
Announcement: Rugby Manitoba Organizational Update

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment Lise Thiessen as the incoming General Manager of Rugby Manitoba as of February 17, 2026. Lise brings a wealth of experience in program and project planning and development, sound financial acumen, and experience in the non-profit, community, and private sectors. Lise is also a proud mother of 3 rugby players who have played youth and school rugby, provincial team rugby at Westerns, Prairie Cup and the 2025 Canada Summer Games, and soon in the University rugby circuit.
The past year saw a successful club season, two teams representing Manitoba at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, players and teams travelling to play in Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC, Florida, and New Zealand, hosting of some inter-provincial and teams from the US, and the hosting of USport/UBC talent ID camps. As we continue to redefine the game and its delivery in Manitoba through the development of enhanced player welfare guidelines and insurance, a launch of a new Provincial Performance Program and Competition for U19 rugby, a continued focus on financial stewardship to provide a stable financial footing, we are excited to have Lise on board to continue to grow the game.
To ensure continuity as we head into the rugby season Neale Gillespie will work through the transition plan with Lise through to March 31, 2025, at which time he will resume his role with the Board of Directors as Vice-President.
The Board of Directors is excited to with Lise with a focus on driving the goals and KPIs from the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.
Go forward with support!




