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One of Canada’s greats has called it a day. After a decade as a key member of both the Women’s 7s and XVs sides, injuries have forced Mandy Marchak into retirement at the age of 31. While the news is unfortunate, the Winnipeg, Manitoba, native can reflect on a career that was exceptional by any standard.
A strong-running centre who was just as capable as a distributor, Marchak made her Senior Women’s test debut in 2005 at the age of 20, and would go on to play in three Women’s World Cups. Her final XVs international would come in the 2014 World Cup Final against England.
On top of her XVs exploits, Marchak was also a success on the 7s field, joining the team in 2007 and being named captain in 2011. She added two more World Cups in the abbreviated code, traveling to Dubai in 2009 and Moscow in 2013. Her last appearance in a Canadian jersey was in another Cup final, this time at the Sao Paulo 7s tournament in February of this year.
Marchak released a statement via Rugby Canada:
I have been doing this sport for 11 years now and have met some incredible people along the way.
I have been coached and mentored by so many outstanding people.
I have learned to play this sport so many different ways than you could imagine.
I have been given programs and resources out of the kindness of their hearts, because they believed in me and wanted me to have the best chance I could to succeed.
I have been funded and given money without hesitation to help me pursue my goals and follow my heart.
To the girls I wake up and play beside – some of my best friends and family – who push me and constantly make me think and laugh and live.
My friends, I have missed so many important dates and times and you still stood by me and loved me for who I am and believed in me so passionately.
My family, my rock, who will always love me unconditionally and no matter where I go or what I do they will always be proud of me.
To all of you who have contributed to this unforgettable and amazing career, I thank you in ways words cannot express.
Truly, I am forever grateful.
