From playing rugby in Souris, to travelling around the world playing the game she loves, Emily Tuttosi has become an inspiration for athletes all around Manitoba.
Around the world
Playing rugby has given Tuttosi a chance to see the world, something she says she's very grateful for. "It is surreal," she says with a chuckle. "It gives me a great perspective. I've been privileged to play in many countries around the world, and I also get to coach a lot of different levels of rugby in England, where I'm living. I think one of the big things is that rugby, when you first join, you hear that you can go anywhere, and if you find a rugby club, you'll have friend immediately. That actually is so true. The rugby community in every country that I've been to is so welcoming, and inclusive. They just want everybody to play a game that they also love so much. I think that's the biggest thing, even in different countries, even with different languages, the rugby spirit stays largely the same, place to place."
Canadian rugby earning respect
The sport of rugby maybe doesn't get the amount of coverage that it should, and Tuttosi says the sport is gaining traction in Canada, and the world is taking notice. "We are actually ranked 2nd in the world right now, and we have been for a couple years now," Tuttosi says proudly. "Especially since the last World Cup, we've had a lot of positive results. Yes, we've had some hiccups along the way, but in terms of growing programs, it all starts with grassroots at high school programs. The University pathway is huge for women in Canada, playing provincially is huge for women in Canada, and a lot of us also play over seas, trying to better our skills that way. The world, well, some of the world is starting to see that we're a strong rugby nation, and we're hoping that this World Cup can prove that to some of the people that don't buy in as much."
Although some may doubt, Tuttosi says she and her teammates have no doubt that they have an entire country pulling for them, and there is nothing quite like representing your nation at a major world event, knowing everyone back home is proud of what you're doing. "It's so special. I have now played over 35 games for Canada, which is an incredible dream, that I never even knew I could have. Every time I get to stand out there with my teammates and sing our anthem, it never fails to feel just as special. In those moments, you're with your teammates, and you remember where you come from, and you just remember how great of a nation Canada is. Even if there are just a few red shirts dotted in the crowd, or they're packed, we really know coast-to-coast, Canada is behind us. It's never something we take for granted, either. We're so thankful, and we feel it near and far."
World Cup in full swing
Tuttosi and Team Canada are underway and heading toward a big weekend with some massive games on the line. "Right now, we're in Manchester, England, prepping for our second game of the pool stage of the World Cup. We played Fiji and won this past weekend, and this coming up weekend, we play Whales, and our third pool game is against Scotland. The Women's World Cup, it's the biggest one ever, they opened it up to 16 teams, not just 12, and there have already been record crowds in just the first few early games. Ticket sales are a record, it's going to be the biggest Women's World Cup every, it's just so exciting."
Being an inspiration
At heart, Tuttosi is a Manitoba girl, but with that, she takes a lot of pride in being someone that can be looked up to, and proof that dreams really do come true. "It's funny, when I hear that, I get goosebumps. I'm just so thankful thinking back to where I came from, and to represent Souris, Manitoba, now Canada. Manitoba isn't known at being the best at rugby, but that doesn't mean there are not good rugby players, that there's not people that love rugby, and we can go somewhere in rugby. If you work hard, take risks, and go for new opportunities, I think that's the big thing for me, that our province has representation, because there are great rugby players in Manitoba, and we just need more. The more we can grow programs, hopefully in two, three, four years down the line, there will be more athletes with Manitoba in their bio at major world events."
Supporters at the core of it all
Throughout all the travels, all the highs, all the lows, Tuttosi says her family has been there, keeping here grounded, and lifting her up. "It means so much, there's been so many people that have helped me get to where I am. I'm a stubborn and hard worker, and that's helped me get to where I am, but whether it's on or off pitch, people are wanting to help. People re-share our team success or my success in Souris or with the Dino's, I appreciate it so much. Every game I play like it's my last, and I'm so thankful, I never want to take a second of this journey for granted. It's not just my journey, I take a lot of people that have helped me along the way, I carry them with me."
Welcome to Souris, home of Emily Tuttosi
There's still more for Tuttosi to do in rugby, but one day down the road, there could be a big wooden sign as people drive into Souris with her name and photo, but she can't help but laugh at the thought of it being possible one day. "I have never thought about that. It's funny, billboards in Souris have some big painted signs about the World Cup on them, that's pretty cool. As for me, I don't know, if that bridge ever comes that I might have one, I'll figure out a photo, but I'm going to keep going for a few more years yet, and sign or not, I'll proudly represent Souris to the best of my ability."