Westshore is very proud of the accomplishments of Marlene and what she has contributed to the game of rugby both on and off the field. She recently was dealt the honour of being inducted into the University of Toronto’s Sports Hall of Fame for Rugby. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Marlene “Mars” Donaldson currently resides in Victoria, British Columbia. As a tight-head prop she made her debut with Canada’s XVs team in September 2000 against England, also playing in the 2010 Women’s rugby world cup, earning 18 caps. From 1996 to 2004, Marlene played with Ontario’s provincial team. Since 2005 she has been a member of the Velox Valkyrie’s, now Westshore senior women’s team winning many BC Premier Provincial titles, and has played with the BC provincial team since that time as well. She was the Head Coach for the Velox Valkyries from 2010-2012. She currently is the Westshore RFC youth and junior programs director and coordinator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in physical and health education and a post-degree diploma in sport business management.
