On October 4, the Concordia Stingers women’s rugby team will take the field for one of the most meaningful games on its annual schedule: the Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup.
More than a game, the annual matchup is an opportunity for the Concordia rugby community to remember Kelly-Anne, celebrate her life and honour the legacy she left behind.
Kelly-Anne Drummond was a member of the Concordia Stingers women’s rugby team from 1999 to 2001. A front-row player, she was known by her teammates for her commitment to rugby, strong work ethic and fun-loving personality. She graduated from Concordia with a degree in Communications in 2002.
Kelly-Anne tragically lost her life to domestic violence on October 4, 2004, at the age of 24. Her death had a profound impact on her family, friends, teammates, coaches and the broader Concordia community.
Following her passing, the Concordia rugby community wanted to create a lasting way to honour Kelly-Anne’s life and the sport she loved. The first Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup was held in 2005, and the game has continued as an annual tradition ever since.
Over the years, the Cup has also provided an opportunity for the rugby community to raise awareness about domestic violence and support organizations working to help women affected by it.
Continuing Kelly-Anne’s legacy
Kelly-Anne’s legacy has extended beyond the rugby field through the Kelly-Anne Drummond Scholarship.
Created in 2019 by her mother, Doreen Haddad, in partnership with Concordia Women’s Rugby, the scholarship provides annual financial support to a full-time undergraduate women’s rugby player who demonstrates academic achievement and commitment to the team.
The scholarship has grown from its original $1,000 award to $2,500, providing even greater financial support to the student-athlete selected each year.
The scholarship reflects two things that were important to Kelly-Anne: education and sport. It gives young women the opportunity to pursue both while carrying forward the values Kelly-Anne represented.For those who have received the scholarship, its meaning goes beyond financial support. It serves as a reminder of the woman whose legacy they are helping to carry forward — and of the importance of dedication to academics, commitment to sport, supporting teammates and being a positive presence in the community.
More than rugby
For the Stingers and their opponents, the Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup is about much more than the final score.
It is about remembering Kelly-Anne as a person and celebrating the life she lived. It is about honouring her family, friends, teammates and everyone who has continued to carry her memory forward.
And it is about using the rugby community as a platform to stand against violence and support those affected by it.
The annual game has become a defining tradition within Concordia women’s rugby, bringing generations of players, coaches, alumni, family members and supporters together in Kelly-Anne’s memory.
On October 4, two teams will take the field and compete for the Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup. But when the final whistle blows, the significance of the day will extend far beyond the result. It will be another opportunity for the rugby community to come together, remember Kelly-Anne and ensure that her legacy continues to live on.
The Concordia Stingers welcome everyone to join us on October 4 for the Kelly-Anne Drummond Cup.
