During the regular season, the son of Shaun and Tina Anderson was twice named Regina’s forward of the match. In the postseason, the Rogues earned the Regina Rugby Union championship and made it to the provincial semifinals.
“We have a fairly young team with many of the guys, including myself, being new to the team or the sport,” Anderson said. “I really enjoyed growing as a player with the others on the team and seeing our hard work begin to pay off. We played at a high level more consistently during our games this year.”
Anderson was third on the amateur team in tries with five and points with 25.
“Zane possesses agile feet at a size that many don’t,” Rogues captain Jon King said. “He is surprisingly quick and elusive which makes him incredibly difficult to tackle.”
But that is not all that Anderson brings to the team. His personality also benefits the rugby club.
“Zane is an excellent teammate,” King said. “He is one of the most committed and hardworking players on the team and is a positive influence in the locker room. Always has a smile on his face.”
A former star on the gridiron for Brandon’s Vincent Massey High School, Anderson went on to play for the Regina Thunder of the Canadian Junior Football League’s Prairie Football Conference. After he stopped playing junior football, Anderson stepped away from sports. Then, knowing his football experience, a friend of a friend asked him if he would be interested in trying rugby.
“I was hesitant, but I came out to a few of the team’s preseason training days, and I enjoyed it,” Anderson said. “The more I played and learned about the sport, the more I liked it. I like the pace and complexity of the game. I like how I can continue to run the ball like I did in football, but with less stoppage in between, and how I can play defence too. I love the comradery of the team and the respect that is shown between teams on and off the pitch.”
Anderson is an educational assistant at Ranch Ehrlo Society, a non-profit organization offering educational programs and other services to vulnerable individuals and families. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Regina.
Residing in the Rosemont area of Regina, Anderson and his wife Taylor recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary. She is one of the family members who support Anderson’s athletic endeavours.
“My family has been huge throughout my athletic career no matter the level or the sport,” he said. “The support that they have shown has been the biggest reason for any success that I have had. Seeing them in the crowd during my games always gives me an extra boost to play well, especially my wife.”
