WOMEN'S GAME IN FOCUS
Sarah Rendell takes a weekly look at some important women players
Sale Sharks wing Lisa Neumann says the winter break in the Premier 15s has allowed her and her team-mates to become more motivated heading into the rest of the season.
Sale, who have won only one match this campaign, had an extra week off from playing as their fixture against Saracens was postponed due to Covid cases at the London club. The rescheduled game means Neumann hadn’t taken to the field since December 11 before their match against Exeter on January 8.
“I’m a firm believer that it’s always good to go away and recharge,” she says. “I think coming away from a professional environment like that does have its benefits. People go away and they can take their mind off of rugby. Recharge and get their recovery in.
“Do training, something they might enjoy, I do crossfit. I think it has exceptional benefits because we have just had our first training session of the New Year and it was great. The set-up was fantastic and everyone really enjoyed it. I feel everyone is far more motivated now so I think it definitely helps.”
The 28-year-old, who works in data management, and Sale will be hoping for improved form as they currently sit in ninth. The Wales international is loving the environment at the club and believes they can turn results around.
She adds: “It’s been great. I’ve loved the setup and I’m really close with all the girls. It has a great feel to it. This season’s results haven’t been going our way at all so any player would be frustrated and disappointed by that.
“But we are going in the right direction and hopefully, with us focusing on the things we can do to get the results, we will turn it around. Hopefully we can show everyone we are a great team and we have potential.”
Neumann, who started taking rugby seriously around the age of 23 after her international call-up, has been a part of Wales Women’s fight for professional contracts. She has loved seeing how the game has developed in recent years.
“It’s been amazing how fast things have turned around. There’s a lot more media coverage which is fantastic. I think it’s just going to get better and better in terms of how big the game is going to get. It’s great to be a part of it. To be part of that process and movement it’s obviously fantastic.”