Rugby ‘makes you a better person’
How did you get into playing rugby?
We had a tag rugby [minimal contact] lesson at Bishop Luffa School and our teacher, Miss Tugwell, asked if anyone was interested in playing full contact rugby.
I went along to try it and my teacher recommended that I join a club, so I joined Bognor Flamingos.
What do you love about playing rugby?
Everything! But I like that you can play different positions and that you can tackle people in a safe way.
I love being part of a team and it is a good for making you feel better mentally. If you’re stressed or angry, rugby is a great outlet.
I gather The Flamingos have just played at The Stoop, home ground of Premiere League team Harlequins Ladies?
Yes! We went up to The Stoop in Twickenham and played as part of the Harlequins under 13s Switch Festival.
Teams were split into two pools, with the prize for winning a pool being the chance to play the final on the main Stoop ground at half-time in the main match [Gloucesterhartpury v Harlequins Ladies].
The games were 15 minutes’ duration and we played in front of thousands of people.
We won and we were all really, really happy. It felt amazing and it is a day that I will never ever forget!
How do you feel when you play?
It takes me a little while to get into the game, but when I do I’m just in the moment; playing with my team and doing what I love to do. Rugby is my passion.
What do you say to anyone who suggests it isn’t really a sport for girls?
Clearly it is! And if anyone thinks it is not, then they should go to watch a match. Rugby is now a sports choice for girls and that is great.
Many people assume that we must have to play tag rugby, but we don’t; we play full contact. It’s not a softer version and we play exactly the same game as the boys do.
What about getting hurt – do you worry about injuring yourself?
Injuries happen in all sports. You just need to be sensible and, if you do get injured, then you have to look after yourself and take time to recover.
Do you get anything else out of playing, apart from the physical and mental lift it gives you?
I’m so proud of my team and I do really love the team element. There are sometimes issues between people, but it always works out.
Rugby teaches you how to listen to other people and how to understand and help each other. It makes you a better person.
Who in the sport inspires you?
My dad, who coaches me, Miss Tugwell, and Jess Breach who went to Bishop Luffa and who now plays for England.
Where can we find out about joining or supporting The Flamingos?
Email girls.rugbybognor@ outlook.com.