SS: I’ve loved watching the game since I was younger. I never got the chance to play growing up, despite my efforts to get a petition for girls to be allowed to play rugby in my school. Watching and supporting our rugby team became a very important part of my university life. After moving to the UK from South Africa, I thought it would be a great idea to join BSRFC Women to make new friends and stay fit. I went to my first training session and I’ve enjoyed it ever since!

LO: I started for lots of reasons – I love sport and struggled to find something that I could play locally that fit in with work. I saw that BSRFC Women were looking for new players and thought I’d give it a go – I’m a competitive person, but I’ve also had no experience of rugby before! I found that the training was a great balance of being welcoming to new players, but also one that wanted to win. I’ve met so many new people and we often have drinks after training in the clubhouse.

JB: What has been your favourite part so far about BSRFC?

SS: How welcoming everyone has been to me – not only being a newcomer to the sport but from a whole other country. The team has been so nice and supportive of me joining, and I recently went to the Christmas dinner which was a great way to get to know everyone outside of screaming and tackling each other.

LO: My favourite moment so far was playing my first game. I was so nervous to begin with, but once I got on the pitch, I absolutely loved it! It’s great to get out at the weekend and have a bit of fun, whilst also being competitive with a great bunch of girls.

JB: What message would you give to anyone interested in giving rugby a go?

SS: Don’t overthink it – pitch up on the first day and just see if it’s for you!

LO: If you’re slightly unsure or nervous, I would just say come to training and give it a go – you won’t regret it. It’s great fun and you can meet so many new people. I had no experience when I started, so don’t let that stop you... just grab some boots and come along to training!

Fancy giving the game a go?

Each of our teams welcomes girls and women of every shape, size, and fitness level. If you – or anyone you know – would like to give rugby a go, drop us a message on one of our social media channels or email ladiesmanager@bsrfc.co.uk.