I loved showcasing the cricketing achievements of Izzy Rolfe on my blog in September - it’s so important for girls’ sporting successes to be celebrated! The expression “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it” really rings true so please do share these pieces with your children!

This month I wanted to tell the story of a 10-year-old girl, Erin - daughter of Jo Wimble-Groves, parenting blogger, Guilty Mother - and her love of rugby, another traditionally male dominated sport. The recent men’s Rugby World Cup was thrilling for the UK’s home nations especially as Wales made the semi-finals and England the final (I wish I was writing here that England had won!) But let me remind you that the women’s England rugby team have had their successes too, making every final since 2002 and eventually winning in 2014 for the second time.

When did you first start to play rugby and what made you want to play?
When I was between 4 and 5 years old, I loved watching it on the tv and wanted to be part of it. I first found out about rugby by my parents watching on the tv and at Twickenham. My parents are very sporty.

How did you feel the first time you went along to training? Were you nervous, excited, curious?
The first time I went to training I was very scared and excited at the same time.

How did you feel at the end of your first training session?
At the end of my first training session I felt very happy and I wanted to do it again!

What made you want to play again?
I wanted to play again because I love running around and being part of a team, I made new friends too.

What are the best bits about playing rugby?
The best bits about playing rugby are running around and the feeling of scoring a try. I also love the team feeling.

What would you change about it?
I would change nothing about the sport, but I would like more girls to be part of our team.

How does it feel being one of the only girls playing?
To be one of the only girls playing feels special sometimes but mostly I just feel part of the team.

What would you say to a girl or boy who hasn’t played rugby before?
I would always say you should give rugby a try and see how you go, it may be your thing you never know.

What other sports would you like to try and why?
I would love to try football, because I want to see how I go not being able to use my arms! I’d also like to play lacrosse, it looks fun! I’m very lucky as I get chance to play most sports at school!
Thank you Erin for sharing your rugby story and I really hope that you continue playing either in a mixed team or an all girls’ rugby team – I’d love to see you playing for England one day! But more importantly, keep on enjoying it and try lost of sports! 

If you have a budding rugby player in your household, these rugby posts are a fantastic way for them to develop their skills whilst creating the feeling of a real pitch in your back garden!

I’d love to hear your children’s sporting stories – please do send them to me!