Monday 23-11-2015 - 12:17

Wednesday (25th November) sees GCU Women's Rugby face their toughest battle yet when they travel south of the border to take on Leeds University in the first round of the BUCS Trophy.

The fixture sees the ladies take on English opposition, away from home, for the first time in an encounter which, with victory meaning a home tie against either Nottingham or Sheffield Hallam Universities.

We caught up with President Nicole Eadie and Captain Rachel Dorran to find out their thoughts about their trip to Leeds and what university sport means to them.

 

What makes university sport mean to you?

Nicole: Everything - release for stress, especially as rugby is a contact sport.

Rachel: It means coming together and meeting new people. Giving you a solid foundation whether you are new to the university or just decided to take up a sport, meeting new people is always good. Training together creates a  bond and something to look forward to each week.

 

Why should students get involved in university sport?

Rachel: Not only are you included within your team but there is a wider community of people within the university. All sports come together and you begin to network with people you wouldn't necessarily talk to before.

Nicole: Everyone should get involved with sport as it opens so many doors for you. It gives you the opportunity to forge life long friendships and keep fit within a fun environment. Not only do you socialise within your sport, but at GCU all the sports teams support each other at fundraisers and socialise on nights out. Its also good to have on CVs when you are applying for grad jobs as employers like their potential employees to show that they are a team player.

 

What makes Women's Rugby special?

Nicole: Those who play rugby pride themselves on the comradery that exists within any team.  The GCU girls like to think of our team as a rugby family.

Rachel: Our sport is not female dominated and some people wouldn't even try it until they come to university. A lot of people are shocked when they hear women's rugby but that almost works to our advantage because we can later prove how amazing the sport actually is.

 

What makes the matches against English Universities so important?

Rachel: it allows us to expand our experience. We have played most Scottish universities so therefore know their skills and qualities. Going to England is refreshing and exciting to make the trip and play against a team we don't necessarily know as much about.

Nicole: Sport in England is played at a higher level and gives Scottish teams vital experience to take back into the Scottish leagues and will help develop individual players as well as the team.

 

If you had to summarise your university sports career in three words, what would they be?

Rachel: fast paced, successful and challenging.

Nicole: fun, sore and social and of course, Wednesday Night Bamboo!

 

Keep up to date with how the ladies get on by checking the Students' Association and GCU Sport Facebook pages.

Photos by Robert Wilson.