Lyndsey’s story

How did you first get into rugby:

I was attending a school with a big rugby focus and a decision was made in my senior years to re-establish the women’s team after some years without one. It was all a bit of a novelty for most who bit the bullet and signed up.  We were, unknowingly, about to take on some of the sportiest schools in Sydney with girls who were much better “equipped” for the game; the largest girl in our team probably weighed all of 60kgs. In our first game – a home game – almost every classroom in a school of nearly 1000 students was empty. We had plenty of support and great, patient coaches (one of which is now with ARU and other was a former Wallaroo) but very little experience.

What attracted you to playing rugby:

The fact that there’s a position for every shape, size and skill-base, plus the novelty of playing something a bit more physical and daring than netball or tennis. 

 Memories from those first couple years:

Hampering amounts of fear, successfully (if somewhat clumsily) tackling a similarly small girl in one of my first games and later watching my little sister make a serious break through a pack of much larger women (and seeing our entire team, so elated by the fact that we might score a try, stop dead in their tracks to scream and applaud) only for her to be squashed by the opposition before the try line and get carried off.

How long did you play for, and are you still playing?:

Yes, this is my 7th season.

 Why you are still playing?:

The on and off field camaraderie and the fun of attempting to steal the ball whenever it goes to ground. Lineouts too, they’re ridiculous amounts of fun. Not to forget rugby bus trips, especially when you play in regional Australia and you’re travelling hours and hours to get to a remote town for a 9am kick-off and celebrating (or commiserating) on the way home.

 In what way has rugby has enhanced your life as a whole (friendship, confidence, fitness, etc)?:

Women’s rugby brings together the most eclectic bunch of girls: sporty girls, country girls, even really girly girls, and people from a myriad of backgrounds. Our team is made up of Scots, Kiwis, Poms, Canucks, Aussies and Yanks. And because the team is made of up so many specialist positions, you don’t need to be the fastest or the toughest to do well in your position.

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