My passion for rugby which I developed at The Grange has led me to an adventure and career all around the world.
When I left The Grange in 2011, I knew that I enjoyed playing rugby. I was a scrum-half and knew I wanted to continue playing but also explore other options such as coaching. I took an opportunity fairly young to travel to New Zealand, where I could learn how to coach, as well as practise some actual coaching. I then moved back to England and the experience I'd got allowed me to take on an opportunity closer to home with Sale Sharks, where I worked in a community role.
Then a big chance came my way, Sale informed me of a 'Try Rugby Brazil' project; each premiership club in England sent a representative to Brazil for an eighteen-month project and I was chosen for Sale. The aim of the project was to help try and grow the Brazilian rugby game from a top-down approach, with the national men's team improving from 40th to 24th best in the world over the last few years. Then this success could be used to help grow the club and grass-routes levels of the game.
Whist in Brazil, I continued to play and by pure chance, I was spotted by the Head Coach of the Brazil team and it ended up with me gaining a national contract! I loved the opportunities I gained playing against other rugby nations including Canada, Belgium and the Argentinian B Team. My playing days wound down when I needed double hip surgery and then my focus shifted back to coaching. I moved into video analyst roles for Brazil, including the national Under 20s team. After a while of doing this, I was offered the role I'm currently in, the Head Coach for the Women's National Team.
I'm really enjoying it so far as all eyes are fully focussed on the Tokyo Olympics. Before Covid, we were lucky enough to spend time at a training camp in Portugal, in a small village call Rio Maur. The team is really close and we have an excellent opportunity to have some success at the Olympics, whenever they take place.
My short-term goal is to really try and build something for the national team, building rapport with the staff and players as well as putting my stamp on things. Longer-term, I would like to come back to the UK (I've definitely ended up staying longer than the originally planned 18 months!) when the right opportunity comes up. But without question, my priority now is to build and leave my legacy in Brazil.
My advice to anyone is to follow your passions and do what you want to do. By doing these things, you'll be more willing to put in the hard work as opposed to following a set path.
Back To Top
