After a brilliant season for the DCIS Under 11 Rugby Team, we met one of the players, Frances, to learn more about what it is like to be the only girl on the team.
After a brilliant season for the DCIS Under 11 Rugby Team, we met one of the players, Frances, to learn more about what it is like to be the only girl on the team.
If you are into junior rugby, you have probably noticed the tall girl with the blonde hair. We met Frances, 6JO, for a talk about rugby and being the only girl on the DCIS Under 11 Rugby Team.
When did you start your rugby career?
Well, I've been playing rugby since I was really little, I think I was two or three when I started.
Have you always been playing with boys?
Yes, I started on a boys' team in Dubai, I've only ever played with boys. In Singapore I play for Centaurs. I've also recently been playing a few games with the Valkyries, a mixed girls' team, with girls from the biggest clubs in Singapore, playing against the all boys' teams.
Tell us about the trophy!
Yes, I was playing with the Valkyries in the Tanglin Cup, a big tournament hosted by Tanglin Rugby Club, along with a few other girls from DCIS and we won the tournament!
And your medal?
The medal is from when the DCIS U11 Rugby Team finished third in Divison 1 in the ACSIS. It was a tough season, but we played really well!
What makes you a good rugby player?
I love being active and I am quite fit and fast. I am also fearless. But it is not only about being strong physically, you have to be strong mentally. I also think that I am pretty good at reading the game.
What have you learned through the rugby?
I have learned that it is important to keep fit and healthy and I have learned that it is not just about running fast and tackling hard, but also about communication.
Can you tell us what it is like to be the only girl on the team?
I definitely feel that I am part of the team. Sometimes I feel a bit, not left out, but a little bit different, because it's a lot of boys' talk. I never feel different on the field though, then it's all about the game.
What would you like to tell girls that are considering playing rugby?
Go for it! It is a brilliant sport and I have had so much fun playing rugby. I love it! I only play contact rugby, but you can also join a touch rugby team. Touch rugby is also fun, but girls should definitely not be afraid of contact rugby, remember that girls can be just as tough as boys!
Congratulations to Frances and to the entire DCIS U11 Rugby Team for an amazing season! DCIS is already looking forward to the 2018/2019 academic year and the next rugby season, when we again are proud to have both contact and touch rugby school teams.
