Women’s Rugby – Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Published on: 29 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 29 Sep, 2024

Spencer Hastings heading to score a try. Image Stuart McAlister

Phil Kemp chats with Spencer Hastings, an accomplished player at Guildford Rugby Club.

Spencer is an award-winning player and from the chat I had with her is undoubtedly highly motivated to enjoy playing the sport for a number of reasons.

“I started playing rugby when I was at Surrey University and joined because it looked like fun,” Spencer explained. “I had never played rugby before and found I absolutely loved it. I did that for two years and then decided to carry on playing when I finished university. That’s when I joined Guildford and I have really loved it ever since I started.”

Spencer has played for the Guildford Gazelles for about ten years now and was recently awarded Player of the Year and has been honoured so far with 50 caps.

“I absolutely love it and the people I play with are amazing. I’ve made so many friends through rugby, and both my partner and our little boy enjoy playing too. We are at the club most weekends with the friends we’ve made there.”

Driving forward – rugby is a very physical sport Image Stuart McAlister

“Rugby is a very physical sport and can seem quite aggressive sometimes. But the way you play with each other on the pitch is quite amazing. It is actually a fun sport to play. And during the season there’s something going on at the rugby club every weekend, be that games or events – and you can pop down on your own to see what’s going on and there will always be someone there that you know.”

Spencer started playing as a winger and over time has gradually moved to flanker and second row which she really enjoys.

“A couple of days ago I had the pleasure of playing for Surrey at Twickenham against Yorkshire in the County Championships Finals. We lost unfortunately, but it was still a fantastic experience. I’ve played there once before and it was amazing to do it again. You can’t get any better than playing at the ‘Home of Rugby’.

Rising above in a lineout Image Stuart McAlister

Spencer had the opportunity at school in playing other sports but rugby is really her choice now. She goes to training sessions twice a week and plays most weekends for two or three games a month during the rugby season.

She works at the Royal Surrey as a midwife which has full-on hard-working shifts and finds that having rugby to engage with really helps.

“It is extremely good to have something outside of work that you can really enjoy and focus on. It ensures you have a good work-life balance and mixing with your rugby friends really helps with your mental health.”

I asked Spencer if she finds other sports appealing to women which of course she did, and building community spirit is a key benefit.

“I think team sports really provide that opportunity. Football has come a long way in the last couple of years, especially for women. Another favourite is netball. Although not sports as such, but martial arts also bring a lot of positives that women enjoy.”

Team spirit Image Penny Burden

And if rugby doesn’t immediately stand out as a women’s sport, Spencer was keen to highlight the benefits it can bring.

“Some of the people I know are a bit worried that they might get hurt playing rugby, but I think if you go into it thinking I’m just going to go and have fun, then you will really get the best out of it – and enjoy it. And the friendships you make on and off the pitch makes it a lot more fun.

“You can go down to the club and just have a run-around and throw a ball around – and forget about the day’s stresses and really enjoy it. Don’t worry too much about the physical side. Meet up with the girls and coaches and make the most of it.

Also the key to engaging with the sport is how schools can positively introduce this experience to young children.

“I didn’t play rugby at school but a lot of the girls I played with as a child had the opportunity to play sport, including rugby, from an early age. Schools provide that as a real benefit, not just physical but for your mental health as well. It’s a real positive.”

And if you’re unsure about playing rugby, I leave the last word to Spencer.

“If you are in the Guildford area come down to the Guildford Rugby Club to find out all there is to know about rugby. Just give it a go, you’ve got nothing to lose. Enjoy it – and make the most of it!”

Check out Guildford Rugby Club via their website and social media. You won’t be disappointed.

Phil Kemp is a Godalming-based writer and photographer. www.creativethinking.xyz