When I first started talking to Amy about writing this article over the summer; the Swansea born Siren was feeling optimistic about the team’s first competitive season and their upcoming pre-season game against Reading Ladies. Amy had also just become the first woman in the history of Redingensians to complete her Level 2 coaching qualification. Giving her plenty of reasons to be positive about the year ahead.

Now though, in the aftermath of that first pre-season game, Amy has found herself sidelined with a serious leg injury. One which has potentially ended her playing season before it even began. Facing a long period of recovery, what are Amy’s thoughts on rugby and the Sirens?

Coming from Wales, how did you end up in Reading?
I came here to study law at the University of Reading. I met my husband Dan in my first year and ended up staying.

What do you do for work?
I work in Little Heath School, my role is pastoral care in Key Stage 3 so it’s a varied role!

How did you get into rugby?
In Junior school we used to play “Dragon Rugby” which was like touch rugby. Then I played for my childhood club, Dunvant RFC before joining Reading University. After that I took a break for family reasons. I went on to play for Reading Ladies after I joined Redingensians and before the Sirens were created.

How did you become involved with Redingensians?
A friend introduced me to the tag team that is made up of coaches from the club. They encouraged me to bring my son to the club to play in the minis and now, my son and daughter both play for the club. I also help coach the U11s and girl sections.

Rugby clearly plays a big part in your life. How is it so important to you?
Rugby allows me to be me. When I get on the pitch, I’m just Amy, it’s something that’s mine… it’s also a great way to keep fit and expel tension!

What position do you play?
I play in the backs, I enjoy playing at 15 but have played games in all of the back line positions.

How does it feel to have left Reading Ladies and to join a new team in the Sirens?
I have loved being part of the setup of a brand new team. It’s something I have wanted to be a part of since I joined the club. More than everything I’m so proud of all the team, watching them grow in confidence and skills every week. Seeing the bond we have made, we aren’t just team mates; it’s something more special than that.

What has been your favourite moment as a Siren so far?
It has to be leading the team out as captain against Bracknell for our first game. It was an honour to have been asked. Having been at the very first training session I felt like a proud mother watching her children take their first steps… If those steps involved some very decent ball moving, match winning rugby!

What are your rugby ambitions?
I want to play for the Sirens for the next few season, while I still can, and see them become an established team in Berkshire. Alongside this I’m hoping to develop my coaching so at some point in the future this will become my primary focus.

You recently became the first female level 2 coach in the history of Redingensians. What does it feel like to be a ground breaker for the club?
I’m hugely proud of my Level 2. It was hard work and I had a lot of support from many people at the club and outside. I’m hoping it paves the way for more females to get involved with coaching at the club, or even with other sports they are affiliated with.

Having played for Reading Ladies, what did it feel like to play against them on the 3rd September?
I was really excited. Obviously, I knew the girls (Reading Ladies), having played with them for the past two season and Alun the coach was really supportive of me wanting to be part of the Siren setup. They are a great team and proved great competition for the Sirens.

Early on in that game against Reading Ladies you picked up a significant injury to your leg and you’ve had to have surgery. It means that your season could already be over, what are your thoughts on such a setback?
Obviously I’m gutted. Running onto the Reading pitch in our new kit as “The Sirens” was what I’d been building up to since our first training session back in April 2016. I was beyond excited! Then, just 20 minutes into the game I was on the ground knowing that I’d broken my leg and my season was likely over. Many many things ran through my head at the time and with the surgery I’ve had time to reflect on that moment. More than anything I am amazed at how the rest of the girls just got on with it; they carried on playing when others would have run a mile. I’m so proud of the girls for doing that, they showed that we are a great team. Even if this injury means my season is over after just 20 minutes, I’m proud I got to spend 20 minutes sharing the field with them as a Siren... I am part of something very, very special.

What would you say to other women who are thinking about playing rugby?
Come along and try it out, it could just be one evening of your life you spend with us or you could awaken your inner Siren and be with us for life.