Debut try at 50
Catherine Reed, 50, scored a try in her first-ever competitive game of rugby for Hartlepool RFC
Hartlepool Rugby Club, home to a successful women’s team in the early 2000s, saw it fold before it was re-established last year into a thriving part of the club.
Following a year-long recruitment drive, the club became home to a women’s team competing in NC3 North, as well as girls’ teams at under 16, 14 and 12 levels.
So far this season Hartlepool Ladies have proved very competitive, running out 19-0 winners in their first game of the season and coming close in their other fixtures. But their ethos remains one driven by enjoyment and development, rather than results.
Having contacted the club via email, Catherine attended an Inner Warrior Camp and has trained with the club ever since.
“I have always loved rugby and I watched it with my Dad when I was younger,” she said. “He taught me the game and passed on his love of it to me. As a child growing up though I wasn’t allowed to play rugby or football at any competitive level as I was told ‘you’re a girl and girls don't play rugby’.”
Despite her initial concerns about starting at 50, the club reassured Catherine that there was absolutely no pressure to play a game, she was more than welcome to just train. However, soon it was clear that she was very capable of taking to the field.
She played her first-ever game of competitive rugby against Stockton Rockets and, despite her team losing 47-5, crossed the whitewash for Hartlepool’s only try and earned the ‘Back of the Match’ award.
“I was unbelievably nervous,” said Catherine. “I was terrified of letting the girls and coaches down - but the players were amazing as were coaches Liam and Rory who stood alongside me on the wing and told me where to play. Also, the injured teammates who came to cheer us on were like having an extra person on the field.
“The thing about rugby is that it’s so inclusive and welcoming. It’s such a safe place and embracing environment. Don't let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. It is never too late to put your boots on and get on that field.”
Hartlepool Director of Rugby and Women’s coach, Liam Lester, said: “It just goes to show that our game really is for everyone and that age and perceived ability should not be a barrier. The vast majority of our team were parents from the club aged 30+ who had never picked up a rugby ball before last year. Most had never even been involved in playing sport in any way.
“Now they’re competing every other week, challenging themselves, feeling empowered, enjoying their rugby and being supported by their teammates, and it just goes to show that it’s never too late to give something new a try.”
