How did you get involved in MRC?
MRC has always been more of a "home-from-home" than a club for me! My Dad (Dink) joined MRC in 1987 so the club has been a part of my life since I was born. When I was little, my Dad would take me down to watch the game (albeit I spent more time playing with other kids my age than watching)! As I got older, I've enjoyed supporting my brother (Gareth) who played rugby through the M&J ages to senior rugby. Watching him gave me the courage to join the Ladies' team at the University of Leeds. I was 19 when I put on my first pair of boots. When I returned to Manchester, I played for the Ladies' team between 2011 and 2016. Now, I love going down to the club on Saturday afternoons with my dog to watch my husband (Karl) play for the Men's 1st XV. So as you can tell, MRC really is part of the family!

What is the best thing about being involved in age grade rugby?
There can be no dispute that grassroots rugby is the foundation of the game. In the words of Eddie Jones "Your first coach and your first club is such an important experience for a rugby player - it dictates how you approach the game. It dictates the spirit and the values you play with!. I couldn't agree more and I think that the camaraderie and nature of the game actually shapes the way players approach most of life's situations. I believe you can always tell whether someone's played rugby when you meet them!

Biggest achievement/proudest moment in rugby:
There are so many great moments and achievements to pick from but I think the proudest and greatest moment was watching my brother's first debut for the Senior Men's First XV alongside his two fellow colts, Tom Fantom and Luke Tyrrell. He was 17, just about to turn 18. The opposition was Old Northamptonians and it was a lovely sunny spring day. It wasn't just Gareth's debut that made this match so special, it was also the day MRC finally broke their long losing streak. I couldn't have been prouder of my brother or my club that day! The atmosphere was unlike anything I'd experienced before, so much joy!

Quick fire answers:
Professional club supported: Sale Sharks
Favourite Rugby Player Sam James
Home Nation: Wales, Ireland and England (in that order!)

Advice for new kids wanting to play: Rugby is about being part of a team and making friends for life. Winning is a wonderful bonus but there's nothing better than playing alongside your friends and celebrating each other's achievements, no matter how small.

Advice for those wanting to volunteer: MRC is a very friendly club - more like a family at times! Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you're worried about doing something new, you shouldn't be! The current volunteers are always on hand to help you. It is very rewarding to support such a great club.

For contact information:
Nicole Higginson
07973 861698
nicolefrances29@outlook.com