Rugby has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I quite literally grew up on the sidelines of my local club, the Easts Tigers, where my father coached and played, and my brother also ran out onto the field and played through to seniors. Some of my earliest memories are of being at the club, watching games, running around with other kids, and feeling like I belonged to something bigger than myself. Rugby wasn’t just a sport in our household it was a way of life, and it quickly became my own. At the age of 12, I began playing rugby 7s with a group of girls from different schools. From the beginning, we formed a close-knit group that felt more like a family than a team. We supported each other, pushed each other, and celebrated each other’s successes. As I progressed through my rugby journey, that sense of connection only deepened. I was fortunate to represent at higher levels, captaining teams that went on to win Queensland State Championships, and later leading the Queensland U18 side at the Victorian State Championships. These experiences taught me leadership, resilience, and the importance of putting the team first. While still at school, I transitioned into Senior Premier Women’s rugby. Stepping into that environment as a younger player could have been daunting, but instead I was welcomed and supported by the older players, who treated me like family. They took the time to guide me, challenge me, and help me grow both on and off the field. That experience reinforced what rugby family truly means to me, it’s about looking after one another, regardless of age or experience, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Giving back has also been an important part of my journey. I’ve had the opportunity to coach younger girls just starting out in rugby, and it has been incredibly rewarding to help them develop their skills and confidence. More importantly, it has allowed me to pass on the same love for the game that was instilled in me from such a young age. Seeing those girls form their own friendships and grow in confidence has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my rugby experience. To me, a rugby family is built on trust, respect, and shared commitment. It’s about showing up for each other, working through challenges together, and celebrating the journey as much as the results. It extends beyond the field, it’s the lifelong friendships, the mentors who guide you, and the responsibility to give back to the next generation. I have been fortunate to take my rugby further by attending Queens University of Charlotte, where I am studying a Business degree while continuing to develop as a player. As an international student, feeling a sense of community was so important to me. Not only did I find that, but I also found my chosen family amongst the girls at Queens and created timeless friendships. Playing college rugby provides an incredible opportunity to grow in a high-performance environment, learn from experienced coaches, and compete at a higher level. My ambition is to continue progressing through representative pathways and test myself against the best players I can. Rugby has shaped who I am. It has given me confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging. As I continue my journey, I hope to not only achieve my own goals within the game but also contribute to the rugby community that has given me so much.