Billie Sawyer of Braintree Vixens may justifiably be dubbed ‘Mrs Braintree Rugby Club’ as she has been heavily involved in the club since the age of 6. “I wanted to follow in my older brothers’ footsteps as it looked so fun” so Billie did exactly that until the age of 11 as that’s the age mixed rugby cannot be played.
So, Billie spent a few years away from the game she had become quite enamoured with, that love though was rekindled while at university. Fortunately, now, Braintree has a thriving girl’s section from the ages of 11 to 18, regularly having around 45 players training each week. It’s an inclusive club that Billie is extremely proud to be part of having returned two seasons ago, one full of memories and sporting success and one pandemic-ruined season as she tells CommunityAd.
How much have you missed the club during the lockdowns?
The club for me is like a second family, I have greatly missed all the people that are involved, especially the other ladies! During the times when we were unable to do any training, we were doing regular Zoom calls and fitness training also on Zoom. Mostly just to keep in touch with everyone on the team but also to keep our fitness levels up.
Just how wonderful does it feel to be back in training sessions and looking forward to a new full season?
It’s fantastic to be back at training now, we have met for as long as we can, from September through to December then there was a long break again due to the next lockdown and restrictions being tighter.
Out of all of the senior teams at Braintree, the Braintree Vixens are the only ones to have been promoted so we are all so excited to be back together. Some of the rules for the game have changed slightly for the time being, under the RFU rules but that’s not stopped us from having great numbers for training and some social touch rugby matches with other members of the club.
It seems like a fun club from the outside looking in, is that the case?
Oh definitely, as a team we have socials and a drink together at the bar pretty regularly when restrictions allow. As a women’s team we are always invited to join in with the senior socials, these have been grown up sports days, golf events and charity events. Everyone is always so welcoming to new players, both young and older.
Because of the type of game rugby is, there is no judgements, everyone is welcome, no matter what your experience or fitness levels are.
Women’s rugby is finally getting the coverage that it deserves and is proving very popular, what do you enjoy most about the sport?
Oh, it is, if you watch a women’s international game it is just as thrilling as the men’s games, the England Red Roses are fantastic and watching their games is so awesome.
I think my favourite thing about the game is just how working with a team brings you so much closer. Even though I haven’t been at the club that long the group of women that are part of our team are fantastic. Everyone needs a place where they feel comfortable.
My position on the team is in the scrum as a Prop, I love the fact that no one would discriminate against your size while you play, rugby welcomes players of all shapes and sizes, there is always a place for you.
Where do you play and how can readers get involved? Do you need volunteers, players or fans?
I play at Braintree Rugby Club, the women’s and men’s senior teams train Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:15 until around 8:30pm. And the women’s games are always on a Sunday, mostly in the afternoon.
We have a Facebook page, Braintree Vixens, and Instagram account @braintree.vixensrfc and an email [email protected] please do get in touch!
What would you say to any readers who are wrestling with the thought of giving rugby a go, why should they? What are the benefits?
Do it! Just give it a go!
Yes, rugby isn’t for everyone but you will never know until you have tried it! It’s so much fun and you know you have worked hard no matter what level you want to play to.
Rugby teaches so many people the understanding of teamwork and dedication and a bit of hard work, but most of all it is fun! I know of many young people that have got a job or a place at university due to their commitment and hard work on the rugby pitch both in training and in matches. I think it teaches valuable life skills.
Finally, outside of the rugby club what makes the community of Braintree such a pleasant one to be a part of?
Braintree has always been home for me, apart from my time at university, but I came back. I feel like as a community Braintree rallies around to help those in need and there is so much support from most people that live locally.