21/09/2026
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Eva aged 47, a HL Teaching Assistant and mum of two
Playing tag rugby has quickly become the best night of my week!
I turn up to training knowing I’m going to have a great time with the best group of ladies. It’s such a brilliant way to get fit, challenge myself, and have fun at the same time. There’s always plenty of laughter, encouragement, and good vibes, which makes every session something to look forward to.
The coaches are incredibly supportive, friendly and encouraging, creating such a welcoming environment for everyone, whatever their ability.
It’s more than just getting fit — it’s meeting great people, having a laugh and being part of a fantastic team. I genuinely look forward to tag rugby every week! A full-time working
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Hannah aged 43, a SKIT educational teacher and mum of one
My Time, My Team
I absolutely love playing tag rugby, and I’m so proud to be a Herring! It’s a brilliant way to keep fit, laugh, and run around in the mud! 😂🏉
I train teachers for a living, which is a pretty full-on job, and then there’s being a mum to my daughter, so life can feel like a constant juggling act! 🫣 Between work, family and everything else, playing rugby for the Herrings gives me something that’s just for me.
That one session a week is my chance to switch off and just have fun. I get to exercise, be part of a team, learn new skills and laugh until my sides hurt.
But the best part has been the people. I’ve made amazing friendships with brilliant women from all walks of life, and there’s something really special about being part of a team where everyone brings something different but supports each other in and out of training sessions 🩷💙🐟🏉
Rugby gives me fitness, friendship, a weekly reset, and a community of absolutely amazing people.
When I started, I had never picked up a rugby ball, now a year on I love every moment, so if you want to give it a go but feel a bit nervous, just remember we all started at the beginning and are a lovely bunch! At
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Natalie aged 38, a school secretary and mum of four
After having my four boys, life, work and everything that comes with being a mum, I joined The Herring Gils Tag Rugby. Initially, to get fit and do something for myself.
I must admit, I was very nervous to begin with. I knew some of the ladies from the community, but I'm naturally someone who would avoid social situations. I didn't have much confidence and the thought of putting myself out there and joining a new group was outside my comfort zone.
But I went… and I'm so glad I did!
What started as something to help me get fit has become so much more than that. It's my time to switch off from home life, work and everything else going on and just focus on me. I can have fun, laugh, play, and enjoy being part of something for myself.
The biggest surprise for me has been how much my confidence has grown. When I look back at how nervous and lacking confidence, I was when I first started, compared to now, the difference is huge. I never expected joining a tag rugby group would have that impact on me.
The coaches are fantastic, sharing their knowledge and expertise while making everyone feel supported, whatever their ability or experience, at the same time, they have fun with us too! It doesn't feel overly serious or intimidating, there's a great balance between learning, improving, having a laugh and enjoying the game
The Herring Girls themselves are such a brilliant bunch. There's always plenty of laughs, everyone is welcoming, and most importantly, everyone is included. There is no judgement and no pressure. You can learn, improve, have a laugh and enjoy yourself, whatever your starting point.
Playing rugby has helped me become fitter, given me something that's just for me, pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me build confidence along the way. Most importantly, it's given me a fantastic group of ladies to laugh, play and enjoy time with. If you're thinking about giving it a go but you're nervous, lacking confidence or thinking rugby isn't for you, honestly, just come along and try it.
I was that person too and look at me now! 🏈🐟
