Cumbria Rugby Union

Meet Chelsea Loughran – Female Rugby Player

Chelsea got into playing rugby after following both her father and brother playing across the County. She started when she was 8 years old and began playing tag rugby at Millom RUFC along with a few of the girls she now plays for the U15 girls with. Her journey slowly developed into the contact game which she enjoys and sees as one of her big attributes. There haven’t always been teams at the club but she has retained her involvement and now the club have a very good setup for young girls.
Chelsea is a powerful runner and likes to carry the ball, she plays either prop or second row and has also represented Cumbria U15 Girls too, a feat which she is very pleased with.

Chelsea recently spent her work experience with members of the Cumbria RU Development Team which allowed us to interview her about her involvement in the game, please see the interview below;

Club – Millom RUFC

Position – Prop or 2nd Row

Involvement in Rugby – 7 years (Aged 8-15)

Teams Supported – Millom, Sale Sharks & England

Best Moment in Rugby – “I loved playing at the Cumbria Social 7’s with a few of my team mates as it was such a good day out. It was also great to play for the Cumbria U15’s Squad too and achieve their first win ever against Cheshire.”

Main Ambition in Rugby – “My main ambition in rugby is to continue improving and developing my support play. Although I am a forward my strengths lie in ball carrying and the contact area, so I am keen to improve my pace for both attack and defensive purposes. I also want to develop my handling skills so I can distribute effectively at the right time and accurately.”

Why do you play Rugby – “I play rugby for the many different benefits it offers, firstly I really enjoy the teamwork aspect as everyone has a place in rugby and it is great to see how this all works together. The ethos of Sportsmanship and Respect between teams, players, coaches and referees is also a real positive. I also find the sport a great cathartic release when away from school work and exams and any other pressures.”

How did you get into Rugby – “I got into rugby initially as I was always around the rugby club from a young age and have grown up with the sport. My dad has been involved in rugby all his life from playing to coaching and now he is regularly refereeing across the County. My brother has also played rugby since a young age and watching him inspired me to get involved too. Rugby has always made me happy from a young age especially being involved with such a good local club, it was logical to increase my involvement as a player rather than just spectating and I am so pleased I took this step.”

Who is your Sporting Icon – Richie McCaw – Why? “His whole approach and commitment to the game or whatever he does is incredible and I really admire him for that. He has also been one of the worlds best players for a number of years, that kind of accolade does not happen often, only when special players are involved in the game.”

Best Player you played with or against – “I have to admit playing with all the girls in my team is an awesome feeling, because they all have different skills but all bring something different to the team. We have a vast array of skills and talents across our membership and it really works well for us. If I had to name one I would say my fellow team mate Amber Byers, I think we make a good team as props and I really enjoy being part of a team with her.

Finally…… Who is going to win the Rugby World Cup 2019 – England, of course!

Thanks Chelsea and good luck with your playing!!