December Players of the Month
We're proud to announce our inaugural list of the Ruggette RFC players of the month for December. Read more about these amazing athletes and their contributions to the rugby community and beyond below!
Stephanie Toop
Chilliwack Crusaders RFC
For 9 years, Stephanie spent every Saturday supporting her son from the sidelines.
The first to volunteer for help, she braved the Canadian winter for years to show up for her son’s club. Two years ago, when the club founded its first senior women’s team, she became one of its first registered members, playing her first game of contact rugby at age 54.
A rock star on and off the pitch, she scored one of her team’s first-ever tries and is lovingly known as “momma Toop”.
The Chilliwack Crusaders women’s team wouldn’t be where it is today without her, and she deserves all the recognition she can get for her hard work and dedication.
Clare Powell
Upper Eden Eagles
Clare’s return to rugby this year comes after a year away caring for her young son in hospital.
Despite adversity, she remains positive and raises the mentality of everyone around her. She’s a menace in the rucks and “an absolute demon in a tackle”, but as a teammate, she’s there for you every step of the way.
The classic headache for the opposition on the field and fantastic person off of it, Clare embodies what it means to be a rugby player.
Hannah Wright
Valkyries / Wrexham
One our youngest winners, Hannah became the first girl in Wrexham history to play in every age group throughout Minis and Juniors.
Since her first season in Cubs, she’s continuously represented the club all the way up to U13s.
Hannah is the future of women’s rugby, and we’re thrilled to see what comes next for her after this historic milestone!
Lily Gander
Stanford Le Hope RFC
As captain, Lily leads from the front to make everyone feel like family.
From those completely new to rugby to veterans, she’s eager to get everyone involved, keeping players confident, happy, and in love with our sport.
On top of her exemplary team spirit, she’s a massive presence on the pitch individually, always improving her game, culminating in scoring a big try this month!
Sarah McClelland
Crewkerne
From ringing players to ensure match numbers to organising away buses and socials, this player does everything she can to make women’s rugby all it can be.
She even goes as far as helping out other teams - playing for Crewkerne as well as 3 other clubs this season to fill in where needed.
Sarah is also an orange button supporter, advocating for suicide awareness and standing for those of us going through hard times mentally.
Her teammates love her to bits, and we all agree she is a person who truly goes above and beyond in everything she does.
Jasmine, Timaphei and Bagdan Bradshaw
Paignton Rugby Club
These three siblings are teaching all of us what it means to show up for others.
This month, they’ve been joining other players at Paignton RFC to do a sponsored run/walk at 5 AM, rain or shine, to raise over £1000 for the club.
They’re run/walking 150 miles to represent the 150 year history of the club in a much-needed effort to replace the spectator barriers.
The real kicker? They’re only 16, 14, and 10 years old!
Judith Grant
Darlington Ladies RFC
Judith graciously donates her time to her club both on and off the field in more roles than anyone knows.
She’s not only a great mum, but she’s frequented the local food bank often this month, gathering and donating the club’s collection whenever she can. She’s also known to store kit and equipment at her house when there’s no room at the club!
Her dedication to going above and beyond has earned her team’s gratitude and a place on December’s player of the month list.
Jade O'Dell
Leighton Buzzard Rugby Football Club
A mum to two lovely boys, Jade chairs the Women’s and Girls section of the club while also teaching full-time.
As captain, she’s constantly working to further the women’s team and ensuring they have the best experience possible. And, she did all of this despite breaking her ankle pre-season.
Her teammates call her their “absolute rock” - we love a champion of women’s sport!
Nette Petley
Havant RFC
The total package, Nette is a standout player, club captain and part of the wider management team.
On top of it all, she’s also a mum to 3 young children while working full-time on her farm, a regular sponsor and supporter of the team. Her teammates tell us, “If you’re having a tough time, nothing is ever too much."
She has an awesome heart that cares for each person on the team!” Nette, thank you for your contribution to women’s rugby and Havant RFC!
Emily Stone
Wasps FC Ladies Amateur
Emily’s try-scoring prowess (over 25 this season!) has led Wasps FC Ladies Amateur to sit at the top of the table mid-season.
It also makes her one of the most prolific scorers so far this year, men or women, despite the men playing many more games.
Off the pitch, she leads recruitment efforts, fundraises, and organises socials for Wasps.
Without the numerous hours she’s dedicated to the club, her teammates ensure us they would not be in the successful position they’re in today.
Congrats to all players!