My university experience would not have been anything in comparison to how incredible it was if it wasn’t for joining KUWRFC in my first year! Having never played full contact rugby before I was slightly intimidated, however, my housemate and best friend Lucy convinced me to give it a go and I haven’t looked back since! Four years on, I am now looking to progress my rugby career further in Wales! Not only was joining rugby a good way to exercise, but a support group of friendly, beautiful and inspiring young ladies with plenty of humour! If it wasn’t for the strong sense of community and family the girls provided me with, I probably would not have graduated! I am now a member of Caernarfon and Pwllheli Rugby clubs and am looking to progress to Welsh Regional level! I will be forever grateful to all the team mates, coaches and AU officers that helped form the person that I am today!
Ally Rooke-Dennis (2015-2018): Second Row/Number 8
Joining KUWRFC was hands down one of the best decisions of my life. The love and support shown by all the girls within the club, both old and new, made you feel instantly part of a family. We always drove each other on, during and outside of training to improve fitness, confidence, skill and knowledge of the game. After playing tighthead prop for three years at Keele University and being on the committee for two years, I decided to carry on my playing career after leaving University. I have played for Essington, Longton and now Handsworth Rugby Club. My current position is now Fly Half. I have also been picked to play for Staffordshire County two years running, which is a massive honour. KUWRFC made me the sportsperson that I am today, and it will always be the heart of rugby for me! #KeeleArmy
Jenny Berrill (2013-2016): Front Row/Flanker
I got involved with rugby for the first time about halfway through my first year. I realised straight away it was the sport for me, so I joined my local club, trained with and played for them during the holidays. After graduating, I stayed in Stoke and now play for Crewe and Nantwich Ladies. Even that wasn't enough for me, so I've since completed my Coaching and Refereeing qualifications, also becoming a member of Staffordshire Referees Society. I would never have fallen in love with the sport if it wasn't for my time as part of KUWRFC!
Lauren Vipond (2014-2017): Full Back/Fly Half
Joining the women’s Rugby team at Keele was honestly one of the best decisions I made while studying abroad. It allowed me to fully immerse myself in one of the most iconic parts of the British culture and most importantly become part of an amazing group of women I now can call my lifelong friends.
Mikayla Mueller (2017-2018): Second Row
I took up rugby at Keele after being on the committee for 2 years I have continued to play rugby after university. I now play for Harpenden Rugby Club, my local team. The ladies’ section is coming into their 3rd season and is really developing as a side. I have been able to use my prior experience both playing rugby and the organisational side to help the club. Wherever I have played rugby my teammates have been my family, I’ve made friends for life through playing rugby and being at Harpenden is no exception. There is a great team atmosphere and social side that comes with playing rugby and you put your bodies on the line for each other on the pitch. I include rugby in many aspects of my life, rugby keeps me fit and healthy, it also means going out on nights out with my teammates, I’ve also begun to coach rugby so that I can give back to the sport that has done so much for me. I hope to carry on playing rugby for as long as I can!
Zoe Dunn (2014-2017): Number 8