Diving forwards, I landed with a thud over the line, clutching the rugby ball firmly to my chest. I heard the jubilant cries of my teammates and I realized I’d just scored a try, and later we won the game. My body ached and I had mud dripping from my face and hair, down my legs and back, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling of excitement, pride, and pure exhilaration because, finally, at the age of 42, I had fulfilled my childhood dream of playing rugby for my country.
As a child, I’d watched my two brothers enviously as they took to the rugby pitch at weekends. It looked like such a fun and energetic game and I’d begged my dad to let me play, too, but he was always wary of letting me take up such a boisterous sport. Over the years, I took up other hobbies, such as netball, but I always felt as though I was missing out on not playing rugby.
Denne historien er fra February 09, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
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Denne historien er fra February 09, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
EAT WELL (even on a budget) - Easy meals that make the most of your store cupboard, and won't break the bank
Courgette and pesto pasta
The CATCH
The house was perfect - so why was it so cheap?
Elizabeth and THE RAIN
She had made Lisa's life a misery- and now she was back
I won't stop taking my daughter out of school... - TO GO TO THE BEACH!
One mum tells us why fun, spontaneous days are sometimes more important than being in the classroom
Where's the JUSTICE?
Catherine Wardle's son died over a senseless Snapchat spat
Fat-shamed BY MY MUM
Gemma Hall, 28, showed off her snaps and got a dose of tough love
Fighting for SURVIVAL
When Danielle Camilleri collapsed at 40, the diagnosis was devastating
Finding love AFTER LOSS
As Kelsey Parker moves on after losing her husband Tom, we investigate how difficult it is to find love again in widowhood
Phil's revenge
Phillip Schofield is back on our screens after a 16-month hiatus and it seems it's all-out war between the former presenter and ITV.
'I'm too scared TO HAVE SURGERY'
Christine Lampard on gratitude, staying in shape and date nights with husband Frank.