I have heard multiple people involved with sport at Aber say that being a part of their teams has made their university experiences. That’s definitely true for me I have gained friends for life and have become so much more confident because of it. I have also got the opportunity to be involved with activities and events I wouldn't have if I wasn't part of the team.
First of all can you give us a bit more information about yourself? What degree do you study? What year of study are you in? and a fun fact about yourself (make sure it’s appropriate)?
I’m from Hong Kong, randomly came to this snazzy welsh town for University and I'm in my 3rd year studying zoology. My fun fact is I have hiked up Mt Kinabalu (highest mountain in South East Asia)
What sports do you participate in and how did you initially get involved?
Rugby, I started playing rugby 7s at school when I was 10 because my dad was the coach and suggested my sister and I joined in so we did and got hooked. I then started playing 15s at a local club when I was 15 as well as for Hong Kong age grades u16-u19.
What do you get out of being involved with sports teams in Aberystwyth?
I have heard multiple people involved with sport at aber say that being a part of their teams has made their university experiences. That’s definitely true for me I have gained friends for life and have become so much more confident because of it. I have also got the opportunity to be involved with activities and events I wouldn't have if I wasn't part of the team.
Has being part of a sports team given you an opportunity to gain achievements or qualifications? If so, what achievements / qualifications?
Yes. We have the opportunity to complete subsidised coaching courses and our Rugby Hub officer has organised for 2 to be run in aber so I am now a qualified touch rugby coach and in the process of completing my level one course
What would you say to Aber students who wanted to join a sports club?
JUST DO IT (and join rugby ) - If you’re worried about never having played the sports before or not being good enough, it doesn't matter aber sport is so inclusive and I know from being part of rugby that we take a lot of time getting everybody up to scratch in time for the start of the season and I'm sure that’s the same with other clubs. Try a lot of different stuff because there is so many sports to choose from so it would be shame not to do any and miss out!
How much time do you dedicate each week to training?
AUWR trains 2/3 time a week depending if there is a game, I also gym 2-3 times a week
How have you managed to do this around your studies?
Yes, I have never had a problem with juggling University and rugby although I had to give up the other sports I was into after first year and just choose one to compete in.
What processes have you had to go through to get selected for the National squad?
Sioned Llywelyn who was also short listed for the trials drove us down to Cardiff at 6:30am for a try-out with 2 welsh national players as the selectors. There were girls there mainly from Cardiff Met, Cardiff University and Swansea University many of whom were in national or premiership squads including England u20s and Scarlets - among them was Jasmine Joyce who was part of the GB 7s team that went to Rio so we were a bit intimidated but just thought there was nothing to lose and just to play our best and think about the cheeky maccies lunch we'd be going for afterwards. To our surprise we both got through to the next 2 training sessions before the final cut which was just 2 days before the competition
What are your future aspirations for when you complete your degree?
In the short term I will be saving up to go travelling and potentially go in for a masters in conservation as I would like to pursue a career path related to my university course however, if this doesn’t happen I've got rugby to fall back on.