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BUCS Team of the Year is awarded to a club who has competed exceptionally in their competition and represented the University to a high standard.
Women’s Rugby, this year’s winners were so deserving of this award. Their positive attitude is infectious, and their passion for both their club and their sport was evident in everything they did throughout the past year.
They are deserving of this award not just as a result of their incredible season, but for so much more – the organisation of their Captain’s, the dedication of their Coaches and for the awesome community this club provides for its members.
Aberystwyth University Women’s Rugby is a sports club that prides itself on inclusivity. Every year, women who have never previously invested in a sport or a team come alongside more experienced players to train and find their place amongst a network of friends and teammates. Rugby is commonly perceived as an aggressive and messy sport. In reality, Rugby is a game of respect, discipline and composition which requires players of differing strengths to come together for a common goal. There really is a place for everyone on the rugby pitch, and many of AUWR’s members would say that through the taking up of rugby they have learnt more about themselves and their capabilities. One thing is for sure, these girls can.
Player profiles:
Karolina Ciesla
Karolina started rugby training with a men’s team in her hometown due to the lack of women’s teams across Poland. With some experience playing Rugby 7s, Karolina came to Aberystwyth to study and immediately found AUWR. She said “AUWR made me feel so welcome and appreciated. I have made friends I’ll keep for years.” Joining the rugby team has helped her with her English and leadership skills, and Karolina has proved to be an extremely talented and ferocious player. AUWR will truly miss her when she graduates this Summer but trusts she will continue to give the men a run for their money back in Poland.
Cassy Hudson
Cassy joined AUWR in 2016 having never played rugby before. Through hard work and commitment, she progressed very quickly and over three years served as social secretary and vice-captain. She was also awarded player’s player after displaying amazing dedication towards the club and showing real skill throughout every game. Despite graduating, Cassy went on to gain her coaching qualifications and continues to serve the club as a coach! Cassy has previously helped coach local junior rugby and currently plays for a local team in Ceredigion. The club and community are incredibly lucky to have her and look forward to seeing her continue to slay the game and shine in her rugby career.
Women’s Rugby worked extremely hard this season, developing themselves as a team, training several times a week and additionally arranging rugby-fitness sessions with the Sports Centre. They went on to finish their 2019/20 undefeated, winning their BUCS league which resulted in them being promoted to Western Tier 2 for the next season.
The commitment, dedication, and achievements of this team saw them worthy winners of this year’s BUCS Team of 2020. We are super excited to see them take to the pitch next year, as we watch them go from strength to strength.
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