Cannock duo set to touch down at HQ
Two Cannock Ladies RFC stalwarts will be living the dream tomorrow when they run out at Twickenham.
Winger Kat Currums and scrum-half Mairi Grieve, both aged 30, have been chosen for a NatWest Grassroots Barbarians side to play at HQ on Sunday.
They are part of a team, coached by World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi, who will pit their wits against another team made up of players from grassroots rugby clubs across the UK and Grieve is proud to showcase the growth of the women’s game.
“To play at the greatest rugby stadium in the world is a great opportunity,” she said.
“To represent Cannock there is wonderful. I think Kat and I have committed to the club this year. It’s nice to be rewarded for dedication.
“It’s a testament to how far women’s rugby has come and it’s nice to be able to showcase that.
“When I first moved to England I was 12 years old and really struggled to find a women’s rugby club. I stopped playing for 10 years.
“It’s nice to see how much the sport is growing.”
All clubs that registered for NatWest RugbyForce were entered into a draw for their chance for club players to be selected to join the Grassroots Barbarians.
NatWest is the Official Banking Partner of England Rugby. This year NatWest RugbyForce is making it easier for grassroots clubs to access rugby through its NatWest Grassroots Barbarians initiative, offering grassroots players the chance to play at Twickenham. @NatWest_Rugby
On 9 June four teams of the most committed players from clubs around the country will go head-to-head, supported by their clubs, rugby legends and current players to celebrate the grassroots game.
Alphonsi, who led her squad through a coaching day in the north-west said: “I’m so chuffed for all the men and women who are going to have this crazy experience.”
“My first time playing at Twickenham was for England against Scotland. I knew what the stadium was like as a fan but to be thrown into it as a player, I was incredibly nervous.
“It’s like Wimbledon for tennis players, Lord’s for cricketers – what NatWest have created is brilliant because it’s all about grassroots. We can’t forget where we all started.
“Clubs are the foundation of the game in this country and that’s where internationals are created. For these guys to go from their local club to the best ground in the world will be incredible.”
