A LOCAL teenage girl has been selected to join the England Rugby Development Player Pathway, to develop her skills and further her career in the sport.
Maisie Rodger, 16, started playing rugby aged nine years old in a mixed team at Melksham RFC, where she is now a coach for the U12s girls’ team.
“I am over the moon with getting in to the England Pathway squad, it is such an amazing opportunity for me to gain lots of experience at a higher standard and hopefully further my rugby career,” she said.
Her mum, Tasher, added, “The trial was held for Dorset and Wiltshire and Maisie was one of 35 girls selected out of the 72 that tried out. The pathway identifies talent at the Under 16 level and provides girls with access to increased training and playing opportunities. The girls selected will get the chance to develop their skills and knowledge in the sport, giving them the opportunity to compete in higher level rugby in the future.”
Due to a decline in the number of girls playing rugby in the Melksham team, Maisie joined Chippenham RFC to gain more experience and increase her game time.
“Myself and Maisie’s dad Chris are both so very proud of what she has achieved,” said Tasha, “Rugby is all Maisie has ever wanted to do, so to have this opportunity is absolutely amazing! We have always said if you really believe in something, you can make it happen.
“Melksham RFC now have their very own under 12 girls’ team and Maisie is part of their coaching team, helping to keep the sport alive for young girls locally. The girls in the team are all very proud of her and look up to her as a role model in rugby.”
