We want you to get to know our players, why they play, what they love, what they’re not into, and why MAR is just the perfect fit for them. Click on a name below to go to their profile.
Kelly
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To play rugby in a more inclusive environment
- Because of health
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
Being able to continue at my age, as I realised that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to join a team unless it was a mixed-ability one.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Looking at me I have no physical signs of a disability. However, I suffered from breast cancer and this has created a lot of health issues and mental problems for me over the past 4 years and it’s nice to put that aside and focus on something that I love.
Clare
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To play rugby in a more inclusive environment
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
Mixed ability rugby gives me the reassurance that there will always be someone who understands my needs and will work with me to make the game accessible. It gave me the opportunity to start playing rugby for the first time at an age when most people would have retired from the sport decades ago.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
They might not realise that I have clocked up half a century- hopefully! That 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition Type 1 diabetes. Before my diagnosis, I had always been active, enjoying going to the gym, a range of exercise classes and running, but this all came to a stop when I needed to factor in managing my blood sugars. The constant planning needed to exercise, alongside being full-time and a busy mum meant I quickly gave up. MAR has given me the confidence and social connections to make it worthwhile planning ahead.
Becci
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To play rugby in a more inclusive environment
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
Opportunity to learn a new sport without judgement.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
That I have never played rugby before.
Alex
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
MAR gave me the opportunity to join a team and learn a sport I had no experience in, without feeling inferior to others. I was welcomed, treated as an equal and taught in a safe and open environment.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Having disabilities that affect my physical and mental health has impacted my life in many ways. But MAR is understanding of both my physical and mental limitations as an individual and supports me in the ways I need. With MAR I feel safe and understood in an environment where people like myself are welcome with open arms.
Tasha
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- Because of health
- Because of anxiety
- Because of isolation, of having no social circle and being “just a mum”
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
A safe space, a group of like minded people that are there to enjoy rugby. A slower pace of game and training where I feel like I can achieve goals and targets without hurting myself.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
I have a hidden disability; I was diagnosed with both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome around 10 years ago. On the outside, I look physically fit and well, but health-wise, I have been in and out of hospitals, on different medications and have struggled for years. I also really struggle with my mental health and have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD. To someone looking from the outside, they wouldn’t know any of the challenges that I have, and that at times I haven’t even been able to physically get up or dress myself. Because of my health problems, I withdrew from social circles, isolated myself and became just a mum. After having my third baby, I knew I wasn’t being the best mum I could be because I wasn’t putting myself first, allowing myself “self-care” time, or challenging myself and showing them that I am able to do things. MAR has given me those opportunities to push myself in a way that is manageable and achievable, not only a social circle but with a group of like-minded people, each facing their own challenges, who understand what it can be like and offer that support.
Maisie
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- Because of health
- Because of anxiety
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years and for me rugby is something way out of my comfort zone. I very rarely try new things, or make new friends due to it being so anxiety inducing. I find the gym overwhelming but wanted to get active and MAR has been perfect. The women that I have met through MAR are easily the best part. Anxiety kicks me down but playing rugby helps pick me back up. Coming from a rugby family I never imagined I would play, and now I can’t imagine life without me
Gee
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of injury
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
It gives me a chance to play the game without any pressure. No judgements, no expectations and no box to fit into. The support of both teammates and coaches is incredible and it’s like rugby and therapy all wrapped up in one!
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
I chose MAR because I wanted a fun and different way to improve my fitness and learn new skills. Rugby has always been part of my life, but usually just from the sidelines. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to play due to a long term injury, but the adaptability and supportiveness of MAR have made it completely accessible for me. My only goal was exercise and I never expected to make new friends, but now I couldn’t imagine life without my MAR family!
Cat
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
- Because of anxiety
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
It gives me a sense of inclusion and belonging and everyone is welcome. I have never been confident enough to even try to join a standard, non MAR team
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
For most of my school years and into early adulthood, I hid my dyslexia. I wanted to fit in with my peers and spent a lot of time trying to hide my daily struggles. I spent a lot of time masking just to fit in. When playing MAR, I feel like I don’t need to hide anymore, and I can just be me. Yes, there are moments when my anxiety kicks in, and there’s that doubt in my head telling me that I’m not good enough to be here again.
With MAR, there’s no judgment when I get my left or right mixed up, or if I’m in the wrong place, or if I haven’t got the instruction correct on the first go. Everyone is just on the pitch, supporting each other and just enjoying the spirit of MAR.
Mia
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of anxiety
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
A safe space to be myself with no judgment, I’ve also never played before so MAR provides a safe environment to learn with no exclusion!
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Mental health is never normally visible. My anxiety and depression has stopped me from doing a lot of things in the past, MAR gives me the space to feel safe and comfortable, surrounded by many others who have become a little family.
Em
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- Because of health
- Inspired by the men’s MAR team
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
A space where it’s okay to make mistakes and I may not be seen to have the fitness levels for other forms of rugby.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Rugby is and can be for everyone!
Chloe
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because of injury
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
I’ve been part of the Mixed Ability team as their Medical Lead and have been with the club for over five years, progressing from student to Head of Medical. While I’ve always been embedded within teams professionally, my ACL injury in 2021 ended my netball career and I really missed that personal sense of team ethos and shared purpose.
Mixed Ability Rugby brought that back. Its focus on inclusion, connection, and valuing everyone equally creates an environment where you genuinely feel part of something — not just supporting it, but belonging to it.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
What people might not see is how personal MAR is for me.
After my ACL injury in 2021, I lost more than just a sport — I struggled with my confidence and my weight, and I felt like I’d lost part of my identity.
Mixed Ability Rugby is right for me because it isn’t about fitting a mould or proving yourself physically. It’s about belonging, acceptance, and being part of something bigger than yourself.
For me, it’s been about rebuilding confidence and rediscovering my place in sport again.
Bex
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
I think I chose MAR as there was no expectation of what I could or should be able to do.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
What people might not see is how personal MAR is for me.
I’m new to mixed ability rugby this season and joined to try something different and challenge myself. What I found was more than just a sport — it’s a welcoming, supportive community where everyone belongs.
I was nervous at first, but the warm welcome made all the difference. Teammates celebrate effort as much as skill, creating a positive and inclusive environment where I’ve been encouraged every step of the way, learning new skills and building confidence together.
For me, mixed ability rugby is about inclusion, teamwork, and enjoyment. It’s not just about the game — it’s about friendship, support, and being part of something bigger than yourself.
Sian
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
When I played before, it was about performance, selection, fitness, and proving yourself. At different teams and levels there was pressure – to be faster, stronger and better than the next person.
Mixed Ability Rugby gives me so much. It gives me:
• A team where everyone is valued, not just the strongest players
• Space to compete hard but without fear of being judged
• A reminder that rugby is for everyone.
• Connection across ages, abilities, and backgrounds
• Joy – the pure, simple joy of playing the game again
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
What people might not see is how personal MAR is for me.
At 52, after years away, I’ve come back to rugby. I don’t need to prove anything. I get to play because I love it.
Mixed Ability Rugby doesn’t just give me a game — it gives me belonging.
No barriers. No ego. Just heart, grit, and a team where everyone matters.
Rugby as we know it should be- I’ve missed this. Connection and the support from your teammates and club stretch way beyond the pitch.
Sophie
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To play rugby in a more inclusive environment
- To build or rebuild confidence
- Because of anxiety
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
MAR gives me the opportunities that mainstream rugby wouldn’t. I love playing in an inclusive and friendly team where mistakes aren’t laughed at and learning and having fun are continually encouraged. The teammates within MAR celebrate small wins, support me through challenges and value the connection as much as the competition!
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Mixed ability rugby is right for me because it creates a space for me to show up as my authentic self, no matter of my experince, background, fitness level or ability – proving that you don’t have to ‘fit the mould’ of a typical rugby player to be able to join in and play!
MAR is an inclusive environment where I feel like I belong, and I don’t have to mask or hide parts of myself to fit in! I show up and know that my difference isn’t just tolerated, it is valued.
Chloe
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of health
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
No judgement. No pressure. Just laughter, encouragement, and women who lift each other up.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
I’m not the fittest, but that doesn’t stop me from playing a sport I love. MAR shows that anyone can play if they want to.
Longlevens Mixed Ability Rugby Homepage 