Alys got in touch recently to share the news that she will be playing T1 rugby, a new non-contact format launched recently by World Rugby.
Alys, who is also a WorkFit employee, features in a 6 part series for S4C O’r Stryd i’r Sgrym (From Street to Scrum) which follows the creation of the brand-new rugby team made up of members of the public from diverse backgrounds. She and her team mates train under former Welsh Rugby Union and League international Scott Quinnell, with assistance from other high profile ex-internationals.
Alys, the T1 rugby all star
The Down’s Syndrome Association interviewed Aly about life as a T1 rugby all star.
Tell us about yourself and your family
I am a 32-year old woman with a twin brother and parents who are retired. I’ve lived independently for 2 years.
Tell us about your WorkFit jobs
Workfit helped me to get a job when Costa opened in my town. I loved the job but got made redundant after 2 years when Covid came along. Workfit then helped me to get my current job with Greggs where I’ve been for 2 years. I enjoy working and have lovely colleagues and customers.
“It’s brilliant to be taught a new type of rugby
which meant I wouldn’t get squashed!”
How old were you when you started playing rugby?
I’ve played rugby since I was little with my brother and cousins, but joined Newtown Ladies in 2019 when the club was launched. So I was 28 years old.
What do you love most about the sport?
I love making my body work hard and being part of a team. I also love doing rugby-themed workouts.
What team do you support?
It’s got to be the Welsh National team – men’s and women’s!
Who has helped you the most to progress in your rugby career?
Darren, who is the ladies’ coach at Newtown. He suggested trying out for Stryd i’r Sgrwm, the S4C programme about T1 rugby.
Who inspires you?
As well as Darren, I love Scott Quinnell, Siwan Lilicrap and Ken Owens who were the coaches on the programme.
How do you feel about being in a TV series?
It was brilliant to be taught a new type of rugby which meant I wouldn’t get squashed! I was happy to make some great friends and enjoyed the response on social media.
S4C Head of Unscripted Iwan England said:
“S4C is proud to be amongst the first to showcase this
new and exciting rugby format within an engaging series
that shows the power sport has to transform people’s lives.”
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