Eccles RFC are proud of their reputation of producing Home Grown players.
The Club’s philosophy of developing its youth players and facilities, has led to representation at National, North and County levels. Whilst the Club is proud for those players with the highest abilities to move on to the Premiership and National Leagues, our ambition is for the high standard of Home-Grown U18s that stay with us, will lead to our Senior teams rising to the highest possible level for an amateur club.
The Ladies section, with 21 seasons of rugby behind them, has a long-standing tradition in Manchester, and indeed the North West region, for cultivating talent. Last season, no less than six players from our U18 Girls team were selected for Lancashire and the future looks bright for the Ladies with several former Juniors graduating to play their senior rugby at Eccles.
Two such Home-Grown players who have made that commitment are Molly Wild and Leah Christian, who both joined the Eccles Ladies from the Girls section last season. Looking forward to enjoying their rugby and continuing their development with Eccles RFC in the new season, Molly and Leah offer this insight to their experience.
Molly, what got you into rugby?
I was asked to play for a school tournament.
How long have you played?
7 years
What's your position?
I prefer outside centre
What do you like about being part of Eccles RFC?
The team are like a family, welcoming and always helpful!
What attracted you to Eccles RFC?
My friends played here at Eccles too.
If someone was unsure about playing rugby, what advice would you give them?
I was unsure, I never thought I would go into rugby, however it’s the best thing I did, and to be open to the opportunity, it can be fun😂
Leah, what got you into rugby?
I got into rugby when I was in my first year of high school. Trevor Parrott came in to school and encouraged me to come down to training one night and give rugby a try. There was only a couple of us in my class who were interested in giving it a go. It was quite nerve racking meeting new people.
How long have you played?
I have played rugby since I was 11, so for the past 8 years.
What's your position?
Playing as a junior at Eccles, I've been a forward, mainly either in the position of a flanker, second row or number 8. However, since joining the women’s section I have been asked to be number 12 and join the backs.
What do you like about being part of Eccles RFC?
I like being a part of Eccles because of how much it’s changed me as a person since I started there 8 years ago. I used to be shy and didn’t really want to speak to anyone but now I love the friendships I’ve made and how many I laughs I have either at training or on game days.
What attracted you to Eccles RFC?
I was mainly attracted to Eccles because I felt like I wanted to try something different and rugby was something different for me. Eccles was the only place that was near enough for me to start this new sport.
If someone was unsure about playing rugby, what advice would you give them?
If someone was unsure I would probably just say give it a go, because I was nervous at first and joining a new club has turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Eccles RFC are an ambitious, progressive, inclusive community club, run by dedicated volunteers. All new players, regardless of experience, ability or gender are welcome. Our excellent facilities include a gym (weights and cardiovascular machines) and a floodlit 3G artifical turf all-weather training area. Ladies training is Tuesday and Thursday nights, commencing 19:30. If you, or your daughter, are interested in playing rugby at Eccles RFC feel free to turn up at training, or contact our Director of Ladies rugby James Wright james.g.wright@hotmail.com to arrange a meeting.
