Vicki has a different perspective to many of our parents, as her story isn't about a return to rugby post-children, it's about joining for the very first time! Starting something new can be scary, but Vicky stuck at it, and has now player her first fixtures for the team, she told us how she found the experience.

How did you find the return to rugby post having your little one? OR How did you find starting rugby with children?

I started rugby after having children (they were 6 years old and 22 months at time I started). I needed a way to find time where I wasn’t a mum or wife or in my work role, so time for me!! Having some time for me and therefore time to physically unwind has meant I am more present when with my kids. My son has also followed in my footsteps and now loves his Sunday morning training sessions with his little sister desperate to join once she’s old enough!

How do you find managing training and also being a mum? 
Managing training and the other social expectations with family and work life has been a juggle but once I spoke to the coaches and some of the team about managing expectations and what was realistic for me it helped and I try and get down once a week, if I get there twice it’s a bonus but I know it’s not seen against me for not putting rugby first. I’m still just as welcome and as much a part of the team as everyone else.

If you could give one piece of advice to Mum's thinking about returning/joining to Rugby, what would that be? 
Just come join in and give it a go for a few sessions! See if it works for you. And be honest about what you can join in with, better to talk about what you can do then focus on what you can’t. A happy mum will be a better mum.