Meat Snacks Group, Interview with Rachael Burford…. What are your pre-match rituals? How do you balance your academy and training? >> www.meatsnacksgroup.com
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We caught up with English Women’s Rugby Star, Rachael Burford.
It’s all go for Rachael Burford, England’s Women’s Rugby star, player in the RBS 6 Nations and one of our ambassadors. Rachael has had a fantastic year, being team captain for the English Women’s rugby team and running her own rugby academy. We were lucky enough to have a catch up with Rachael to find out what life is like for the rugby player, how the sport has kept her going over the years and what her plans for 2017 are.
How did you get into playing the game and has there been any barriers you have overcome to get where you are today with 62 caps?
“I was very lucky that I didn’t see any barriers when I was growing up and my two role models were my mum and sister as they both played at Medway. So, I followed in their footsteps, to me it was normal to play rugby! When I played the boys team, I started out on the wing, until they started to see that I was in fact better than the boys so moved me in the middle of the pitch where most of the action happens at that age! Obviously there has been many barriers to my career to name a few, injury, personal family loss, being dropped, but I have also found myself to be stronger than ever when I have to be. As the quote says ‘you don’t know how strong you have to be until it’s the only choice’. In my times of hardship, I have always come back a better and stronger person and player for it.”
What are your pre-match rituals?
“I don’t have any really. My routine is often different and I try not to over think things. I stay focused but being relaxed about my approach helps me to not get too tense. I normally listen to music on the bus, unpack my kit and get changed straight away then I can relax…. I always enjoy a few jelly sweets pre-game!”
What is the best part of representing your county and how does it feel walking onto the pitch wearing the rose on your chest?
“The best thing for me is I know how proud it makes my family, particularly my father. We lost my dad in 2007 but rugby kept me going. Knowing how proud he was of me representing my country is what is with me every time I take the field.”
For the full interview go to :- www.meatsnacksgroup.com/blog/we-caught-up-with-english-womens-rugby-star-rachael-burford
