Rickard's Dutch mission

LOUISE Rickard, Suffolk's very own women's international rugby star, will be looking forward to taking to the pitch this weekend, as Wales look for the win over visitors the Netherlands, as part of their Autumn International campaign.

Louise, 35, and from Framingham, is the head of biology at Woodbridge School, and when she's not teaching, she gives up all of her time to train hard, and keep up her skills to remain in contention for international duties. She also plays for top rated London side Saracens.

She said: “Playing at this level involves training twice a day most days, usually weights plus speed endurance sessions, or rugby training.

“I have to play at a good level, so this involves travelling to Saracens once or twice a week for training, plus matches on Sundays, which could be any where round the country.

“Welsh training is every couple of weekends, and is all weekend, and during this time we practice moves, techniques, go through team run through, and discuss tactics.”

Louise was in the starting line up that faced Italy at Glamorgan Wanderers RFC two weeks ago, and despite the rain and mud, Louise scored a try in the match, and Wales won 31-7.

She Said: “We are delighted with the win over Italy, as last year at this time we scraped the win by a single point.”

“We were practising a style of play and it was difficult to play such an expansive game in a bog, so for us to move the ball it was pleasing.

When asked about her own try, she said: “To score a try for your country is an amazing experience, and for me to end the drought of the last few years is excellent. I'm hopeful more will come.”

Louise and the Wales Women's squad face the Netherlands this Sunday at Caerphilly RFC. Kick off is 12.30pm. After that they prepare for the Six Nations, and the European seven's. For more info, visit www.wru.co.uk