Women’s Sport Week 2017: Claire Cruickshank
Scottish Rugby is supporting Women’s Sport Week 2017 to inspire more women and girls to give rugby a go. A range of women are sharing their rugby journey on scottishrugby.org this week to encourage beginners or those who want to return to the sport to #BeTheBestYou.Name: Claire CruikshankAge: 39Club: Edinburgh University – CoachTell us about your rugby journey…I started playing at university after being involved in representative hockey and athletics. I played all my club rugby for Murrayfield Wanderers in Edinburgh and a couple of stints in Sydney with Eastern Suburbs and West Harbour. I gained five international caps with Scotland Women and went to the 2006 Women’s World Cup in Edmonton, however I snapped my ACL and it was during this rehab period that I started properly coaching for Murrayfield Wanderers U15 and U18.I also coached Scotland U16/U18 and U20 before taking some time out to focus on work. I joined Edinburgh University as a coach to help them out in 2011, just before the start of the season. It was only supposed to be short-term but their passion, enthusiasm, willingness to learn and desire to improve was infectious and I was hooked again and have been coaching ever since.I have been fortunate enough to travel the world coaching including Dubai and Hong Kong alongside domestic success with varsity at BT Murrayfield in front of 10,000 people and winning the BUCS title at Twickenham this year. Rugby has given me confidence to believe in myself and I love passing on my knowledge to players and seeing them improve and develop. What do you love about rugby?I love the way anyone can play, there’s a place for everyone and watching players from all backgrounds develop to an international player or just fall in love with the sport and continue after they leave university, that’s as much a success. What would you say to women and girls thinking about trying rugby?Get involved, whether that’s playing, coaching or volunteering you’ll make lifelong friends. Interested in giving rugby a go?With more women’s and girls’ teams being established in Scotland every year, it’s an ideal time to try rugby at a club near you at one of our #BeTheBestYou taster sessions this summer. They’re free, fun and for anyone who wants to try rugby for the first time or perhaps return to the sport after a break. Go to scottishrugby.org/bestyou to sign up now!
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