COMMITTEE 2025/2026
- President – Ellah Johnson
- Vice President – Ori Vajner
- Treasurer – Emily Jackson
- BUCS 1XV Captain – Abbie Ambrose
- Co Vice captains – Emily Rigby & Sharnti O'Connor
- Publicity Secretary – Amelia Dixon & Emily Rigby
- Social Secretaries – Debbie Kerrison & Sharnti O'Connor
- Welfare Officer – Issy Phair
- Sustainability Officer – Daisy Donnelly
- Community and Outreach Officer - Megan Fraser
- First Year Rep -
WHO ARE WE?
Women’s rugby is a group of individuals who have been brought together through our love of keeping fit, pushing ourselves and being social. Well known around campus for our inclusivity and positive energy, our team has created a safe and empowering environment for any women to strive to be the best that they can be both physically and mentally. A club that has designed itself to benefit all levels of talent, from beginners to premiership we tailor our training to benefit and improve everyone. Whether it is a love for playing the sport or watching it we involve every member through our socials, if you want to stay sober or not we make sure that our socials bring everyone together off the pitch in a safe and inclusive way.
TRAINING TIMES
Monday: 5:00pm - 7:00pm SportsPark
Tuesday: Team strength and conditioning - 8:00am - 9:00am
Friday: 7:00am - 8:30am SportsPark (Scholars Session) AND 6:30- 8:00pm SportsPark
Training takes place at SportsPark Athletics Track
We will meet in the SportsPark reception 10 minutes before training to walk to our allocated area :)
LEAGUES
Our BUCS team play matches regularly on a Wednesday and are in Midlands Tier 1. Their games are both at home and away.
Our UEA Valkaries team play regularly on a Sunday and have just been promoted to NC2. They are now a part of the Inner Warrior Series.
MEET THE COMMITTEE
President – Ellah Johnson
Hi I’m Ellah, and I’m your president for the 2025-26 season! I first started playing rugby at university and have now been playing for 3 years, I can whole heartedly say that I’ve loved every minute of it. being part of this team has allowed me to grow so much as a person and a player, I cant wait to share the amazing experiences that I’ve had and help give them to others. being a part of this incredible team has really made my university experience and I cant wait to continue playing for them over the next two years. I’m really looking forward to being your president for the next year and I cant wait to meet you all.
Degree: MA in cultural heritage and museum studies
Years Playing: 3
Rugby Idol: Jess Breach
Vice President – Ori Vajner
Hey! I’m Ori, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be your Vice President for the upcoming season.
Being part of this team is more than just playing a sport – it’s brought lifelong friends, unforgettable memories, and a real sense of community. When I’m not having a boogie in the LCR (or on the pitch), you’ll probably find me with my four-legged sidekick – we go everywhere together. Whether he’s cheering from the sidelines, making surprise appearances at the bar, or chasing birds across the field, he’s as much a part of the team as I am. We’re looking forward to an amazing season ahead – and getting to know all of you along the way! 🐕
Degree: 3rd year Biomedicine
Years Playing: 2
Rugby Crush: Beauden Barrett
Treasurer – Emily Jackson
Hi I’m Emily and I’m your treasurer for this year! I’m super excited to be working worn all the amazing girls on committee this year and make it a year to remember! If you’ve got any questions regarding funding or what it’s like to start rugby from scratch don’t hesitate to ask. Let’s have an amazing year!
Degree: 2nd Year physiotherapy
Years Playing: 2
Rugby Crush: Dan Sheehan
BUCS 1XV Captain – Abbie Ambrose
Hi, I’m Abbie and I’m your BUCS captain. I’m honoured to lead this group of amazing girls onto the pitch for what I hope to be another year of success and core memories!
Degree: 3rd year Psychology
Years Playing: 5
Rugby Idol: Courtney Lawes
Co Vice Captain & Social Secretary- Sharnti O'Connor
Heyy, I’m your Co-vice Captain and one of your Social Sec’s for this season! I’m excited to be working alongside Abbie and Emily to help push this amazing team even further on the pitch, and with Debbie to create some unforgettable socials! Feel free to come to me with any questions regarding rugby or socials and new ideas are always welcome!
Degree: 2nd Year Physical Education
Years Playing: 2
Rugby Crush: Henry Pollock
Co Vice Captain & Publicity Secretary – Emily Rigby
Ellurrr, I’m Emily, your Co Vice-Captain, and Co Publicity- Secretary for the 25/26 season here at UEAWRC. I started playing rugby when I was 10, and it’s truly shaped me into the person I am today. Although, I’ve only been apart of UEAWRC for a year, it’s made my university experience, and I’ve made friends I can call family. I can’t wait to watch the team progress this season in our new league, whilst documenting it all so it can be posted on our social media’s (especially TikTok)😜🩷
Degree: 2nd year Physical Education, Sport and Health
Years Playing: 10
Rugby Crush: …the whole Lions Squad…jokes… Guy Pepper 😜😜😜
Publicity Secretary – Amelia Dixon
Hi, I’m Amelia and I’m delighted to be your Publicity Secretary for the second year running! I will be the face of our social media, alongside Emily, and I’m really excited to continue doing what I love. This year, I’m also going to be your BUCS Pack Leader, and I can’t wait to lead the forwards on the pitch!
Degree: Primary PGCE
Years Playing: 6
Rugby Idol: Portia Woodman
Social Secretary – Debbie Kerrison
Hi, I'm Debbie and I've been playing rugby since I was 11, but only joined womens rugby last year – and I’ve never looked back! Off the pitch, I’m a proud Swiftie who’s always up for a karaoke session or a boogie (preferably both).
By day, you’ll find me saving lives, and by night, I’m usually behind the bar pulling pints. Whether it's planning the next big social or getting everyone hyped for match days, I can't wait to bring the vibes this season!
Degree: 4th year pharmacy
Years Playing: 2
Rugby Crush: Jack Crowley (Scott fox ;))
Welfare, Equality + Diversity Officer – Issy Phair
Hi! I’m Issy I’m your Welfare officer for the 25/26 season! I’m super excited for this season and to see us succeed as a team. Feel free to come and chat to me about any issues or questions rugby related or not, or if you just want a friendly face to chat to! We can’t wait to meet you all!
Degree: 2nd year Adult nursing
Years Playing: 2
Rugby Crush: Henry Pollock
Sustainability Officer – Daisy Donnelly
Hey, I’m Daisy your sustainably officer for 2025/26. I’ll be working with you all to help improve our team’s sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint! Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll always do my best to help :)
Degree: 1st Year Paramedic science
Years Playing: 2
Rugby Idol: Ellie Kildunne
Community & Outreach Officer - Megan Fraser
I joined rugby to try out a new sport that was a little different to what I’m used to and to make new friends, I choose rugby in particular because the girls all seemed very friendly. I’ve loved being part of the Cheer Dance fundraiser and cannot wait to be your new Communities & Outreach Officer!
Degree: 2nd year med
Years Playing: 1
Rugby Crush: Ellie Kildunne
First Year Rep -
WE CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!
The Real Cost of Sport
The 'Real Cost of Sport' initiative, a project reviewed and rebranded by the Students' Union in partnership with uea+sport, aims to provide prospective members with a comprehensive overview of the potential costs of joining their chosen sports club. This year, I have worked closely with the clubs to ensure these tables are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
This guide is intended to serve as a general reference. The compulsory cost includes the uea+sport membership fee of £55, which is a one-time payment that covers membership across all clubs.
When considering additional expenses, it is important to note that some clubs may not have any extra costs, while others might incur additional fees. These costs often depend on the level of competitiveness within the sport; recreational or social participation is generally less expensive. Additionally, some equipment, such as shoes or gum shields, may be used across multiple sports, potentially reducing overall expenses.
For any specific questions or further information about a particular club, please contact the club directly or contact us at union.opportunities@uea.ac.uk for more details about the project.
All the best,
Olivia Hunt
Your Activities & Opportunities Officer 24/25