Rocky Clark on why more girls should give Rugby a Try

In this week’s blog, we have the pleasure of interviewing none other than the most capped England rugby player, the inspirational Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark. A true ambassador for girls and young women all over the world. Since making her debut in 2003, Clark has gone on to win seven Six Nations titles and was part of the winning Red Roses squad when they won the coveted Women's Rugby World Cup trophy in 2014.

Rocky was appointed MBE for Services to Rugby in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List and in November 2016, she achieved the distinction of being England’s most capped rugby player when overtaking Jason Leonard’s total with her 115th cap. In July 2018. Clark retired from international rugby, 15 years after earning her first cap.

Tell us about your early years in finding sport?

I have always been sporty, but I’d always been a big girl. I was quite a chunky kid, certainly from the ages of 12-20. I lacked confidence around those I didn’t know, and I was a bit nervous about putting myself out there. It was only when I started rugby that I realised I was a big asset to the team, because of my size. They wanted big girls that could run as I could- people were grateful to have me on their team- and that gave me a huge amount of confidence. Putting myself out of my comfort zone used to be hard, but when I found that confidence I never looked back.

I was at school and a friend was playing rugby. When the team was low on numbers, they asked me to step in and play. I had no idea what was going on! I didn’t know which way to run, where the ball should be passed- but somehow, I ended up playing in the game the next week. I remember asking the coach; “Isn’t there meant to be something about tackling?” to which he replied “Run, grab my legs, and lasso me to the floor”- and that was how I learned to play rugby. Rugby led me to make friends, I realised I was actually quite good at something, and there was something I could bring to the team. I found the feeling of being invincible, and I found my confidence. I still get this today. I often think back to that training session and see that if I’d never taken that opportunity, and never stepped out of my comfort zone, I would never have had all the amazing experiences I have had.

Rugby is famous for its values - how we can encourage more girls to give rugby a try so they can experience the game for themselves?

We need to give them taster opportunities. It needs to be an accessible sport, with clubs offering taster sessions and short six-week blocks of training. We need to promote starting with touch rugby because like me, many girls shy away from rugby for fear of getting hurt or breaking a nail- but actually once you get into it, the sport is so addictive. What I’ve noticed over the last few years is that girls can be fearless, and girls are changing the stereotype of what a rugby player is. Give kids the opportunity and get them involved. Open touch tournaments and show that rugby isn’t a scary sport.

You’ve played rugby all over the world- has there been an international experience that has been especially memorable for you?

Winning the World Cup was the best game I’ve been involved in, and the highlight of my career. However, another memory that sticks out is just before the men’s Lions game, we played New Zealand Women in New Zealand. We played the best tactical and technical game, kicking to the corners and playing the light areas of the pitch. Everybody did their job, and they did it really well- which made for some excellent rugby. We have only beaten this team a handful of times but that game, winning in front of their home crowd, was amazing.

There are lots of inspiring role models in sport, and in rugby, that aren’t often seen in the media. What do you think needs to be done to make them more visible?

We need to get people’s faces out there because the more they’re seen, the more interest and the more demand for them is out there. The problem is, it’s a vicious circle. There isn’t the funding to put some people in the spotlight and then when you don’t have them exposed, how can you grow an audience? In the last two years, the support for the game has increased, however, with the recent media support for Maggie Alphonsi, a face many associated with rugby, now things seem to be getting better. We need to do more of that and get as much media coverage as we can. Sponsors can also help get games out there and increase the interest in this vastly growing game.

The premier league is back to business, do you think that women’s sport can bounce back bigger in spite of Covid-19?

It’s going to be hard, and money and funding will be tight but it’s always been tight for women’s sports. We will have to ask for more help, but I think it can definitely bounce back. There is a hunger from players desperate to get playing again, and a hunger from people desperate to watch rugby again. We need to think outside the box and continue with the fan base but move it further still. We need to rise to the storm and inspire more.

Under a coaching eye, We are Girls in Sport are always looking for talent for the future. Have you seen anyone you think will make it far as a star?

The players that come to mind are Hannah Botterman and Sarah Burns. Hannah has come into the squad after training with us making waves last year and fighting for the number one shirt. She’s so hard to stop, great with the ball in hand and aged just 21; she is already amazing. Sarah has been making waves, at just 23. She makes line breaks of 20-30 metres and just like a wrecking ball- people don’t want to tackle her. One’s a cannonball and one’s a bowling ball.

Who was a role model for you growing up?

Georgia Stevens, England flanker, horrible to tackle, just kept going and going. I wanted to play like her, and she was a phenomenal inspiration. I was lucky enough to play alongside Georgia for a year- she was so lovely and taught me so much.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

When we were playing in the World Cup 2014, we did some psychology sessions. We were taught that when we are under pressure, we do things we’re good at, rather than trying stuff you aren’t used to. Put yourself in situations where you can best use your strengths. Play to your strengths- it keeps everyone level and on the same page. This isn’t limited to sport but useful in life- play to your strengths and use what you’re good at.