GrassRoots - Women's Rugby from the Roots Up

Welcome to episode 16, Season 2!

The tale of woe continues with this season; we look at how we are trying to fix it and offer some advice, some more helpful than others to teams going through similar issues.

We have a special interview with the brilliant Shrewsbury Women and learn all about their journey in the game, especially now they are wearing lovely new Halbro Shirts sporting the grassroots logo!

If you want your team or you to come on for a chat, please get in touch; we...

Welcome to episode 15, Season 2!

In this much delayed episode we apologise profusely for our incompetence and use a load of lame excuses, then discuss actual rugby excuses, some better than others.

We wring our hands with misery at the terrible season we’re having, and think of ways to fix it, discuss mental health and generally look at where things are at in the game.

Halbro join us for a chat, and overall we try to get back on track!

Please don’t forget to give us...

Welcome to episode 14 of Season 2 of GrassRoots!

In this tired and emotional episode we piece together the wreckage of the GrassRoots festival in Avonmouth, digest the weekend and celebrate all that was fantastic about another top weekend of rugby fun.

We welcome back Cherie from her hiatus, hear all about her camping disaster and why you should check the bottle before tucking into the airport duty free on holiday.

Our interview for this episode is with Oli, Director of Playing at Ipswich RUFC who gives us the lowdown on their...

Welcome to a special Episode of GrassRoots!

This is a LIVE panel discussion recorded at Avonmouth Claire’s RUFC in Bristol at the GrassRoots Festival.

We discuss all things GrassRoots with rugby legend Rocky Clark, MBE, Ireland and Gloucester prop, Kathryn Buggy, ThePropLife, Jemma Norton and referee Fiona Brunt.

In this fascinating and wide-ranging discussion hosted by Mollie, we cover everything from body image, room mates and shower etiquette to the importance of being role models within the game.

Thanks a million to Halbro for supporting the festival; Kathryn is an Am...

Welcome to season 2, episode 14!

In this off-season episode, we attempt, with varying degrees of success to do an in-person recording. This was harder than we initially thought, so please bear with us as we figure out the sound quality when we’re all together!

We welcome Fudge from the fantastic Shrewsbury RUFC Ladies, Jody updates us on her latest injury, we discuss changing captains and pre-season.

We also announce our new project – making and producing a GrassRoots Women’s Rugby Documentary. If you would like to take part, please get in touch!

Goos...

Welcome to Epside 12!

In this episode we talk about 7s tournaments, pre-season training and getting ready for the new season.

Jodie gets another injury, Matt goes for a Burton and we use Chat GPT to write a team talk.

Cherie is still missing in action but do not fear, we'll get her back soon.

Thanks for entering the competition - we will be announcing the winner in the next episode!

To get in touch: <...

Welcome to Episode 11 of GrassRoots – Women’s Rugby from the Roots Up.

In this extra special episode we welcome the finalists from the Papa John’s Plate competition. Both Avonmouth Claire’s Ladies and Workington Zebra Finches had the honour of playing at Twickenham; we explore the day, what it meant for their respective teams, the joy of winning and the pain of losing.

It is a brilliant account of a special day for both teams, and gives great insight into how much work went into it and what effect it has had on...

Welcome to Episode 10 of GrassRoots – Women’s Rugby from the Roots Up.

This episode covers the end of season fights for promotion, relegation and the various cup competitions.

Mollie and Goose are preparing for an (unsuccessful) attempt at getting to Twickenham and we welcome back Fiona Brunt.

Fiona gives us a great behind the scenes tour of life as a ref when teams are feeling the pressure and takes over the helm of the scuttled schooner of Knock on / Knock off - it’s a fascinating listen.

Welcome to Episode 9 of GrassRoots – Women’s Rugby from the Roots Up.

County Rugby is nearly upon us, so we dissect the benefits and disadvantages of trials, and how we feel it could be better. We rather uncharacteristically give ourselves pats on the back, and Mollie celebrates 100 caps.

Our guest interview is the very excellent Holly Feller, a prop turned Referee from Devon. She gives us a brilliant insight into how to become a ref, and how it helped her get back to the game from a serious injury.

Welcome to Episode 8 of GrassRoots – Women’s Rugby from the Roots Up.

In this special episode we meet the amazing Sue Anstiss.

In a brilliant and wide-ranging interview, we discuss Sue’s work advocating women in sport, her amazing book ‘Game On, the Unstoppable Rise of Women’s in Sport’ and her upcoming documentary, Game On.

Sue very kindly picks our ‘Bruise of the Month’ Winner, and gives us an amazing insight into the incredible people behind the growth of women’s rugby.

We hear some VERY interest...

Welcome to Episode 7 of GrassRoots – this is definitely not one for the car on the school run, unless your kids are rugby players too, then they’ve probably heard worse.

In one of our silliest episodes yet, ChezSez has an encounter with a rather vigorous Masseuse, and despite her protestations, ends up worse than when she started.

We discuss gloating; where the line is and how to cross it. We dig up a bit of a recording to troll Lou and Mollie goes postal about the new tackle height laws.

Avon...

Welcome to season 2, episode 6!

In this meandering run towards the try-line of rugby chat from GrassRoots, we cover the usual blend of topics from the sublime to the ridiculous.

We welcome the excellent Callie from The Columbia Bombshells in South Carolina, USA. Callie talks us through her journey from competition ski racer to rugby player, and what it’s like to play rugby in a country that doesn’t really know what it is.

Jodie has a disastrous date not date, we discuss the intr...

An original and distinctly average pod play

Performed by untrained actors

Happy Christmas to all our listeners!

Welcome to season 2, episode 5!

Here’s episode 5, another all you can eat buffet of rugby chat with some archaeology thrown in for good measure.

We welcome Birkenhead Panthers, fresh off the pitch from a close fought draw versus Crewe and Nantwich Women where we hear about their team, their aims for the season and another Stupid Ref.

Cherie is back in the saddle, or more specifically the mobility hoist where we discuss recovery from the rugby bus after 35. She has an odd encounter with Matt in the backstreets of Crewe an...

Welcome to season 2, episode 4!

Veritable smorgasbord of rugby chat, we welcome back the fabulous Victoria Rush. Fresh from a UK tour of No Woman No Try, she joins us to discuss the missed drop goal of the World Cup Coverage and how to encourage more people to watch rugby.

Jodie has managed to injure herself again and we talk about the recent case of a player suing an opposition player for a serious injury.

We discuss the ins and outs of insurance and the concept of public liability – this is a lot more in...

Welcome to season 2, episode 3!

In this head-on-head contact of an episode we discuss Jodie’s latest injury and she updates us on The Bet.

Mollie returns from her pod break, we dig up and resuscitate the stiff cadaver of ‘Fantasy 15’ with a Rugby World Cup theme and we discuss the trials, tribulations and car-crashes of inter-team relationships.

Chez gets rucking and Jodie really doesn’t like Crocs.

Our special guest this episode is the brilliant Jemma, AKA The Prop Life.

Jemma is now TikTok a...

Welcome to episode 2 of Season 2

In this 4-person lineout of a podcast we discuss the withdrawal of Waterloo Women from the league after a long history of being one of the best teams in the North West and what it means for the wider game.

We chat about the difference between wearing women’s fit kit and normal stash and Goose has some gossip. Sort of….

Jodie quits smoking (and makes a silly bet), Joyce fails badly at quitting rugby, we discuss ‘Shit my Coach Says’ and welcome the fabulous Southport Ladies.

Thankf...

Welcome to Episode 1 of season 2.

In this cross bar challenge of an episode, we discuss the GrassRoots festival, what worked, what we learnt and how we can't wait to do it again. Cherie gets cross with Lou and gets lost in Aberdare and we look forward to the new season.

We resurrect 'Every Team's Got One' and introduce a new section 'Sh*t my coach says'.

This podcast is hosted by Matt, Lou, Mollie, Jodie and Lucy with ChezSez.

To come on...

Welcome to episode 23!

In this squirrel-bothering episode we talk about our plans for the inaugural GrassRoots Festival, announce the team, finally and welcome the lovely Joey from Launceston Ladies to the podcast.

Jodie brings some Gallic Flair to knock on / knock off with the usual rubbish results, we discuss pre-season friendlies and Goose pops in for a chat.

Sadly our recording of ChezSez melted in the heatwave. Or Chez did, so we have had to leave her on the bench this week – don’t worr...

Welcome to episode 22 of GrassRoots, the only podcast able to bring club-level women’s rugby to life.

In this pre-season friendly of an episode we discuss rugby’s relationship with alcohol, our tournament on the 27th August and ChezSez drinks the bar dry in Turkey whilst owning some Russian water polo players.

We discuss sexuality within the game (briefly) and Dundee Valkyries come on the pod to talk about their growth and the challenges of building a team in the frozen wastelands of Scotland.

To follow the podcast:

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Welcome to episode 21 of GrassRoots - this is definitely not one for the car on the school run......

We discuss whether equipment should be adapted for the women's game, returning from injuries and ChezSez gets stuck in her End of Season dress.

Jodie gets compared to a popular children's board game, we meet Tia from Yeovil Women and Carly from Bridgnorth Ladies.

All in all this is a jam packed and fairly fruity episode!

Don't forget to leave us...

Welcome to episode 20 of GrassRoots, the only podcasts solely dedicated to GrassRoots women’s rugby.

In this crushing hangover of a podcast episode we discuss End of Season Awards Dinners and how one of them ended in our team falling apart…..

Katie and Joyce step in for Mollie and Dubs and we welcome Hez from East Dorset Dockers and hear all about their fabulous kit and the work that they are doing down on the south coast.

Fiona Brunt joins us again to make an e...

This is episode 19 of GrassRoots, the only podcast solely dedicated to the grassroots women’s game.

In this no-arms tackle of an episode, we talk to referee Fiona Brunt who is climbing the ranks both in the women and men’s game. Fiona gives us a brilliant insight into the reality of officiating and what it’s like when you’ve got 30 players all baying for your blood!

Cherie misses a game due to User Error, Matt gets covid again and we discuss moving positions.

In the next section of our building a team blu...

This is Episode 18 of GrassRoots –Women's Rugby from the roots up.

As the end of the first full season during covid approaches an exciting crescendo, we discuss the emotional rollercoaster of promotion and relegation; what it means, how to navigate it and how it is not always the best, or the worst thing to happen to your team.

We change codes to meet the brilliant Rachel Ankomah, Manager and player for the Accra Majestics Rugby League Team in Ghana, hear all about the sport in West Africa and discuss strange injuries.

...

Episode 16 part 2. Or episode 17 if you prefer.

We welcome a guest host on the show – the hilarious Sarah from Exeter Saracens Ladies down in Devon.

We discuss the challenges of keeping girls interested in rugby, the danger of showers in other clubs (a recurring theme), Jodie bamboozles us with Knock On, Knock off, and ChezSez introduces us to the mayhem of raising two girls.

Joyce fills in for Mollie, Lou get covid and generally we intersect talking utter nonsense with some actual rugby chat.

In celebration of the first ever feature-length documentary about Women’s Rugby, No Woman No Try, we welcome the inspiration behind it, Victoria Rush.

Victoria gives us a fantastic walkthrough of her experience in rugby, the massive reaction to #IamEnough and the creation and realisation of No Woman No Try.

Victoria talks passionately about empowerment, women’s sport, kit and imposter syndrome. Oh, and how to tackle the blazers in your committee to get stuff done!

This is a brilliant interview, and a great insi...

Hello and welcome to episode 15 of GrassRoots, the only podcast aimed squarely at the women’s grassroots game.

In episode 15 we discuss the trials and tribulations of captaincy with Katie and we welcome a guest all the way in New South Wales, Australia.

In a fascinating interview we hear about women’s rugby down under, the challenges of playing in hot weather and learn that refs can be stupid there too.

Cherie doesn’t fancy being a captain but gives some sound (!) advice to a listener with an all...

Welcome to Episode 14!

We discuss the best rugby themed Valentine's Days, Part 2 of our Blueprint to setting up a Women's Rugby Team and Jodie introduces a new segment 'Knock On, or Knock Off'.

We welcome Caroline from Bo'Ness in Scotland, Chez outlines a perfect day with Jamie Roberts and we look at the impact TikTok has on the Women's game!

Don't forgot to vote for us for the Sports Podcast Awards: www.sportspodcastawards.com/categories/13

To support us in...

This is Episode 13 of GrassRoots - Women's Rugby from the Roots Up

In a ridiculous juxtaposition from the more serious Episode 12, we discuss how rugby has an impact on our sex lives.

Jodie puts in a request to the listeners to take her on a date, ChezSez stitches up Nik Joyce, talks us through her terrible birthday and we start a new section: How to start and grow a Women’s Team.

Our special guest is Chris from Taunton RUFC Ladies (www.tauntonrfc.co.uk...

In this special episode we hear stories from:

We discuss our experiences of mental health, how we can help others, how we cope with a busy life and rugby and what clubs do, and can do better to support people with mental illness.

*****TRIGGER WARNING***** some of this content may be difficult for some to listen to.

To contact GrassRoots: grassrootswomen@hotmail.com

Insta: @grassrootsrugbypod

Twitter: gr_rugbypod<...

In Episode 12 we discuss Mental Health, how to help our team mates and how it has affected us personally.

We look at how to support each each other, how it impacts our lives and we welcome Meg and Tom from #RugbyTalks to talk about their work supporting the rugby community. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/390745479358760)

This is part 1 of a 2 parter- in part 2 we hear from people who have different stories to tell about Mental Health, how they have helped others and how to seek help.

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Welcome to the last episode of 2021!

In a rather tired and emotional (hungover) Episode 11 of GrassRoots, the only podcast aimed squarely at the grassroots women’s game we discuss the aftermath of the team Christmas Social, what makes a good rugby party and generally try to piece together the previous 24 hours.

We discuss a little bit of rugby, Cherie doesn’t know what AC stands for, and Jodie finally has a proper shower after a game.

We meet the fabulous Kesteven Ladies, hear all about their club and their plans for the season and...

In this very special Episode, we meet International Player of the Year and Gloucester Hartpury Superstar, Zoe Aldcroft.

In this fascinating interview we get a brilliant insight into what it takes to be at the very top of your game, how Zoe prepares for matches and her GrassRoots memories.

We look at the similarities between Zoe and ChezSez, discuss high performance sport and pathways and look at how we could put some of Zoe's advice into practice.

This interview was made possible by #TeamHalbro...

Welcome to Episode 9 of GrassRoots, the only podcast exclusively focused on the grassroots women’s rugby game.

In this high tackle of an episode, we talk about initiations, coming back to rugby after having children and we welcome Karon from Diss Ladies to the podcast.

As Mollie was unfortunately unavailable to record due to ‘reasons unknown’, the episode is hosted by Nik Joyce, the first ever female chair of Crewe and Nantwich Rugby Club and gives us a fascinating incite into what it’s like having such a senior position at a club and...

This is episode 8 of GrassRoots, the only podcast dedicated to the Grass Roots women’s rugby game.

This is another feature-length episode where we talk about the frustrations of poorly fitting kit, we go into far too much detail about sports bras and ChezSez moves house with only to be expected results.

The special guest interview is Fergus Farrell from Halbro, a kit manufacturer which is one of the very few kit makers out there designing and producing kit made specifically for the women’s game.

Fergus gives us a grea...

On this feature length episode of GrassRoots we discuss ideas for fundraising, the merits or otherwise of doing a naked calendar, Lou makes a big decision and Cherie gets sent off again.

We welcome Stourbridge Ladies to the podcast and hear all about their journey and we finally round off Fantasy 15, with ridiculous results.

Twitter: @gr_rugbypod

Instagram: @grassrootsrugbypod

To get in touch: maff2@hotmail.com

Welcome to Episode 6!

In this accidental offside of an episode we discuss Mollie's holiday, round off the fantasy 15, and talk about the challenges of playing in, and coaching mixed-ability teams.

We welcome Telford Hornets for a live, pitch-side interview and debate the merits of relegation / promotion in a post covid rugby world.

Chez is up to no good in the theatre and laments the fact she didn't make the Roses squad.

All in all it's the usual barrage of...

In this jam packed episode we hear all about the rituals before games, Chez outlines some of the quirkier features of the rugby changing rooms, Jodie conducts a scientific study of Didsbury and we welcome Rochford Vixens to the pod.

This week's Grass Roots Salute goes to Meg Stevens - her just giving page is: www.justgiving.com/Megan-Stevens2

Insta: @grassrootsrugbypod

Twitter: @gr_rugbypod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/grassrootsrugbypodcast

In this jam packed episode we discuss the aftermath of a match, being hit by the rugby bus and the usual segments.

Cherie visits Pim and Pam, Lou makes questionable cocktails and we look at how to grow the game.

We also welcome the fabulous Emma from Sleaford Ladies. She gives us a fantastic account of the work they are doing over in Lincolnshire to grow the game!

Twitter: @gr_rugbypod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/grassrootsrugbypod

In this ridiculous episode Cherie gives us her unique approach to balancing rugby with life, Mollie disgraces herself in the gym and derails the podcast, we discuss the challenges of relationships in the game and hear from Sally at Aretians Ladies.

This is definitely not one to play in a public place with little ears wagging.....!

www.linktr.ee/grassrootsrugbypod

Twitter: @gr_rugbypod