Interview with Sian Moore, Bristol Ladies Rugby 7s
How have you prepared for the 7s in pre-season training?
We’ve been running a lot of live play, involving game situations and condition games. We’re really been putting ourselves under pressure, forcing ourselves into situations where we have to make decision at a quicker pace than we’re used to. As a group we’re building on the foundation of our core skill set and making sure we’re comfortable using those skills in the 7s format, covering space with few people around us.
How do you feel as a team to be part of this fantastic event?
It’s really great for the women’s game, and following the growth that the sport has seen over the few years after the World Cup win. We’re exciting to be part of the whole competition and play our part in raising awareness of women’s rugby alongside the coverage that the Olympics is getting. Three of our girls are our in Rio at the moment, so we’ll be thinking of them whilst playing our own games back on home soil!
What do you think will be the highlight for you?
Personally I’m really looking forward to putting all our hard work in pre-season to the test. It will be great to gauge where we have come from, and identify some of the things we need to work on before the season starts. It’s a great opportunity for us to really put a marker down.
What does the 7s mean to you?
7s really does combing all the core skills that 15s requires, but at a different pace. You have no-where to hide in 7s, it requires out and out maximum effort from everyone on the pitch – everyone is on show!
Can you give me a quick overview (50-70 words) about what you’ve been doing in pre-season training?
At Bristol Ladies our pre-season has focussed on developing our core skills, like catch and pass, working on our roles at the breakdown and getting out footwork in order. We’ve really tried to create as many game specific situations as possible, looking to promote good decision making skills, accurate execution and develop that speed of thought.
We’ve also spent time off the pitch settling into our new club house, and getting that team spirit back after the break!
Do you have any new players?
We’ve got a few players feeding through from our partnership with SGS Filton College – look out for Vicky Foxwell, who will be playing for us on the 7th.
We’re also continuing to grow our relationship with our Welsh players, with Carys Phillips joining myself, Beth Dainton and Elinor Snowsill in the team.
England players Marlie Packer and Poppy Cleall have also re-joined us this season and have been keeping the pressure on during training.
We worked really hard last season to work with local clubs and develop some of the young and exciting talent in the South West and we’re really seeing that come through already during pre-season.
What would you describe as your pre-season?
Over the summer break I ran Bristol Ladies Summer Fitness programme, with the main focus on conditioning and skills maintenance, which led nicely into pre-season which started two weeks ago. We train twice a week and we’re really starting to increase the intensity and pace now. Personally, I intersperse this with additional gym sessions away from the squad, to work on my own personal development.
What do you love and hate about pre-season?
It is the same thing for me – how you enter pre-season really dictates where you’re going to go during the season. You really do get out what you put into pre-season which is great but also challenging.
Roy Davies, head coach of Bristol Ladies, said:
Video interview with Roy Davies
Dominic Hayes, Commercial Director at Premiership Rugby, added: “Having the Women’s Premiership 7s Final during the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Final is ground-breaking and will provide an exciting addition to the event.
“Sixteen England internationals have represented their clubs in the 7s, which is proof that these tournaments are a great opportunity for fans to see the next generation of superstars coming through from the men’s and women’s teams.
“These finals take place a day after the Olympic 7s kick off in Rio, so interest in the sport will be high and we are hoping for the biggest Singha 7s crowd yet at the Ricoh Arena.”
For tickets to the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series Final, please visit www.premiershiprugby.com/singha7stickets
