West Norfolk Ladies skipper in the spotlight

The captain of West Norfolk Rugby Club’s ladies’ team, Emma-Jane Watson, gets the time to enjoy her moment in the Q&A spotlight in Gavin Caney’s weekly column.What are your earliest memories of rugby?The first time I remember watching rugby was the 2003 World Cup.I remember having one tag rugby session but that was all. There weren’t any local girls’ teams when I was growing up and women’s rugby wasn’t publicised.What convinced you to begin playing while at university (UCLAN) and then also join Preston Grasshoppers too?I would have loved to have played before that but I never had the opportunity. I have always loved sports.I played football, hockey, netball, athletics, Taekwondo – I would try anything! A friend at UCLAN had already joined the team and suggested I give it a go. I loved it from the first training session. Being part of a club was a huge difference. Grasshoppers is a big, well-established club with a great heritage and joining them gave me a real sense of belonging that I didn’t get with the uni team. Putting on a Hoppers shirt felt really special. The standard of the game was higher and definitely tougher; the players were bigger and more experienced but I loved the challenge.We also had a better standard of coaching.The uni team was definitely more focused on the social side of rugby which was obviously great fun but I am very competitive and preferred playing for Hoppers. You have played for West since 2019. How does it feel to skipper the side for a second season?I am so proud to captain West Ladies. Being voted into the role by my team-mates is an honour so I feel the pressure of wanting to do a good job and lead them well. I’ve never been the loudest player but I think I bring a quiet strength and a cool head, however the game is going.I think I am passionate and committed to training, events and working with the men’s team and wider club to bring women’s rugby to the forefront What positives has playing rugby brought to your life? Is it fair to say it’s changed your life?It is definitely fair to say that! Rugby has brought me friendship, fun, strength and confidence.When you’ve got your team-mates by your side you feel like you can face anything.We win together, we lose together and we’re there for each other on and off the pitch. Joining Hoppers felt like having a second family when I was away from home. The women at West have celebrated with me and been there to lift me up when I’ve needed it most.No matter what happens in life, I always feel better after a run-out with my team.Rugby has given me strength and confidence from facing difficult opposition, team talks and clubhouse speeches. I can’t imagine not being part of a rugby team.How is the 2024/25 season going? We’re really happy to be back in the Eastern League this season and face some familiar opponents.Our first game was at Southwold and we were expecting a challenging match but came away with a 52-5 win.We hosted Diss in our first home game.Their team was unfortunately depleted through illness but they gave us a good game and we won 70-0. Game three was at Lakenham Union where we won 72-5. Our most recent game was against Crusaders who were also sadly struggling for numbers.This strong start shows how hard we have worked over the last year. I’m really proud of the effort everyone has made.We are now tied on points at the top of the table with Colchester Iceni but leading on points difference.We will face them on November 10 in what we are expecting to be our most competitive game of the season. We know they have pace in their back line but are confident that we can defend well and use the strength of our forward pack.What are your aims for the season, a special one that marks 100 years of West Norfolk in 2025?Last season was a challenge for us as we were in a Midlands League playing new teams in some very tough, physical games.We made huge improvements and stayed positive throughout, managing to finish fourth. This season we’re aiming to keep building on the progress we’ve made and keep growing the squad.We now have forwards and backs coaches as well as our excellent head coach, Jane Middleton-Jones.We have more sponsored women’s players than ever, which helps us massively. We’re very grateful to all the local businesses who are supporting us.We’ve had an incredible start to the new season and I believe we have a strong chance of winning the league.Our other main aim is to retain our Norfolk Cup title which we won in May. I feel very lucky to captain the team in the club’s centenary year.We have some exciting events lined up including hosting the Norfolk Big Weekend, men’s and women’s Invitational matches and the centenary day itself.Finally, what would you tell any young girl who is debating getting into rugby?That rugby is for everyone; it’s the most inclusive sport I’ve ever played, everyone is so welcoming no matter what skill or experience you have and you’ll make friends for life!There have never been more opportunities at all levels of women’s and girls’ rugby, whether you want to play at a recreational level or take it further.You’ll find inspiration at West Norfolk; we have many Norfolk and Eastern Counties players, Jess Milnes who has come through the girls’ section and now plays for Loughborough College and Georgie Lingham who has played in the Women’s Premiership and now plays rugby 7s for Team GB.This is such an exciting time in women’s rugby as England are hosting the World Cup next year and the Red Roses are no.1 in the world.Come along on Wednesdays and give it a try.The Facts AreName: Emma-Jane WatsonAge: 33Grew up in: King’s LynnSecondary school: St Clement’s HighPosition: Outside centreFormer clubs: UCLAN and Preston GrasshoppersCurrent club: West NorfolkSporting hero: Emily ScarrattFive interesting factsEmma-Jane has a black belt in Taekwondo and won a British title.The West Norfolk captain has completed two charity skydives raising thousands of pounds in the process. One was in Beccles for BEAT (an eating disorder charity) while the other was in Peterborough for the British Heart Foundation.She started playing bass guitar at secondary school in Terrington St Clement, aged 12, and can still play a little but doesn’t have the time for it at the moment.Watson failed her A-Levels, but is now in the final year of a business degree – there’s always a way.Despite being an integral part of the club’s ladies’ team, EJ admits she doesn’t know all of the rules of rugby.Quickfire questions (answers in bold)Restaurant or takeaway?Film or series?Bath or shower?Tea or coffee?Sweet or savoury?Summer or winter? Because it’s rugby season!Day or night?Holiday or staycation?Favourite food: CroissantsLeast favourite: ParsnipsFavourite TV programme: Anything involving Simon ReeveLeast favourite: SoapsFavourite band/musician: Foo FightersLeast favourite: The CureFavourite film: Pitch PerfectLeast favourite: Avatar