Before my appointment, I knew of the Gosford All Blacks history of producing world-class rugby players, yet in a way, we are very a well-kept secret! As a club, we’ve provided some outstanding players to the PWR in Ella Lovibond, Lucia Scott and Mia Venner. And now as part of the alumni, we have a World Cup Winner in Maud Muir.

Whilst we have our history and proven track record to lean on, I’m very much focused on the present: To lift and grow Women’s and Girls' rugby at Gosford All Blacks and to push for the club to be the natural home for any player wanting to pick up a ball.

We are committed to supporting players in achieving their rugby aspirations - whether they want to participate in casual matches with friends on Sundays or aim to follow rugby development opportunities leading to PWR pathways considerations.

Whatever the players want to get out of their rugby career here at Gosford, we are set up for this success by our volunteers. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with the U12s/U14s/U16s/U18s Team Managers over the last few months in understanding how the age groups are being run and the coaching staff that are supporting players. The time and effort these individuals give to rugby is something to marvel. But my thanks also extends to the parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters that also empower our players to get on that pitch and proudly play as a Gosford All Black.

This season alone our Under 16s and Under 18s have at least 8 players on England Player Development Group and 11 players in the England Rugby Developing Player Programme. The level of rugby at the club has a proven track record with both teams successfully winning their first fixtures as part of the National Cup.

However, I’m also keen to stress that if the above isn’t a chosen route for a player in the age groups, this doesn’t diminish their worth or what they bring to the team and the club.

With the introduction of a Women’s team we’re able to extend the playing age at the club beyond 18 years old. I have to thank my predecessors for providing a safe and welcoming space to encourage and inspire women to pick up a rugby ball. The team currently plays in a grassroots league and is providing a great introduction to rugby for women of all ages from 17 years through to 50+ years old.

No matter your rugby journey—whether you're returning from university, new to the area, or trying rugby for the first time—Gosford All Blacks can offer their female players a club for life. Across the sections as a whole, we’ve had a flurry of new players join following a successful World Cup win by England and have been really happy that they have chosen to make Gosford All Blacks their home.

As we look ahead, Gosford All Blacks remains committed to nurturing every player’s journey—whether they’re chasing dreams of professional rugby or simply seeking the joy of the game among friends. Our legacy is built not only on the achievements of world-class athletes but also on the unwavering support of volunteers, families, and the wider community. Together, we will continue to champion a welcoming and empowering environment, ensuring that Gosford is the natural home for every woman and girl who wants to pick up a rugby ball and make their mark. The future is bright, and every new player strengthens the spirit and tradition of the Gosford All Blacks.