What does “grow the game” mean to you?
Growing the game means keeping it accessible to everyone. It means inclusion and community. I didn’t know what rugby was until I was in my junior year of college when I joined the team at Washington State University. Now, there are high school teams, middle school programs and other programs for even younger kids to learn what this sport is and how to play. It means continuing to create programs where there are holes, pushing on social media platforms engagement, and protecting our values of community and inclusion.
Why is it so important to you to expand access to this sport? How has rugby impacted your own life?
Rugby teaches more than just sport based skills. It teaches communication, teamwork, dedication, problem solving, leadership skills, and helps build confidence. We, the rugby community, often say that “anyone can play, there is always a spot for you on the pitch” and I had never had a sport that had that sort of platform and identity before. Rugby just isn’t a sport, it is truly a community. Rugby taught me humility, patience for myself and others. It taught me that I am capable of more than I used to give myself credit for. It taught me how to help others and ask for help from others without feeling like I was a burden on myself or my teammates. I thought rugby was something I would play for a few years and then move on to the next thing. I’ve been off and on since 2012 and have had many different roles on teams throughout those years that have shaped me into the person I am today. I’m more confident in myself and others. I am more eager to try new things and be okay at failing at them or not being good at them right away. This was my experience. I’m sure others have had similar or even very different experiences, but that is why it is important to expand access, because everyone deserves this kind of community to be able to be a part of and learn more about who they are within this community and outside of it as well.
What has it meant for you to be a part of this community? (As a player and beyond.) How have the people you’ve been surrounded by and / or support you’ve received impacted your life?
This community means so much to me. As a player it pushed me to invest in myself and now as a coach it means that I get to uphold those values and invest in the players I get to coach. The impact of the rugby community in my life is truly something that even to this day, I have a hard time wrapping my head around. In December of 2024 I lost my dad. He was in a car accident. He was always a big supporter of me being a part of the rugby community. Shortly after his death, I learned that I would need surgery on my neck to replace some discs that had herniated. My team at the time not only rallied around me to be there while I was grieving, but they also were there to help take care of me after my surgery during the recovery process. It wasn’t just my teammates who showed up for me, but the coaches too. My rugby family was there for me and I will always be thankful for how they showed up for me. They took care of me. We take care of each other.
What are some ways the clubs you play/coach for (or clubs you’ve played/coached for in the past) support its players or expand access to the sport? (ie. fostering an inclusive culture, providing financial assistance, collaborating with youth programs, etc.)
I’ve played for many clubs and I currently Coach Nashville Women’s Rugby Football Club (Stone Lions) as the Assistant/Forwards coach and Father Ryan High School Lady Irish Rugby as their Assistant coach. One way all these clubs expand access is by having an open door policy. While a lot of sports often have a cut off date to when you can join in the season, rugby teams have folks who join mid to even sometimes late season. Rugby often has a Veteran player and rookie player culture where new players to the team are paired with a veteran player. This vet player checks in with their rookie, makes them feel included, and if they are new to the sport, can help teach them. This leads to keeping players engaged and coming back to the sport. Lots of “traditions” are often taken from team to team. Team’s I have played for in the past have alumni who will help sponsor a player and help them pay dues/team fees if there is a financial barrier to playing. With Senior teams, players often volunteer with youth programs to help grow the game. Girls Rugby is a nation wide program where the folks who are often coaching are volunteers from other rugby teams. I’m currently trying to start a summer 7’s team that will include a women’s and high school girls team. I’m excited to hopefully create a program where the two teams can practice alongside each other and support each other in learning and growing.
How long did you play rugby before making the transition to being a coach? What made you decide to make that transition?
I played rugby from 2012 to 2025, then finally transitioned to coaching in 2026. I still occasionally play for traveling teams such as Rugby Player Connect and Apex Rugby or whatever motley might need some numbers as fully retiring has been mentally harder than I want to admit. I love this sport. What made me decide to make the transition was my cervical spine surgery. Having three metal discs in your neck makes recovering after each game a longer process than the average player. I enjoyed being a player and a captain, and I enjoyed helping newer players learn the game. When I was recovering, I worked alongside one of the coaches who primarily taught beginner players. It was a really rewarding experience and it pushed me to get my Level 1 coaching cert and now I am in the process of finishing up my Level 2 coaching cert through USA Rugby.
How long have you been coaching now? What has been the most fulfilling part of being in this new role?
Officially, I’ve been coaching less than a year. The most fulfilling part is seeing a player's progress and a team's overall progress. When you have a player that is learning, showing up, putting in the work, and you get to put their name on the roster and see them finally get to go onto the pitch, it’s really exciting. Watching it all come together for that player or that team fills you with so much joy and pride. I have cried before when talking to my players and telling them how proud I am of them and how they show up for themselves and each other.
What kind of impact do you hope to have on your players?
I always want to have a positive impact. I want players to be able to ask questions, push themselves, and learn how to also advocate for themselves. I am one coach to 20-25 or more players at a time. I’m new in my role. I want to give my players the confidence to also be leaders on and off the pitch. I want my players to know that I learn from them just as much as they learn from me. I believe that being a positive person who uplifts their players and their team and trusts them to execute what is learned and ask for help when they need it is so important. Creating a safe and encouraging space for that is key. I hope that I can instill that in the people I coach and they can take what I teach them and continue to make it bigger and better.
Is there anything you’d like to say about the new USOPC policy that’s been adopted by USAR/IGR?
It goes against everything that the rugby community stands for, which is inclusivity, community, and the idea that anyone and everyone can play. I stand with the trans community and the rugby trans community. My players safety comes first, and that means their mental well being along with their physical. I believe that the policy was made in haste and is rooted in unstable evidence. Trans women are women, trans men are men. Play with the team that aligns with your values and who you are to your core. I will always have an open door for those players.
What advice do you have for people who want to start rugby but feel nervous?
I was so nervous going to my first practice. I had no idea what the sport was beyond a quick google search. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I almost talked myself out of it, i’m so happy I didn’t. I would tell folks who are nervous that the other 10 new people who are showing up are also nervous. I would also tell them that yes, you will fuck up, lots. Even the players who have been there awhile are going to fuck it up, but that is okay. It’s how you grow and learn. Rugby is fun and the community is unlike any other that I have been a part of. Don’t pass up the opportunity because you’re nervous. Don’t overthink it. Just jump in, you’re gonna be just fine.
Support grassroots rugby! You can find Noel on Instagram @noel.erica. And you can catch her playing for various motley teams in the Northeast and coaching Nashville Women's Rugby, Father Ryan High School Lady Irish Rugby, and the Cumberland Cryptids.
