During the gruelling chemotherapy, and especially once recovered, Caris, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2013 aged just 21, threw herself into exercise as part of her personal therapy, but also to encourage others to benefit from the positive effects of sport, and being part of a rugby team in particular.
She said, “Before my diagnosis I hated sport, but when you put so much into fighting cancer, and you’re cured, a lot of people find you need to find an outlet for that new found strength. I found the gym, weightlifting and rugby. Rugby helps remind myself of that strength.
“My first contact with the sport was when I started up Burry Port under 7s.
“My older son Travis was playing rugby at the time and while he was playing I found myself entertaining the younger children, including my younger son Finley. I just thought, why not do this properly and I did the WRU coaching course and started the under 7s. I also played for the club’s Ladies side for a while but I stopped to concentrate on my gym work and weightlifting which is my main source of personal exercise therapy if you like.
“Coaching is very rewarding, you get great satisfaction from seeing the children progress and knowing the part you’re playing in their development within the sport and socially too. I must thank my fellow coach Keri Jones who is in the army and turns up to training on a Friday night without fail.
“But refereeing is what I really enjoy. I have the nickname of Sergeant Major amongst family and friends – I’ve always wanted to join the army – and I think that side of refereeing appeals to me. I know I can be stern yet earn respect at the same time.
“I’ve just refereed my first youth game, which went well – Carmarthen Athletic v Lampeter, and this weekend I did my first senior game – and first Ladies game – a friendly between Hendy and Whitchurch Ladies.
“I know I’ve still got a lot to learn in terms of the rules and technicalities, but I’m confident that I have the personality for the job, which is half the battle I think.
“I’d love to go all the way as a referee and referee international women’s rugby.
“I started refereeing because as a junior coach, you also learn to referee in order to take charge of matches for home games. One Sunday morning, I was approached by Jim Bailey, a WRU assessor who spotted me and asked if I reffed at a higher level, and as I didn’t he put me forward to become a Level 2 referee.”
The rest as they say is history and given the barriers Caris has already overcome, there’s no knowing what she might achieve.
Caris’ team – Burry Port Under 9s team are holding an open evening tomorrow (Monday 3 April) where some Scarlets players will take a coaching session. All new members welcome – Burry Port RFC, 6pm www.burryport.rfc.wales
