Mothers have always played a key part in Welsh rugby, especially in supporting the game on and off the field in many ways but their contribution to all elements of Welsh rugby has never been so important.
We spoke to some of our mothers about their passion for the game and in particular why they choose to make time for rugby amongst their busy family and work commitments.
Wales Women centre Kerin Lake is mother to seven year old Jacob. She works in Tonna Hospital providing admin support for the Mental Health team there.
She said, “I went back to training just a few weeks after having Jacob. That may not be advised but after missing it so much during the pregnancy I wanted to get back as soon as possible for fear of not being able to if I left it much longer. I was playing for Neath Athletic at the time and although I still saw my team mates socially and supported from the sidelines, it wasn’t the same as taking the field with them and found it hard not being part of training and matches.
“When you can’t do something, it makes you want to do it even more and I wasn’t ready to hang up my boots.
“It’s hard to fit it all in, especially at international level. Playing club rugby, it’s easier to miss training here and there or the extra sessions in the gym but you can’t do that at the highest level. It’s hard when children are ill or they don’t want you to leave them but I’m very lucky with fantastic family and work support which makes it all possible.
“Steff my partner and both sets of grandparents are always there whenever I need to get a gym session in or go to training and even when I’m away with the team so I’ve never had to worry about childcare. I wouldn’t be able to do it otherwise.
“It’s the same with work. I work part-time which makes it possible to spend some time with Jacob too and my employers are fantastic. They are very understanding and give me some flexibility to manage my time around training and matches.”
It hasn’t been all plain sailing for Kerin, who already has 27 caps to her name. She was out of the game for a year until last autumn with an eye injury.
“I wasn’t able to play for a year but I was determined to come back. I wasn’t ready to give up and I want to do it on my own terms. I took up refereeing and long term I think that will be a way to stay involved in the game but I haven’t been to a Rugby World Cup yet so next year’s tournament is definitely a goal for me.”
With rugby off for the time being, she’ll be able to spend the day with family this year but has had many rugby memories to cherish.
“Jacob was my mascot on Mother’s Day in 2015 when we played Ireland at St Helen’s and to run out with him on Mother’s Day 2016 at Principality Stadium when we played Italy was very special indeed.
Jacob is a major motivation for Kerin when she takes the field.
“I think if he sees me doing something I enjoy and have overcome certain barriers to get here, it might inspire him to do something he enjoys in the future even if there are obstacles on the way. That would make me a happy Mam.”
