The London leg of the IRB Sevens tournament takes place at Twickenham over the weekend of the May 11 and 12, 2013, with the England Women's team participating in the International Invitational Tournament. Interest in Rugby Sevens has increased recently since it was announced that the sport will now feature in the 2016 Olympics.
Players Michaela Stevens and Alice Richardson, of the England Women's Rugby Sevens team, took some time out from training to tell us a bit about why they love rugby, how they fuel their training, and why you might find rugby is the sport for you.
Tickets purchased for the Marriott London Sevens cover both the men's and women's tournament across the weekend: visit rfu.com/londonsevens for information and tickets.
Alice Richardson (pictured)
Why do you love rugby?
It allows me to use a wide range of skills and athleticism. What’s more, I get to play with my best mates which makes it all the more enjoyable.
How did you get involved and at what age?
I started rugby when I was 14 years old. Keen to try something different I went along to Worcester Under 16s training with a schoolfriend and was hooked. My older brother also played and so the interest in rugby was already there before I got on the pitch.
Would you recommend it to other young women looking for a team sport? Why?
Yes, definitely, especially if they enjoy team environments and are not afraid to get stuck in. I came into rugby from an individual sport and so if, like me, they want to get more involved and play as part of a team, it’s the ideal sport.
How much commitment does it require to play at your level?
It definitely requires commitment as every day I do at least one training session to prepare me for games and keep my fitness levels up. If you are playing 7s and 15s it’s a 10-month season and so it certainly requires a lot of dedication and training – although I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How do you manage to fit in training and matches along with other commitments? Any multi-tasking tips?
If you love something and are dedicated you just make it happen!
Which bits of your body are proudest of?
My abs and arms.
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What does a typical training session consist of? Any moves/drills you particularly love/hate?
We always start with a warm-up before moving onto a focus section, concentrating on a particular aspect of our game, such as kick-offs. From there we put our skills to the test in a game scenario so we can incorporate all the training elements into our performance. My favourite aspect of training is when we focus on handling, running and attacking.
Do you have any nutrition advice? What do you eat for energy/fitness/strength etc?
I eat regular, short meals to keep my energy levels stable. I need to ensure I maintain a good, healthy balanced diet during training days and make sure I incorporate high carbs into my diet to help fill the engine.
Any favourite healthy snacks?
Promax bars are great for a quick fix. Pancakes and Yazoo milkshakes are also favourite team snacks.
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Have you ever had any injuries? What and how?
I ruptured my cruciate ligament in 2010 during the World Cup Final which left me out of action for nine months.
Any beauty/skincare products you swear by?
I like all Body Shop and Lancome products.
If you didn't play rugby, what other sport would you like to take part in?
Tennis. I used to play it regularly before I chose to focus on rugby.
Next page: England sevens player Michaela Staniford on her eating regime...
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