Maria is in the process of completing her Level 3 coaching award and has experience throughout the grass-roots game at club, school and university level. Maria is currently Head Coach of the Loughborough University Women and has worked with Loughborough Lightning’s Development programme.

Director of Rugby, Dan Hemingway said “We are really excited to bring in Maria as our new Ladies Head Coach, she is an ambitious and forward thinking young coach who we are sure will be a great asset to the club as a whole. As part of her role she will also work to develop the junior girls side, assisting Carmel and Emily with the great work they are already doing, creating a pathway for young women in Lichfield to play rugby. This is in addition to ensuring our senior sides remain an open and inviting opportunity for all adult women to experience rugby, whether that be at performance or participation level.”

Roz Jermine, senior player and Head of Ladies Rugby on the clubs executive committee believes Maria’s appointment is great news for the club. “We are delighted to welcome Maria to Lichfield RUFC. We feel that she is able to add value to each and every one of our players, from those who are brand new to rugby to those who’re aspiring to play at Championship level and above. We look forward to working with Maria as we build on last years achievements in Championship 1 North and Championship 2 Midlands.”

In the current circumstances, no is no clear time frame for the start of the new playing season, however, the Ladies are back training twice a week following the RFU guidelines for socially distant training. All players are welcome, experienced or new. Training is currently on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm.