As Head of Rugby for Swansea University, the Wales Women forward oversees both men’s and women’s rugby programmes. “I’m responsible for putting resources in place so the teams can perform to their highest standard possible,” she says, whilst adding that making sure the players enjoy the game is all-important. “The role also includes acting as team manager for the men’s first team, negotiation with their clubs and so forth.”
Although she currently coaches the women’s team, she’ll be stepping back from the tracksuit next year to concentrate on the one hundred and one other things in which she is currently involved. Participation, for example: Lillicrap organises events that “cater for all, new or old to rugby, to try and increase participation and student opportunities.”
It’s a big year for the women’s team, as they will feature tomorrow in a double-header with the men for the first time in the history of the Welsh Varsity. Lillicrap says it means everything for her and the team: “This is the equality we want as a university. It’s a huge step in the right direction for women’s sport at the university and we are very excited to put on a good quality game of rugby. Not only will the girls be on the same stage as the men, but they are playing at the home of Welsh rugby, which is great honour. They will all cherish and remember the day for the rest of their lives.”
The team will go into battle against Cardiff University with their tails up, thanks to a season in which they have performed “superbly”, as she puts it – losing only one game against champions Hartpury. “When we faced Hartpury at home later on in the season we dominated them and came away with the win,” says Lillicrap, full of pride. “We were very unlucky to miss out on winning the league. The girls have been extremely committed this year and have put in the hard work, conducting themselves superbly in everything that they have done and achieved throughout the season.”
The rivalry between the two universities is significant, increasing year upon year, making tomorrow’s grudge match all the more important. “This is the 21st Welsh Varsity and it’s only getting bigger,” she explains. “The event is the pinnacle of any student’s university sporting career. We are the two biggest universities in Wales and we are also based in the two biggest cities in the country, so it’s almost a natural rivalry that we’ve inherited.”
Her experiences in the national jersey have been invaluable to her day job, as has all the time spent in camp with the squad. “I’ve been able to adapt some of the professional elements, ideas and values into our university rugby culture. The men and women both see the benefit of the professional elements that I’m embedding into their squads. It’s also been great for my own professional development, being able to positively influence training from lessons I have learnt as a player.”
Lillicrap has great belief in her current crop of Varsity players, and suggests that there could be some future internationals amongst the cohort. “Some of the girls have developed massively this year. If they continue in that manner they will wear the Welsh shirt one day,” she states confidently. “There are one or two players from the team that are also naturally talented, who could most definitely make it.”
She gives a respectful nod to the Cardiff University squad too: “They have their share of good players that could be future Welsh internationals, which is further proof that university rugby is a great platform for players to develop as athletes.”
All said and done, nobody will be more pleased than Lillicrap if the teams in green emerge with a clean sweep at Principality Stadium tomorrow.
For all the information on tomorrow’s Welsh Varsity double-header, click here.
