Sisters are Doing It for Themselves
Jane's appointment to the Executive provides a timely reference point to how rugby has expanded and developed in some parts of the evolving Royal Navy. Whilst we cannot deny the obivous evidence that the modern sporting landscape in the three Services is very different to what it was, even a few years ago.
When you look at the playing records of people like current Asistant Director of Navy Rugby, Paula Benentt-Smith, emerging coaches in Charlie Fredrickson and Loz Salibury, and indeed Jane herself you realise how much rugby experience they have and have been immersed in; often through association with top flight civilian clubs. It is providing a cadre of rugby talent that Navy Rugby cannot afford not to continue to develop and also learn from.
It took 22 years for the Royal Navy to develop from the first women at sea, on board HMS Brilliant, in 1990 until Jane's namesake, Sarah West, took command of HMS Portland; the first Women in command of a major warship. Now we just talk about the Royal Navy with today, even submarines, being a team of all the talents.
I feel Jane's appontment to the Executive in a rugby Director's role will be another similar milestone. The time when we talk about Navy Rugby without the need to caveat whether it is men or women. When I talk rugby with Paula, Loz, Charlie and Jane they are always great convesations. I can easily envisage, from that group of four, a future Director of Rugby and a future Head Coach for the Senior XV (men - just for clarity!)
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