Nicki has been manager of the Women’s section for 14 years now, but was first involved when her children played at minis. She helped with organising tours and was the team first aider for both her children’s teams. She took a few years out when her daughter Hannah stopped at U12s, but jumped back in to volunteer as soon as Hannah started playing for the Ladies. Originally Nicki was the manager for just the Women’s 1XV, but has also taken on managing the 2XV now there is one. Nicki is also the Chair of Women’s rugby. She had been for years previously, but had taken a few years out due to work commitments, and is now back in the role. Nicknamed Mummy H due to the fact her daughter is Baby H.

“It really feels like a family, and I love the ethos that everybody is welcome and included and no one gets left out. The way the ladies support each other, if one person is down you all rally around and are all there for each other and I’ve never seen that anywhere else.”

Favourite achievement....
“putting out 2 full teams of 44 players in competitive matches is a first in Newbury history. Having two teams in competitive leagues is brilliant. The ladies achievements, gosh when we went up to champ 1, just being there for the whole of that was amazing. On a personal note, I am now in my second session as chair after having to take a step back with just not having the time to do it.”

Most looking forward to....
“the rest of this season. Look where we’re going so far, it would be great if we could get back up to champ 1, and have the 2s in NC2. Just winning.”

My rugby heroes are...
“because I’m that old, I have to say Billy Beaumont and Martin Johnson as well.”

Favourite rugby moment...
“winning that last league game in an undefeated season and celebrating going up to champ 1, that was a brilliant moment.”

Previous clubs...
“originally I started at Wasps because my father played there, and then seeing my brother play there too. When Wasps ladies started I went to a couple of training sessions but then moved away for work and what have you, and didn’t try playing again.”

Professional teams...
“I wanna say Wasps but they’re not really around anymore, maybe Bath, but that never would have come out of my mouth if Wasps were still around. Hopefully Wasps will have a comeback.”

Most want to go to dinner with...
“it would have to be Jonah Lomu because he’s really nice on the eyes and a phenomenal player, or Jonny Wilkinson because I think he’s really interesting, but I really did have the hots for Jonah.”