DMP Sharks fly-half Jess Dadds says her first season in the Premier 15s has been a huge step up from university rugby.
The 20-year-old, who has just graduated from Northumbria University with a degree in sports and exercise science, said: “I just played uni rugby for the first two years but around Christmas 2020 it didn't look like uni rugby was going to happen so I made the decision to go and see DMP because it was the most local team to Newcastle.
“This season has been intense! I play at ten and it can be a lot playing in the middle of the pitch trying to be in charge. You have to learn quickly, but it's been brilliant, I really love the standard and intensity and being part of the team.”
Dadds adds: “We are quite lucky that our uni team is in the top national league so that's a good standard anyway but the jump was huge… just the intensity all around the pitch. Every area the decisions have to be made quicker. It was a serious leap in intensity in training, the gym, everything.
“I can't wait to grow into the team and the game more at this level and gain more confidence.”
While she is new to the league as a player, Dadds is familiar with the Premier 15s as a fan. Originally from Somerset, she supports Bristol Bears as that is her local club and she says playing against the team now is surreal.
“I think it's mad, people I've followed and looked up to are now running at me off the scrum,” she says. “I just love it and playing against that sort of standard brings up your game as well.”
Having female rugby players in her local area that she looked up to was important for Dadds and she says it is crucial young players have role models in the area where they come from.
DMP are the most northern team in the Premier 15s and Dadds realises the important role she plays for aspiring players in the area.
She adds: “Rugby in the north east is growing and we are really pushing it at DMP. “It's just so important for young players to see those people and to see that they have come from the same places you have come from and where you can then get to.”
