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LIZA BURGESS

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WOMEN'S GAME IN FOCUS

COACH

Sarah Rendell takes a weekly look at some important women players

THIS WEEK…

Newly-appointed forwards coach Liza Burgess believes the team needs more ‘consistency' to climb the table in the Premier 15s. Warriors finished seventh last season, their highest ever position.

If anyone can help take them higher, it should be Burgess who has a host of experience. The former and player has coached the women's team, Wales and -Hartpury.

She says: “A group of players have evolved at Worcester, there's a real strong culture there. It's just them believing in themselves that they can progress and then it's consistency. As with any top elite side you want to get into that top four and it's that consistency of performance that gets you there.

“They have shown it in glimpses but it's about being able to maintain that week in, week out. Also the depth of players you've got as well to enable that performance throughout the season. They have a really good squad there now, some exciting players joining and a real strength in depth.

“There's young talent coming through as well. It's all there it's just that consistency now and also bringing the physicality. The belief is coming and growing.”

Burgess, who was inducted in 's Hall of Fame in 2018, will work at Worcester alongside her commitments to the Wales Rugby Union.

The 57-year-old became the first female director on the WRU board in 2019 and was voted vice-chair last year. She says it's crucial her voice is heard.

“It's vital. It's not just about women's rugby either,” she adds. “I'm passionate about disability rugby and inclusion. Obviously women's rugby is close to my heart. I will always push that forward.

“It's been great being able to raise questions to help drive standards and just challenge. Ask questions.

“To have a diverse board is really, really important. To have representation from the female population is really, really important because we're over 50 per cent in Wales.We're 51 per cent.

“Te board has to represent the rugby playing population. passionate about that. It's so important.

“I say to any women interested in getting on boards…stand for posi- tions, do it.

“Because unless your voice is heard, unless we're heard, nothing will change. It is important to speak out for what you believe in.”