Rhiannion Marshall

THE work our charity, DIRECT, does within the wider community, supporting healthy eating and exercise programmes within schools is widely discussed. Programmes such as Tackle Health and supporting schools with anti-obesity and fitness campaigns are the popular material for publications.

Sometimes the information lost in translation is the hard work and support the charity gives the rugby community of Castle Park. Sixteen-year-old Rhiannion Marshall is the very example of why DIRECT works so hard within the sport as well as outside it.

“I would never have got as far in rugby league as I would have in rugby union,” was the bold statement by Rhiannion. That one comment summed up the whole conversation between us regarding her achievements. She enthused about girls taking part in sport, not just rugby, but emphasised her respect for how the women’s game of rugby union has supported her and how great the set-up is within the RFUW.

The achievement made by this young lady is one we are all proud of at Castle Park. Rhiannion has been selected for the Yorkshire Regional rugby Teenage Development Group (TDG) via the RFUW, meaning she is part of the player pathway progression that could lead on to much bigger things. Rhiannion will now get the opportunity to play against, for example, Welsh Colleges and other higher-level teams as part of her game development. The achieving of TDG status is in itself to be celebrated, as the Armthorpe schoolgirl moved over to Castle Park only two years ago as a 14-year old, having played previously for Doncaster Toll Bar ARLFC under the coaching of ex-Dons prop Kev Jones. “I had 10 years at Toll Bar being coached by Kev and having a lot of success. The Jones family are still my close friends and part of what I would call my extended family.” Rhiannion told us.

At 14, Rhiannion made the bold step of moving over to rugby union and has had two successful years with the support of coaches like John Rouse. The girls teams in general have had funding and coaching support in development from the Knights charity.

The sporty lass also played football for Armthorpe FC and Doncaster Belles, and says all of these clubs and their coaches played a part in her development. Part of her developmental support by DIRECT is her status as a “sports leader” at Armthorpe School, meaning she can support her fellow students with after-school clubs etc. The schools create this sports leaders with help from organisations like the Knights charity, which all helps producing more rounded players.

“The thing I have found since joining the Castle Park setup, is that the support for me as a player and my education is second to none,” she says. “I’ve even had support and advice on the next stage, which could be a BTEC in sport at a local university.”

Doncaster Knights and the DIRECT charity support girls rugby and have teams at Under-15 and U-18 level. For further information, contact John Rouse on 01302 831388 or e-mail him at rao@castle-park.co.uk. Castle Park also has a ladies team, the Doncaster Demons - contact Kira Nithsdale at tiggerkira@hotmail.com