Look who is back on the Bangor University women’s rugby union scene for 2022-23!

After the wonders of last season which saw them crowned undefeated league champions Bangor University women’s rugby union team have already received a major boost ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Eloise Kirby is returning as club captain for the forthcoming season, which will see Bangor compete in BUCS Northern Tier 2A.

In 2020-21, Eloise carved her name firmly into varsity history when she was awarded Bangor University Sports Personality of the Year.

She followed up by winning the Players’ Player of the Year accolade.

On landing the award, a tribute to the player stated: “She has put in an astonishing amount of effort to make this year successful, going far above and beyond her duties to ensure the club could not only survive the pandemic, but thrive during it.

“Eloise has worked tirelessly to involve and include everyone from freshers to seniors and even the occasional old girl.”

When the BUWRU committee for 2022-23 was revealed recently, there was a popular name announced as club captain – the returning Eloise Kirby.

“I couldn’t handle being away from Bangor so I’m coming back to do my masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology,” she said.

“I’m super-excited to see what this amazing team can achieve after being unbeaten all last season. Northern 2A look out!

“On a personal note I’m just looking forward to catching up with everyone and to getting back on the pitch.

“The last game I played in green and gold was pre-Covid, so it seems like a lifetime ago!”

Last season saw Eloise play for Five Ways Old Edwardians in the Women’s NC 1 Midlands league, where she was top try-scorer and coaches player of the year.

Hailing from Towcester, Northamptonshire, the 24-year-old was back at Bangor University earlier this month celebrating her graduation with a BSC Psychology First Class Honours degree.

The rest of the 2022-23 Bangor University Women’s Rugby Union committee will comprise:

Club secretary – Abi Cousins

Club treasurer – Abi Coleman

Team captain – Kate Davies

Vice-captain – Kristina Aguilar

Social secretaries – Ellie Twiggs and Abi Jeffery

Last season saw the women’s team crowned undefeated BUCS Northern 3A 2021/22 Champions and Varsity 21/22 Winners 

Award winners were:

Player’s Player: Efa Williams
Captain’s Player: Jesse Lewis
Coach’s Player: Mia Knight
Most Improved: Misato Fukui
Fresher of the Year: Holly Aitchison