We are delighted to announce our 3rd Q&A in Rugby League Scene history!
It’s quite a special one as we catch up with England Women International Caitlin Beevers! The 18-year-old is currently on tour in Papua New Guinea but she has managed to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to chat to us!
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself; your age, why you became a rugby player, current club & position?
I’m Caitlin Beevers and 18 years old. I became a Rugby League player when I was 6 years old and got into it because my Mum and Dad asked my twin brother if he was interested in joining a local team and I interrupted asking ‘what about me?’. I started off at Birstall Victoria but when I was too old to play for the boys team, I took a year out until I found a girls team I’d like to join. During this gap year, I decided to try out refereeing.
Q: 2019 has been a massive year for you – what’s been your favourite part of this year?
I’d say my highlight of 2019 (so far) would have to be my 18th birthday – We (Leeds) won the Super League Women’s Grand Final against Castleford Women in what was the first EVER Women’s game to be broadcast on Sky. Straight after the game, I went to Australia for the Downer World Cup 9s in Australia… that day will be hard to top!
Q: You made history in Sydney by playing in the first ever Women’s 9s – how did that feel?
It felt amazing participating in the first ever Women’s 9s tournament and even better being treated exactly the same as the men (regarding pay etc). Playing on such a big stage (Parramatta’s Bankwest) was an unbelievable experience and one that I hope to be able to repeat again in the future.
Q: Not only did you play but you were also named in the Women’s 9s Team of the Tournament – what did you think when this was initially announced?
Obviously I was over the moon to be selected as part of the “Team of the Tournament” but also, was extremely shocked as it’s something I could only have dreamt of. Although being recognised in this way was a great honour, the credit must go to all of my teammates for their efforts.
Q: Many people forget this but you’re also an RFL Referee – how do you balance out such a busy life?
Refereeing is a huge part of my life and something I’ve always enjoyed. Knowing the rules as a referee contributes to my playing game massively. It is difficult to juggle both playing and reffing but I really don’t mind because of how much I enjoy them both. At the moment, I’m lucky I can make it work. Whenever I’m not playing or training I will be refereeing.
We also received a couple of questions from one of our followers, Phil Rogers, and have received Caitlin’s answers below!
Q: Do you think the Women’s game gets the exposure it deserves?
The Women’s game is beginning to get recognised – this is shown by the tours that me and my teammates have been/are on and the fact that BOTH the Women’s Challenge Cup & Grand Finals were televised. I think it’s really special as it gives the Women’s game the exposure it truly deserves.
Q: How do you think we should get more young girls involved?
I think the way to get more young girls to take part in rugby league is, like mentioned previously, promotion. Having other Super League clubs backing the women & having the players as amazing role models to younger girls will help build the game. They are the future!
As we tweeted out earlier today, you can watch Caitlin in action with England Women tomorrow as they take on the PNG Orchids in their second test.
The game will be LIVE on the BBC with a 5am kick-off time – our Twitter page will also be providing regular updates.
The Rugby League Scene 