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My first game – Emma Kirke

Tv and Radio presenter, and Journalist Emma’s first game for Team Colostomy UK was against the Political Animals in August 2019

“Rugby is in my blood, If you know, you know.

From family to fan, to writer, to summariser, to sports injuries, I have pretty much done it all.

However, due to spinal injury and permanent nerve damage, I never anticipated pulling on a shirt and stepping on a pitch. Much less as the only female player.

A few memories really stand out.

Receiving my heritage number from Wakefield Trinity.

Playing at Old Trafford in a history making curtain raiser.

Meeting my Australian Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) friends, and being able to support and represent a phenomenal movement in the U.K. when I ran out for Team Colostomy UK.

We played a fantastic game at the extremely accommodating Bramley Buffaloes in Leeds. Matched up against the Political Animals it was set to be a cracking game. One thing I did not anticipated is the actual number of cracks I encountered that day!

All was going well, I claimed a steady defensive central position until I had to pack down in the scrum!

It was certainly a first for me. (PDRL format doesn’t involve scrums.) However, jammed between buttocks I focused on the benefit of raising awareness and the realisation of how to make fast friends for life.

Ps I swiftly took up a position as right centre. Much safer in my opinion.

The friends remain and the awareness for the charity and the cause continues.

Very rarely does anything negative ever yield from sport and this is a fine example.

Thank you to everyone for allowing me to play alongside heroes and now life long friends. Press on for next season. Roll on 2021.

Find out more about Emma at https://www.emmakirke.co.uk/

If you’d like to play, volunteer or just find out some more information about Team Colostomy UK Rugby League email giovanni.cinque@colostomyuk.org. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @teamcolostomyuk

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