New On Field Leadership for RNRU Women
The RNRU Women will have a new captain when they take to the pitch against the Marine Nationale in France on Saturday.
Sub Lieutenant Abi Ashby will be the person that the team will look to for on field leadership for the first time in a capped match when she makes her first appearance in an 'Entente Cordial' match. With the match renowned as being a cauldron of emotions she will need to keep a level head and provide a guiding presence for her team mates who will all be fully charged and hoping to win the trophy for the first time.
An Air Engineer Officer who is currently working on the Commando Helicopter Force, Abi joined the Navy three and a half years ago after a rugby education at Loughborough University. Having represented Leicestershire at age group level she has gone on to play at Portsmouth Valkyries and Yeovil Ladies. Aware of the passion that a match against the French Navy brings Abi said "We all know the French team bring an intensity and physicality to the game. We are looking forward to testing our defence against this and building on our game plan ahead of the RAF and Army games. Being selected as Captain is a huge honour and I can't wait to get out onto the pitch with all the incredible players selected alongside me"
Abi will be ably backed up by another Abi, LAET Abi Sondack. Experienced and gritty, the Old Albanians Lock will bring a forwards perspective to the on field leadership from within the engine room of the scrum.
