This season marks an exciting milestone for the Ravens as one of our original players, Keira Chard, prepares to take the next step in her rugby journey—moving into adult rugby.
Keira has been a key part of the Ravens since its very first session in September 2019, and her story is a testament to how far girls' rugby has come at our club.
Keira’s introduction to rugby was sparked by simple curiosity—she wanted to know why her mum and dad were so passionate about the game. It didn’t take long for her to find out! She quickly fell in love with the camaraderie, the competition, and the unique thrill that only rugby can offer.
Since then, Keira’s dedication and talent have seen her progress through the ranks, earning U15 and U18 Dorset & Wiltshire County caps, as well as a place in the U16 England Rugby Developing Player Programme (ERDPP). This season, she’s taken another huge step, being selected for the Ladies Dorset & Wiltshire County squad—an incredible achievement that reflects her hard work and commitment to the sport.
But rugby isn’t Keira’s only passion. Away from the pitch, she’s a keen equestrian and has been riding since she was just three years old. She has her own horse, balancing her love of rugby with time in the saddle. Looking ahead, she’s hoping to take on her next big challenge—heading to university to study paramedic science, where no doubt her resilience and determination will serve her well.
One of the things Keira is most proud of is how much girls’ rugby has grown at the club. From the early days, when just eight girls turned up to play, to now having over 70 girls across four age groups, the progress has been incredible. The Ravens have gone from playing friendlies with matched numbers to competing in structured leagues, with many players earning county and PDG honours along the way.
Keira is immensely grateful to the club for its unwavering support in growing the girls' game. The Ravens have given her and so many others the opportunity to thrive, develop, and push their limits. As she steps into the next chapter of her rugby career, she carries with her the spirit of the Ravens—proud, determined, and always ready for the next challenge.
From all of us at the RWBRFC, congratulations Keira—we can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
