Witham Ladies rugby player and local firefighter, Nicola Roe had a busy week last week. Not only was she named player of the match for Witham in their match against Rochford, but she was also selected to represent her country as part of the Great Britain Women’s Fire Rugby Team.

Nicola started playing rugby last year, when Witham set up its own ladies rugby team. A fierce tackler, with impressive speed and physicality, Nicola quickly found herself a mainstay of the local team.

Having seen her passion for rugby develop, her colleagues in the Fire Service encouraged her to try out for the Great British Fire Team when applications opened up at the end of last year. During a two day selection and training event Nicola worked hard, successfully securing a spot in the national team during a fast paced game against Thurrock 2nds on Friday night.

A delighted Nicola said, ‘Working and playing with people from all over the country with the same aims and goals is an absolute honour and an incredible achievement.’

Witham Ladies coach, Kate Petts, said, ‘Nicola’s an important part of our team. I am sure she will be an incredible asset to the national team too. We couldn’t be prouder of her.’