From touchline teas to driving coach development across Yorkshire, Clarissa’s rugby journey has been shaped by family, courage and a passion for helping others grow. We caught up with her to reflect on where it all began, the challenges along the way, and why she believes the future of the women’s game has never looked brighter.

A Family Affair
For Clarissa, rugby was never just a sport — it was part of family life.
“I grew up with my dad and grandad heavily involved in our local club in Peterborough. We’d go to local games, pre-match dinners, and we always watched the Six Nations together. It was a passion we shared as a family.”
That early exposure laid the foundations, but coaching wasn’t initially part of the plan. It found her later, during university.
“I’d been playing for a few years and was involved at Houghton RFC as a match reporter. It became my club — I worked behind the bar, made friends, and really got to know everyone. When the club decided to launch a girls’ section, I was asked to join the coaching team for the U16 Girls. I absolutely loved it. I started my coaching qualifications, and from there it just spiralled.”

Taking the Leap
Clarissa’s pathway into her current role wasn’t without risk. A key turning point came when she made the decision to leave a secure media job in Durham for an RFU role in Yorkshire.
“That leap of faith was huge. I left everything I knew and loved in the North East for a chance to work in the game full-time.”
After 18 months in a Community Rugby Coach role, organisational changes saw positions made redundant — but new Coach Developer roles were created. Thanks to her experience and performance, Clarissa secured the position.
“Looking back, those first couple of years with the RFU were probably when I realised — this is where I’m meant to be. I was progressing, taking on extra projects, doing well in my voluntary coaching roles. It all came down to hard work and how well I fitted into coaching and working with people.”
She also credits key individuals for shaping her journey — including the coach at Houghton RFC who first brought her into coaching, and Matty Bryan, who encouraged her to take that career leap.

Lighting the Spark in Others
Now back in the Coach Developer role since January last year, Clarissa thrives on the human side of the game.
“You meet so many people at different stages of their journey, all trying to do the same thing — give back to the game we love. I love seeing players and coaches genuinely get better. Those lightbulb moments are special.”
For Clarissa, development works both ways.
“It allows me to grow too. I’m constantly exposed to different viewpoints and experiences. That’s what keeps it interesting.”

Navigating the Challenges
Rugby environments haven’t always been designed with women in mind, and while Clarissa feels fortunate that her overall experience has been positive, she acknowledges the barriers that still exist.
“There are moments when you walk into a room and you’re greeted differently to male counterparts, or the language used isn’t quite the same. Often, roles aligned to women are kept within the women’s and girls’ or age-grade game — and it can be harder to break through that.”
She believes the sport still has work to do.
“We need to think carefully about how the game functions and what equity really looks like — not just offering the same things, but ensuring fairness in opportunity and progression.”
Her approach? Confidence, preparation and open dialogue.
“I’m a strong, independent person and I feel I have a lot to offer. I make sure I take up opportunities to network and build relationships. And when perceptions need challenging, it’s about having the right tools to have difficult conversations — often it’s not ignorance, just a lack of understanding.”

A Changing Landscape
There’s real momentum behind the women’s game, and Clarissa is excited by the direction of travel.
“Fan engagement, ticket sales, the Rugby World Cup, the growth of female coaches, players and volunteers — there’s so much shining a light on the female game.”
But her ambition goes further.
“I’d love to see a space where we stop separating ‘the female game’ and ‘rugby’ — and instead just have clubs providing an equitable offer across the board, proud of both sides of the game. I’d also love to see more female head coaches and women progressing into roles that are right for them.”

Why Yorkshire?
For Clarissa, Yorkshire remains an exciting place to be involved in rugby.
“We’re seeing more players across the county, and those players are raising standards. Yorkshire is good at leading the way with initiatives and development — that’s what attracted me here.”
She’s particularly passionate about driving coaching standards.
“If we can develop coaches well — even static specialists at certain age groups — that directly impacts player experience and retention. That’s where real long-term growth sits.”

Advice for the Next Generation
And for girls or young women wondering where they might fit in rugby?
“Start having conversations. Speak to your local club or your CB and understand the opportunities available. Try different roles — see what excites you most — and get stuck in.”
Her message is simple but powerful:
“Clubs are always looking for passion and time. If you’ve got that to offer, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it. Let’s keep growing the rugby family and make it more representative of what it should be.”
Clarissa’s journey is proof that rugby isn’t just about what happens on the pitch — it’s about the people who dedicate themselves to growing the game. And in Yorkshire and beyond, that impact is being felt every day.