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Name: Leah Romain
Position: 1st Team Captain
Proposed by: Liv Lambe
Second by: Lizzy Choong

My name is Leah Romain, I’m a second-year food science student, baker and crochet granny ;). I’ve been playing rugby since I turned 13 including captaining my home club for 2 seasons before coming up to Leeds. Throughout that time my enthusiasm for rugby has understandably gone up and down. LUUWRUFC environment, especially during our current season has multiplied my love for this sport x1000 and I would be so proud if I could lead the first team hopefully to another league win.
I am fiercely loyal and encouraging to everyone on and off the pitch because at the end of the day rugby is meant to be fun! Rugby has given me so much confidence in myself, I believe in just backing yourself and so I strive to share that with the team, especially with the players coming up. As mentioned, I have experience of being captain at my home club, I’m a vocal player which may make me seem intimidating, but I always try to keep the game fun and I am a softie at heart really.
Alongside my prior years at my home club, I played 3 seasons with Surrey. Throughout the hours of training and game time, I have gained a lot of experience on the game and how to react in often tense situations. This past season, I have been putting a lot of time into strength training outside of rugby and attended S&C before work on a Friday morning (dedication Ik). All my efforts have had a positive effect on how I play, and I would want to involve that into next season so everyone can unlock their beast potential ;)
If I haven’t managed to persuade you already, as a keen baker and sharer of food, I believe hard work shall be rewarded with baked goods (gf and vegan options available). Thank you all very much for reading my speech. No matter who gets 1st team captain, I’m so ready for LUUWRUFC to dominate over the next season (my last :( ). Please vote for me, you won’t regret it ;) xxx

Manifesto for 1st Team Captain - Pippa Gammer
Proposed by Ellie Turner
Seconded by Aleena Ayub

LUUWRUFC has been the biggest contributor to both my enjoyment and success during my time at university, in particular the friends I have made and the opportunities that I have had. Being surrounded by strong and talented women that have become important role models in my life has really motivated me to back myself and put myself forward for 1st team captain. Nothing would make me prouder than to represent such an amazing team and more importantly such phenomenal women.
I have had a rugby ball in my hand since the age of 6 and this sport has taught me some very valuable skills, in particular the core values of the game. Rugby's values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship are what makes the game special and these standards are what I always aspire to achieve not only the second I am on the rugby pitch but also in everyday life. Rugby has given me the opportunity to develop these skills throughout the years and the role of 1st team captain is the perfect chance for me to give back and help develop the next round of LUUWRUFC stars.
I would go as far as to say I am a bit obsessed with rugby and maybe even suggest that it is my only personality trait! (thank you Ellie Turner lol) I follow the game in every way I can think of from watching and playing games and even rugby podcasts. I love to do this to learn about the game, in particular the smaller details which make a big difference to a performance. I use this knowledge to improve my own game and I hope that I can use this to help our team next season. A really key part of my experience of playing rugby is that for a long time I actually played in the backs. Before my move to the pack, I played at scrum half at county level for multiple seasons. I think that having both perspectives and experiences on a rugby pitch is very valuable and will allow me to help each player no matter their position. I also think that playing at 9 highlights the strength of my communication on the field which is obviously vital for any pitch captain when communicating with either our team or the referee.
My goal for next season if I were to be voted as 1st team captain would be to work closely with the coaching team to allow us to retain the league title. Although we are losing some incredible talent at the end of this season, we have consistently proven the depth of not only our first team squad but also the girls that have developed their game in the 2nd team over recent seasons (double league champs!! wooo).This is such an exciting prospect and knowing that we have such a talented group of girls, I hope with the contribution of my leadership skills and extensive rugby knowledge, we can reach another league win. I will also aim to maintain the positive environment that we train and play in. Ultimately we all play rugby for enjoyment and I want every person that is both part of LUUWRUFC now and in the future to feel as excited to go to training as I do every Monday and Friday.