As the new captain of the UON women’s rugby team, Lydia Hardwick is optimistic that she can lead the Scarlets into the BUCS league next season.

Hardwick was introduced to the sport in secondary school, where she gained invaluable experience; but it wasn’t until she joined the UON ladies team last year that she really found a love for rugby.

Outside of the UON team, she also plays for Old Northamptonians ladies; a local team who compete in a level four national league, giving her the confidence needed to take on the challenge as captain.

Despite her newly formed squad being predominantly novices to the sport, Hardwick is planning on using the more experienced players to help the team develop and make a success of this season.

“The majority of the team don’t have a lot of experience but that’s counterbalanced by some people who have nearly a decade of experience under their belts, so we’ve got a real split going on,” said Hardwick.

“Overall, the people with more experience are going to lift up those who are new to the sport, so it puts us in a good position, as it’s not just our coaches giving us advice, we can help one another with tips and support.”

As a result, she is ambitious for their upcoming matches.

“I’m really confident with our coaching and how that’s been going and the progress we’re seeing in training is building every single week.

“I don’t think there’s any reason why we don’t have a very good chance in these games, I think we’re going to be very successful and regardless of the score, we are going to have so much fun and learn about sport that we all love,” she said. 

The flanker’s ambitions of joining the BUCS competition circuit will put the Scarlets amongst the other teams in the UK’s university league, leading to regular fixtures as well as national recognition.

However, one of the barriers Lydia faces as captain is securing the future of her team and ensuring they have enough of a squad who will have the passion and commitment to continue playing in upcoming years.

“We’re obviously going to have third years leaving which is going to have a toll on the team, so it’s building up the commitment from the current team so that going forwards we know that the club and the team are in safe hands.”

With their first match coming up in December, a tournament being arranged, and a tour already planned, the Scarlets are ready to show what they can do as the University of Northampton’s new female rugby team.