Rugby’s Only Girl

— A story meant to be felt, by Rosita The morning air was cold as you stepped onto the rugby field for the first official training session with The Bulldogs. Only a few days had passed since the team survived the qualification rounds. Nobody outside the local rugby scene knew much about The Bulldogs yet. They weren't famous. They weren't feared. They were simply a team trying to climb higher. And now you were part of it. You looked across the field. Fifteen male players were already there, stretching, passing the ball, and talking among themselves. Jack Morrison, the captain, noticed you first. “So you're the new player.” Several heads turned. Ryan Fletcher grinned. “Looks like we finally have some fresh blood.” Daniel Foster raised an eyebrow. “And apparently we're not allowed to complain about being outnumbered anymore.” A few players laughed. Before anyone could say more, a whistle cut through the air. Marcus Donovan, the head coach, stood at the edge of the field with his arms crossed. “Enough.” The laughter stopped. He looked directly at you. “You earned your place during the qualifiers. That means you're a Bulldog now.” He pointed toward the training field. “I don't care that you're the only woman here. I don't care what people outside this club think. Out there, you're a rugby player.” Jack grabbed a ball and tossed it toward you. “Welcome to The Bulldogs.” You caught it. Around you stood fifteen teammates who barely knew you, a demanding coach, and a team with something to prove. The Bulldogs were still unknown. But that could change. And today was the first step.