SPORT

Taking the Bisons by the horns

How’s former England women’s rugby player Sasha Acheson getting on at the South West’s first inclusive, queer-friendly rugby team as their new head coach?

For 16 years Bristol Bisons RFC has provided a safe space to play rugby for more than 70 players from across the South West’s LGBTQ+ community. They’ve moved quickly from the wrong end of the European league tables (2015 and 2017) to the top 10 (2019). These feats hadn’t gone unnoticed by Sasha Acheson –made head coach in May –whose formidable on-field history includes stints playing for the Barbarians, and guest coaching for Bristol Bears, London Irish and Cornish Pirates’ community programmes.

We thought we’d see how she’s getting on...

TBM: How have the first few months been in, settling into the herd?

Sasha: Coaching the Bisons has been so enjoyable, and every single player has been incredibly welcoming. Watching the growth in skillset and fitness has been so exciting, as well as instilling confidence in the team and their abilities –the biggest joy. We are building such a positive environment, encouraging playing with flair and creativity, while building solid foundations to play from.

Did they subject you to an initiation?

Not yet! But when I was announced as head coach at the end of training, everyone had party poppers, so I was covered in confetti.

What attracted you to this role in Bristol?

It encompasses everything I love in life, and in rugby. It’s people who are playing because they love the sport, and they want a safe space to express themselves. The rugby is excellent, and the team just need the belief and confidence in their delivery, which I know I can help with, and to expand on their skillset to make them the best players they can be. It all has to come from the desire of the players. It’s a community rugby team which means so much more than just the sport; that’s what attracted me.

How are you hoping to develop the team to progress on and off the pitch?

By simply empowering them with confidence and the tools to play. If they give 100%, then whatever decision they make will, nine times out of 10, end up being the right decision. As long as there are structures and plays available, and everyone has the skillset and belief in those plays, then we have license to play with flair and express ourselves. These will be our fundamentals in training going forward.

What should rugby fans have on the radar for Bisons?

We’re gearing up for pre-season training to start up again in September. Keep an eye on our socials for matches and fundraisers. Plus, if anyone’s keen to join us or come along for a taster session, we’re always looking for new members, so drop us a message and we’ll let you know more.

Who deserves a namecheck for furthering inclusion in the sports world?

Of course, the IGR (International Gay Rugby), but there are many great people making sport more inclusive. The VIP (Voice and Influence Partnership) have supported our team to play in a Covidconscious way, and supported other inclusive teams and organisations in the area.

What feedback do you get about the space the club provides?

Making a safe space for members to have fun and play the sport they love is a cornerstone of who we are at the Bisons. A huge part is being very open to change. Players feedback to myself and the committee that the club is more than just a sports team to them. It’s a community where they can be themselves; not just accepted but celebrated!

How is the team marking Pride?

With the Bristol Pride march now being cancelled, we’re doing lots on our socials to share our story and educate others during Pride month.

What’s your most momentous personal sporting memory?

Being selected to play for the Barbarians. It is the greatest achievement you can have as a rugby player, and it topped me playing for England because of my own rollercoaster sporting career after injuring my knee. I played that game loving the sport, and confident in everyone around me and myself, in the Principality Stadium, with my family, friends and loved ones shouting or beaming with pride from the stands. That was my last game of rugby, and it couldn’t have finished on a higher note. ■

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